Zombies are a horror staple in the television world, but the zombie outbreak has spread to board games. There are plenty of zombie board games to keep you on your toes and thinking with your brain… if you can keep it.
I like Dead of Winter because it has something for almost everyone. It has a fantastic theme and a wicked traitor element. It also requires strategy and decision-making without being overly complex.
But there are other amazing zombie board games out there. You might prefer something lighter or geared toward younger players. Fortunately, I’ve broken down the important info on each game for you.
Keep reading to find out the best zombie board games, along with what makes them perfect for your next game night.
Contents
- 1 Zombie Board Games: At a Glance
- 2 Best Zombie Board Games: Product Reviews
- 2.1 Dead of Winter: Best Zombie Board Game
- 2.2 Tiny Epic Zombies: Overall Runner-Up Game
- 2.3 The Walking Dead Board Game: Best TV-Based Zombie Game
- 2.4 Last Night on Earth: Best Lighthearted Zombie Board Game
- 2.5 Zombie Kidz Evolution: Best Kids Board Game
- 2.6 Dawn of the Zeds: Best Zombie Game for Solo Play
- 2.7 Zombie Dice Game: Best Dice Rolling Zombie Game
- 2.8 Zombie Kittens: Best Zombie Card Game
- 2.9 Selfish, Zombie Edition: Runner-Up Zombie Card Game
- 2.10 Zombies!!!: Best Value Zombie Board Game
- 3 What to Look for In Post-Apocalyptic Board Games
- 4 Best Zombie Board Games: Final Thoughts
Zombie Board Games: At a Glance
What makes classic zombie board games so entertaining? There are a few common elements that keep players coming back for more undead adventures.
Zombie apocalypse board games often include cooperative elements with one or two players taking on the zombie role. If you’d enjoy a semi-cooperative board game, you might like Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game, Tiny Epic Zombies, or The Walking Dead.
If you’re super competitive, on the other hand, you might prefer Selfish: Zombie Edition, Dawn of the Zeds, Tiny Epic Zombies, or Zombies!!!
Playing with kids? I recommend Zombie Kidz Evolution, Zombie Kittens, or Selfish: Zombie Edition. Those games are also fast-paced, so they’re great if you’re short on time.
Looking for something more lighthearted? You might try Last Night on Earth, Zombie Kittens, or Zombie Dice.
But if you prefer heavier, more complex games, you should definitely look at Dawn of the Zeds, Dead of Winter, or The Walking Dead.
Regardless of why you’re drawn to zombie board games, you’ll find something that suits your tastes.
Best Zombie Board Games: Product Reviews
Dead of Winter: Best Zombie Board Game
Players: 2-5
Playing Time: 60-120 minutes
Age: 13+
Publisher: Fantasy Flight Games
Dead of Winter by Fantasy Flight Games is more than just a zombie board game; it’s also a classic survival board game.
It’s not enough to survive the bloodthirsty zombies. Players must also survive the post-apocalyptic wasteland in the middle of a harsh winter.
Work with your friends to fight off outside threats, resolve crises, find food and supplies, and keep the colony’s morale up. But any one of them might betray the group at any point.
The traitor mechanism in Dead of Winter is fantastic. Buyers also enjoyed this element, although it cost some of them a win.
In addition to the hidden traitor, players have their own secret objectives to fulfill.
This is also a game that requires a lot of decision-making. Should you take on additional survivors and risk running out of food supplies?
Should you risk sabotaging the group mission to meet your secret objective, or should you secure the victory at the expense of your own goals? These are the types of decisions you face in Dead of Winter.
Buyers also liked the built-in variation. Choose from dozens of unique characters in this narrative-driven game, as well as multiple scenarios influenced by the decisions you make.
Even though Dead of Winter is highly entertaining, it is on the pricier side. It also sports heavier game mechanics than other zombie board games on this list. Of course, if you’ve ever purchased a Fantasy Flight game before, this won’t surprise you.
Still, Dead of Winter got rave reviews and is one of the best zombie board games.
If you like complex games, making decisions, and killing zombies, you’ll like Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game.
