Zpocalypse (2013) Board Game

Zpocalypse is a board game released in 2013, designed by Ricky Casdorph and Ryan Lesser. It falls under the categories of exploration, fighting, horror, and zombies. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, where players must work together to survive and complete various objectives.

Game Components of Zpocalypse

Modular board tiles

Survivor minis

Bunker tile

Squad board

Armory, Food, Items, Survivor, Scavenge, and Something’s Happening card decks

Terrain tiles

Tokens for fortifications (walls, gates, traps, sandbags)

Dice

Various weapons and gear cards

Miniatures for fortifications and improved miniatures for the game.

How To Setup Zpocalypse

Setting up the game involves shuffling the various card decks, placing the starting survivor minis, Bunker tile, and Squad board. Additional terrain tiles and tokens are set aside. The game requires a large table due to the numerous components. Players start in a basement/fallout shelter, which can expand out to several base locations and tunnels to sewer grates.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Modular Board: Players place tiles to grow the board organically.

Resource Collection: Scavenging for food, guns, ammo, and other supplies.

Character Development: Characters receive victory points for killing zombies, building defenses, and completing goals, which also act as experience points for leveling up.

Fortifications: Building walls, gates, traps, and sandbags to slow down zombies.

Combat: Rolling dice for combat, taking into account weapon traits and squad abilities.

Phases: Each turn (or day) is divided into four phases, including fortifications, scavenging, and combat.

Objective: Survive in the post-apocalyptic world, with the player having the most victory points declared the winner.

Player Experience

Playing Zpocalypse is a challenging and dynamic experience. The game is relentless and unforgiving, with a high mortality rate for both survivors and zombies. Players must strategize to build defenses, scavenge for supplies, and fight off zombies. The game offers a lot of replayability due to its modular board and various scenario cards. Players can also customize their game experience with expansions, such as the Z Master expansion, which allows a fifth player to control the zombie horde.

Pros

High Replayability: Different scenarios and modular board ensure each game is unique.

Deep Strategy: Combines resource collection, character development, and combat tactics.

Customization: Players can customize their squads and fortifications.

Engaging Theme: Post-apocalyptic setting with a focus on survival.

Great Build Quality: Sturdy components, including cards and miniatures.

Cons

Complex Rules: Requires a significant amount of time to learn the rules.

Luck-Dependent: Heavy reliance on card draws and dice rolls.

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can take several hours to complete.

Not Cooperative: Players compete against each other, with an option to steer zombies towards other players.

Personal Thoughts on Zpocalypse

Zpocalypse is ideal for fans of survival and post-apocalyptic themes who enjoy complex, strategic gameplay. It’s perfect for gamers who appreciate modular boards, deep character development, and the challenge of managing resources in a hostile environment. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a cooperative experience or a quick, straightforward game. With its high replayability and customizable elements, Zpocalypse offers a rich and engaging gaming experience for veteran players looking for a challenge.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.