Zombicide: Gear Up (2022) Board Game

Zombicide: Gear Up is the latest installment in the popular Zombicide board game series. Released in 2022 by CMON Global Limited, this cooperative wargame puts players in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. Designed by Jordy Adan and Marco Portugal, with artwork by Dany Orizio, Zombicide: Gear Up offers a fresh take on the zombie survival genre.

Game Components of Zombicide: Gear Up

Survivor cards: Double-sided, showing different weapons, ammo, shields, health, and solo versions

Turn cards: Dictate which weapons to use, zombie movements, and attacks

Zombie spawn cards: Introduce new zombies during the game

Street Slots: Track zombie movement and distance from survivors

Boss Zombie card: The final enemy to defeat

How To Setup Zombicide: Gear Up

To set up the game, players start by choosing their Survivor cards, which include their characters’ weapons and abilities. The lead player shuffles the turn cards and lays out nine of them in a row, with seven zombie spawn cards below turns 3-9. Players select a difficulty level (ranging from Easy to Nightmare) and receive a number of zombies based on the player count and difficulty level. Each player sets up their Street Slots to track the zombies’ approach.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Structure: Two rounds of zombie fighting, each with nine turns

Turn Steps:
– Reveal turn card: Determine which weapon to use, zombies to move or attack, and any special instructions
– Attack: Use weapons to kill zombies, spending ammo and marking off hit points
– Upgrade: Upgrade weapons upon killing a zombie
– Zombie Walk: Zombies move towards survivors based on turn card icons
– Zombie Spawn: New zombies appear according to spawn cards

Second Round: Includes the Boss Zombie, which moves and attacks players

Objective: Kill the Boss Zombie before the end of the second round or before any survivor dies

Player Experience

In **Zombicide: Gear Up**, players take on the roles of survivors in a zombie apocalypse, navigating through intense combat and strategic decision-making. The game is designed for 1-6 players, with a suggested age of 14+ and a playing time of about 30 minutes. Players must work together, managing their ammo, shields, and health while upgrading their weapons to take down the relentless zombie hordes and the formidable Boss Zombie.

Pros

Quick and Engaging: Fast-paced gameplay with each game lasting about 30 minutes

High Replayability: Multiple difficulty levels and varied zombie spawn patterns ensure different experiences each time

Cooperative Fun: Encourages teamwork and strategy among players

Simple to Learn: Easy-to-understand mechanics make it accessible to new players

Cons

Luck of the Draw: Dependence on turn cards and zombie spawn cards can introduce randomness that may not always favor strategy

Limited Character Customization: While each Survivor has unique abilities, the upgrades follow a linear progression

Personal Thoughts on Zombicide: Gear Up

**Zombicide: Gear Up** is ideal for fans of cooperative games and zombie-themed adventures. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy quick, strategic games that require teamwork and tactical thinking. The game’s simplicity and fast-paced nature make it an excellent addition to any game collection, offering a fun and challenging experience for both new and experienced gamers.

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