Pros
- Complex
- Semi-cooperative play
- Great traitor mechanism
- High strategy
Cons
- Pricey
Tiny Epic Zombies: Overall Runner-Up Game
Players: 1-5
Playing Time: 30-45 minutes
Age: 14+
Publisher: Gamelyn Games
Tiny Epic Zombies is a tiny game packed with huge fun! This zombie board game recreates the classic mall survival scenario. Find meeples, a cop car, motorcycle, zombie tokens, location cards, and objective cards in a signature tiny box.
Tiny Epic Zombies has five gameplay modes for up to five players. Whether you prefer a cooperative board game, highly competitive game, semi-cooperative game, or single-player game, you can enjoy playing. Choose to play as a survivor or as a zombie.
Hero characters like the teacher, the photographer, or the athlete race around the mall picking up radio signals, saving survivors, and finding the source of the zombie plague.
If you’re new to zombie games, don’t worry. This game is relatively easy to learn and requires little time for setup. One game can be played in as little as 30 minutes.
A few customers did say there was a learning curve, and others felt that some of the rules were slightly confusing.
But everyone agreed that playing through a couple of times cleared things up considerably. I also recommend watching a couple of videos to help get you started.
Tiny Epic Zombies also has a high replay value. Each game presents a new experience. Complete objectives to win the game, but watch out for the zombies that could take over the mall.
With unique meeples and fantastic artwork, Tiny Epic Zombies is one of the best zombie board games on the market.
Pros
- Five game modes
- Fantastic artwork
- Low downtime
- High strategy
- Fast-paced gameplay
- High replay value
Cons
- A few confusing rules
The Walking Dead Board Game: Best TV-Based Zombie Game
Players: 1-4
Playing Time: 45 minutes
Age: 15+
Publisher: Cryptozoic Entertainment
Based on the most-watched drama in basic cable history, The Walking Dead Board Game is loaded with excitement and strategy. It’s designed for up to four players.
In this zombie apocalypse board game, players must fight their way through zombie-infested Atlanta.
You’ll visit destinations like the department store, police station, and the CDC. Find the supplies you need to live another day–weapons, allies, vehicles, or a swift mount. If you can make it back to camp with enough gear to defend yourself and your group, you win the game.
Should your survivor fall to the zombie horde, you’ll leave the land of the living and come back as a walker. Hunt the living as you contaminate the survivors’ supplies, cause the walkers to frenzy, and more.
This semi-cooperative game is a great pick for your next game night. It does have a learning curve, so be prepared to spend some time learning the rules on the front end.
Even though it accommodates anywhere from 1-4 players, several recommended three or four players When playing with two people, the game can be lopsided toward the zombies, especially if a player dies early.
The Walking Dead board game has excellent game components. The game board material is similar to a mouse pad, thick and flexible. It won’t slide around or get damaged by dice rolling.
You don’t have to be a fan of the TV show to enjoy this game, but it does follow the show closely. Characters like Rick, Andrea, and others make an appearance. The cards also depict scenes from the show.
The Walking Dead board game is a great zombie apocalypse game to add to your next game night.
Pros
- Semi-cooperative gameplay
- No elimination
- High strategy
- Quality game components
- Immersive theme
Cons
- Learning curve
- A bit unbalanced
Last Night on Earth: Best Lighthearted Zombie Board Game
Players: 2-6
Playing Time: 60-90 minutes
Age: 12+
Publisher: Flying Frog Productions
If you’re a fan of classic zombie movies, you’ll enjoy this cheesy zombie game. Last Night on Earth brings out all the tropes but does so in an irresistibly self-aware way.
Last Night on Earth The Zombie Game is a fast-paced game of brain-eating zombies, small-town heroes, and horror movie action. Up to six players take on the role of either the heroes or the zombies.
The heroes must work together to gather supplies and complete various objectives, while the zombies spread over the town like a plague.
This game has modular board pieces, eight heroes to choose from, and several different scenarios to play. That kind of variation allows you to play the game over and over again.
Last Night on Earth is designed to create a cinematic feel as the game unfolds. When you’re ready for something new, there are expansions available.
If you like cutthroat, highly strategic competitions, this game might not be the best for you. Last Night on Earth is a fun game, with an emphasis on fun. It’s thematic, and it’s designed to recreate some of the best/worst stories in the zombie genre.
