How to play Zombicide: rules, setup and how to win explained

In Zombicide, players find themselves trapped in a nightmarish dystopia, surrounded by hordes of ravenous undead. The air is thick with tension as every step could lead to a horrifying encounter with the relentless flesh-eaters.

Every turn of the game board feels like a gamble, with each decision carrying life-or-death consequences. The dimly lit streets hide gruesome surprises, and players must navigate the treacherous landscape, fighting for survival against the unrelenting tide of the undead, all while struggling to maintain their dwindling sanity.

Cooperation is the key to surviving this gruesome ordeal. In a world where trust is as fragile as glass, players must form alliances, share resources, and strategize together to outwit the relentless forces of darkness.

The relentless pursuit of victory in Zombicide comes at a price, and the only way to emerge as the ultimate survivors is by mastering fear, forging alliances, and making gut-wrenching sacrifices in the face of relentless horror.

Zombicide is a cooperative board game where players work together to survive a zombie apocalypse. The game offers various versions and expansions, so rules can vary slightly, but I’ll provide a detailed overview of the core gameplay for the original Zombicide. Please note that specific rules may differ in other editions or expansions.

How to play Zombicide

Setup

1. Game Board: Unfold and place the game board in the center of the playing area. The board represents a city divided into various zones.
2. Character Selection: Each player chooses a survivor character, taking their corresponding miniatures, survivor cards, and colored bases.
3. Inventory: Characters begin the game with specific starting equipment listed on their survivor cards.
4. Spawn Tokens: Place the spawn tokens, separated by color, facedown in piles near the board. These tokens represent where zombies will spawn during the game.
5. Zombie Figures: Place zombie miniatures off the board, within easy reach.
6. Objective Tokens: Place objective tokens on the designated spaces on the board, if any.

Rules for Zombicide

Zombicide is played in turns, which consist of a series of phases:

1. Player Phase
   • Actions: Each player can take up to 3 actions during their turn, including moving, searching, opening doors, attacking zombies, and trading equipment with other survivors.
   • Noise: Many actions generate noise. Noise tokens are placed in the targeted zone, attracting zombies to that area.
   • Experience: Gain experience points for killing zombies and completing objectives. Experience points allow survivors to level up and acquire new skills.
2. Zombie Phase
   • Spawn Phase: Reveal and place a number of zombie spawn cards as indicated by the threat level. Zombies appear in zones matching the spawn card symbols.
   • Activation Phase: Zombies move toward survivors, following specific rules (usually the shortest path and focusing on the noisiest survivors). Zombies also attack survivors in their zone.
3. End of Player Turn
   • Check for survivor deaths. If a survivor loses all their health, they are eliminated from the game.
   • Check for game objectives and mission progress.

Winning and Losing: The game usually has specific objectives or missions for players to complete, such as reaching a certain location, collecting items, or killing a specific number of zombies. Players win by achieving these objectives together. The game is lost if all survivors are eliminated, or if the objectives cannot be completed within a certain number of turns.

Additional Rules

• The game often features items, weapons, and equipment that can be collected, shared, and used by survivors.
• Special zombie types with unique abilities may be introduced, adding complexity to the game.
• Events or environmental factors can impact gameplay, introducing new challenges and opportunities.

For the official rules, see the link below:

How to win Zombicide

In Zombicide, winning typically involves completing the specific objectives or missions provided in the scenario you are playing. The game often comes with various scenarios, each with its own goals, challenges, and victory conditions. Here are some general steps to increase your chances of winning Zombicide:

1. Understand the Scenario: Read and familiarize yourself with the scenario’s objectives and special rules. Each scenario may have unique victory conditions, so understanding what you need to accomplish is crucial.
2. Work Together: Zombicide is a cooperative game, so communication and teamwork are essential. Coordinate your actions with other players to achieve the scenario’s goals. Sharing equipment and resources can be crucial for success.
3. Manage Noise: Be mindful of generating noise during your turns. Noise attracts zombies, so try to minimize noise generation whenever possible. Consider using quieter weapons or luring zombies away from your group strategically.
4. Level Up: Accumulate experience points (XP) by killing zombies and completing objectives. As your survivors gain XP, they can level up and acquire new skills, which can significantly enhance their abilities and effectiveness in the game.
5. Collect and Share Equipment: Search for equipment and items throughout the game. Gather useful weapons, tools, and supplies to help you combat the zombie horde. Sharing equipment with other survivors can make your group more well-rounded and effective.
6. Plan Your Moves: Plan your actions carefully. Coordinate with other players to maximize your efficiency and minimize risks. Remember that movement, attacks, and other actions are limited each turn, so make each action count.
7. Manage Zombie Threat: Keep an eye on the zombie threat level. Some scenarios may escalate the danger over time, so be prepared for increasingly challenging situations. Use your actions wisely to eliminate zombies and control their numbers.
8. Stay Alive: Pay attention to your survivors’ health and manage their wounds. Use first aid kits or skills to heal injuries when necessary. Losing a survivor can significantly impact your chances of winning.
9. Complete Objectives: Focus on the scenario’s primary objectives. These may involve reaching specific locations, collecting items, or achieving certain goals. Prioritize these objectives while also managing the zombie threat.
10. Adapt and Overcome: Be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances. Zombie movements, new spawns, and unexpected events can disrupt your plans. Be prepared to adjust your strategy on the fly.
11. Time Management: Some scenarios have a limited number of turns before a potential loss condition. Keep an eye on the game’s timer and make sure you’re making progress toward the objectives within the allotted time.
12. Use Special Abilities Wisely: If your survivors have special abilities or skills, use them strategically to gain an advantage. These abilities can be game-changers in the right situations.

Ultimately, winning Zombicide requires a combination of strategy, teamwork, resource management, and adaptation to the unique challenges presented by each scenario. By working together and focusing on the scenario’s objectives, you increase your chances of survival and achieving victory in the face of the zombie apocalypse.