90

Captain Sonar is a real-time team-based strategy game where two teams operate submarines, attempting to locate and destroy each other. Players take on distinct roles such as Captain, Radio Operator, and Engineer, coordinating in real-time to navigate their submarine, track the enemy, and manage weapons systems. The game emphasizes communication, hidden movement, and deduction in an intense submarine battle.

90

The Verdict

based on 28 reviews

Positive 0%
Unique real-time team-based gameplay
High tension and exciting cat-and-mouse experience
Strong player interaction and teamwork required
Distinct and contributing player roles
Immersive theme and action
Requires ideal player count (ideally 8 players)
Can be stressful and intense for some players
Some roles are less engaging or simplistic
Turn-based mode diminishes excitement
100
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Play Board GamesArticle

The reviewer highly recommends Captain Sonar, calling it a fun, unique real-time team game with excellent components and rules. It provides tense, engaging action, especially for 6-8 players, though it scales less optimally for smaller groups.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
TheGamingReview.comArticle

Captain Sonar is an incredibly tense and immersive real-time team experience, considered one of the best games available if you can gather 8 players. While challenging to get to the table, it offers a magical and rewarding teamwork dynamic.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
GeekDadArticle

The reviewer highly praises Captain Sonar for brilliantly capturing the stressful, cooperative submarine warfare experience, calling it an 'absolutely amazing' and 'wonderfully fun' game that encourages shouting and immediate replay.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Discriminating Gamer, Cody from The Discriminating GamerVideo

The reviewer expresses immense enjoyment for Captain Sonar, calling it the most fun tabletop game they have ever played. They praise its fantastic, amazing, and brilliant real-time gameplay, highlighting the intense and thrilling experience of hidden movement, deduction, and combat.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Kotaku, Luke PlunkettArticle

The reviewer finds Captain Sonar an intense and uniquely satisfying team game, blending board game strategy with role-playing energy. They praise its cooperative chaos and emotional payoff but strongly dislike the Engineer role, recommending it be omitted for a better experience.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Geeks Under Grace, Derek ThompsonArticleTop List

Geeks Under Grace highly recommends Captain Sonar, describing it as an incredibly unique, thematic, and strategic game that offers a blast of loud, stressful, and fun gameplay, especially for consistent groups of 6-8 players.

See list
90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Shut Up & Sit Down, QuinnsVideo

This review from Shut Up & Sit Down covers the real-time, team-based submarine combat game, highlighting its unique cooperative and competitive dynamics. It delves into the excitement and frantic energy of coordinating roles to locate and sink the enemy vessel.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
PolygonArticleTop List

Captain Sonar is lauded as a thematic party game of submarine warfare where communication and organization among teammates are crucial for locating and destroying the enemy before they can strike first.

See list
90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
3 Minute Board GamesVideo

The reviewer describes Captain Sonar as an intense real-time battleship experience filled with urgent communication and moments of high-pressure panic.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Game Dork's Gaming Corner, The Game DorkArticle

The Game Dork's Gaming Corner found Captain Sonar to be a fun and frantic game that successfully captures the suspense of submarine warfare, highly recommending it to players who enjoy boisterous, loud social interaction and possess excellent communication skills.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Giant Brain, Iain McAllisterArticle

Captain Sonar is lauded as an incredibly fun, tense, and hilarious real-time team game, elevating Battleship-style combat. The reviewer thoroughly recommends it for its engaging roles, clever mechanics, and exciting, chaotic experience, calling it an 'amazing team game'.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Tabletop Bellhop, Tabletop BellhopArticleTop List

This video from Tabletop Bellhop recommends various board games suitable for exactly six players. Captain Sonar is included on their list of top game suggestions.

See list

Stay in the loop

Fresh reviews, hyped games and top lists — straight to your inbox, once a week.

Board Game Verdict

© 2026 Board Game Verdict

AboutMethodologyEthicsFAQContact usPrivacy policy·····