Zombicide is not just another board game; it’s an immersive experience that transports players into a post-apocalyptic world teeming with the undead. Since its debut, Zombicide has captured the imaginations of board gamers worldwide. Here, we explore why Zombicide should be on every board game enthusiast’s shelf, delving into its history, gameplay, expansions, and the unique thrill it offers.
Zombicide was created by the French board game company Guillotine Games and published by Cool Mini or Not (CMON). Launched on Kickstarter in 2012, the game quickly gained traction, raising over $780,000 from backers, a significant amount for a board game at the time. The success of the Kickstarter campaign was a testament to the game’s appeal and the growing interest in cooperative board games.
What is Zombicide?
Zombicide is a cooperative board game for 1 to 6 players where participants take on the roles of survivors in a zombie apocalypse. The game’s primary objective is survival; players must complete various scenarios while fending off relentless waves of zombies. Each player controls a survivor with unique abilities, and as they gain experience points by defeating zombies and completing objectives, they unlock new skills, making them more powerful but also increasing the game’s difficulty.
Survivors and Zombies: Players choose from a diverse cast of characters, each with distinct abilities that can be upgraded throughout the game. The zombies come in various types, including Walkers, Runners, Fatties, and the dreaded Abomination, each presenting unique challenges.
Tiles and Modular Board: The game board is made up of modular tiles, allowing for a wide variety of scenarios and replayability. Each scenario has specific objectives, from simple survival to complex missions requiring strategy and coordination.
Equipment and Weapons: Survivors can search for weapons and equipment to improve their chances of survival. The game includes a variety of items, from melee weapons to powerful firearms, and even rare, game-changing artifacts.
Player Actions: Each turn, players can perform a number of actions, including moving, searching, trading, opening doors, and of course, fighting zombies. Strategy is key as players must work together to manage the zombie threat while completing their objectives.
Zombie Activation: After the players have taken their actions, the zombies activate. They move towards the nearest survivors, attack if they’re in range, and spawn in increasing numbers as the game progresses. This creates a constant tension and urgency, as players must balance offense and defense to survive.
Expansions and Variations
The success of the original Zombicide game led to the release of numerous expansions and variations, each adding new elements, scenarios, and complexities to the game. Notable sets are:
Zombicide: Prison Outbreak: This standalone expansion introduces a prison setting with new tiles, survivor characters, and the Berserker zombies, which are tougher and more dangerous.
Zombicide: Toxic City Mall: Adding a new mall setting, this expansion introduces Toxic Zombies, which can poison survivors. It also adds new survivors and zombivor versions of existing characters, allowing for a unique gameplay twist where killed survivors return as powerful zombies.
Zombicide: Rue Morgue: Set in a hospital and its surrounding area, this expansion introduces the concept of teams and the new Skinner zombies. It also includes new mechanics like barricades and helicopter escapes.
Zombicide: Angry Neighbors: This expansion adds a suburban setting and introduces the Seeker zombies, which have unique movement patterns. It also brings in new survivors and companions that can assist players.
Zombicide: Black Plague: A medieval fantasy variant of the game, Black Plague takes the zombie apocalypse back to the dark ages. It introduces new survivor characters like wizards and knights, as well as the Necromancer and new Abominations.
Zombicide: Green Horde: A continuation of the Black Plague series, Green Horde adds orc zombies and new siege weapons. It also expands the medieval setting with new tiles and scenarios.
Zombicide: Invader: Set in a sci-fi future, Invader introduces alien zombies and new mechanics related to the space setting. This variant adds a fresh twist to the gameplay while maintaining the core elements that make Zombicide engaging.
Mini Expansions and Guest Boxes
In addition to the major expansions, Zombicide has released numerous smaller expansions and guest artist boxes. These include new survivors, zombie types, and equipment, often inspired by pop culture or featuring art from renowned illustrators.
Why You Should Play Zombicide
Cooperative Gameplay
One of the main appeals of Zombicide is its cooperative nature. Players must work together to survive, strategizing and supporting each other to overcome the relentless zombie horde. This fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, making it a great game for friends and family.
High Replayability
With its modular board, diverse scenarios, and numerous expansions, Zombicide offers endless replayability. Each game is different, presenting new challenges and requiring different strategies. The variety of survivors and equipment also ensures that no two games are alike.
Accessible Yet Challenging
Zombicide strikes a balance between accessibility and challenge. The rules are straightforward enough for newcomers to grasp quickly, yet the game remains challenging enough to keep experienced players engaged. The escalating difficulty as survivors gain experience ensures that the game stays tense and exciting.
Immersive Theme
The game’s theme is richly detailed, with beautifully designed components and miniatures. The scenarios and expansions allow players to experience different settings and storylines, from modern urban environments to medieval castles and sci-fi space stations. The immersive theme adds depth and excitement to the gameplay.
Community and Custom Content
Zombicide has a vibrant community of players who create and share custom scenarios, rules, and content. This fan-created material adds even more variety and longevity to the game. Additionally, the active community provides a great resource for new players looking to learn strategies or find fellow enthusiasts.
Expansion Variety
The wide range of expansions ensures that there’s always something new to explore. Whether you prefer the modern zombie apocalypse, medieval fantasy, or futuristic sci-fi, there’s an expansion to suit your tastes. The expansions not only add new content but also introduce new mechanics and challenges, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.
High-Quality Components
Zombicide is known for its high-quality components, including detailed miniatures, sturdy tiles, and vibrant artwork. The attention to detail in the game’s design enhances the overall experience, making it a joy to set up and play.
Solo Play
Zombicide can be played solo, making it a versatile game for those times when you want to enjoy a game on your own. The solo gameplay is just as engaging and challenging, providing a rewarding experience for single players.
Zombicide is more than just a board game; it’s an ever-evolving experience that combines strategy, cooperation, and immersive storytelling. Its rich history, diverse expansions, and dedicated community make it a must-have for board game enthusiasts. Whether you’re a fan of zombie apocalypses, medieval fantasy, or sci-fi adventures, Zombicide offers something for everyone. So gather your friends, choose your survivors, and dive into the thrilling world of Zombicide—you won’t regret it!