Yes, the heroes play against the zombies. But winning takes a backseat when you’ve got zombie hordes, cornfields, explosions, last-second getaways, and young love interrupted by a zombie virus.
Buyers really enjoyed this game. They found it to have good balance and plenty of variation. Some of the rules can be confusing, but it doesn’t ruin the fun for zombie fans.
One note of caution, this game is way more fun if you play it with the right group. People who are sticklers for rules might suck the life out of the game (no pun intended).
Pros
- Cinematic feel
- Entertaining
- High replayability
- Good balance
- Expansions available
Cons
- Some of the rules are confusing
Zombie Kidz Evolution: Best Kids Board Game
Players: 2-4
Playing Time: 15 minutes
Age: 7+
Publisher: Scorpion Masque
If you’re searching for the best zombie board games for kids, it’s definitely worth looking at Zombie Kidz Evolution.
This board game breaks all types of molds. It’s a zombie board game for kids that’s also a legacy game. What?! Yes, you read that right.
This cooperative game features a group of plucky kids defending their school from zombies by moving through rooms and entryways to eliminate zombies and keep the zombie reserve full. Players must successfully lock each of the four entryways to win the game.
Players track the number of games played with stickers. Zombie Kidz Evolution includes 13 sealed envelopes that contain additional content, including new rules and special powers for the kids and zombies.
The simple base game rules become more complex every time you play, leveling up as you gain more experience.
Even though Zombie Kidz Evolution is easy to teach, it’s engaging enough for adults to play and have fun. Strategy and collaboration are necessary to beat the zombies and win the game.
Buyers had glowing reviews for this zombie board game. They enjoyed the colorful artwork, the quick playing time, and the ever-increasing complexity. Parents especially liked the cooperative element for young kids.
A few people did say it loses replay value over time. Once you unlock all the envelopes, the fun might diminish. But the extremely affordable price point means you’ll get more than your money’s worth by the time it’s all said and done.
The bottom line? Zombie Kidz Evolution is the perfect game for a family game night.
Pros
- Great for families
- Quick gameplay
- Easy to learn
- Cooperative gameplay
- Legacy format
- “Levels up” in complexity
Cons
- Has limited replay value
Dawn of the Zeds: Best Zombie Game for Solo Play
Players: 1-5
Playing Time: 90-120 minutes
Age: 14+
Publisher: Victory Point Games
Set in the fictional town of Farmingdale, Dawn of the Zeds is an exciting and challenging game of survival. It’s better suited for more experienced gamers, older teens, and adults.
In this cooperative zombie board game, players will need to work together to keep the town safe, healthy, and productive, while fighting off a zombie invasion in Farmingdale and the outlying villages.
Dawn of the Zeds has five rulebooks for highly customizable play. The game features multiple difficulty levels that alter the gameplay and add new mechanics.
The added complexity translates into a longer playing time, so make sure to set aside at least a couple of hours for gameplay.
There’s a nice blend of strategy and luck. Dice rolling can affect the outcome, but the game also requires decision-making and strategic thinking.
This game works well for solo play as well as group play. Prefer to compete over cooperate? No problem. This latest third edition includes cooperative and competitive gameplay modes for up to five players.
Dawn of the Zeds got good reviews from buyers. They enjoyed the immersive theme and the ability to play over and over. They also said it was great for single players.
If you’re a fan of the zombie genre but prefer heavier games, Dawn of the Zeds is one of the best zombie board games for you.
Pros
- Works well for solo play
- Heavier, more complex
- Customizable
- Cooperative or competitive modes
- High replay value
Cons
- Lengthy playing time
- Expensive
Zombie Dice Game: Best Dice Rolling Zombie Game
Players: 2+
Playing Time: 10-20 minutes
Age: 10+
Publisher: Steve Jackson Games
Zombie Dice is technically not a board game, but this fun and fast-paced game earned a spot on the list. Played in just a few minutes, this game will have you talking and laughing in no time.
Some of the other zombie board games listed feature player-controlled zombies, but all of them have human survivors trying to defeat zombies. By contrast, this game has players rolling dice and eating brains. You’re all on team zombie now!
The gameplay is as simple as it gets. Zombie Dice includes one cup and 13 dice. Players take turns rolling three random dice from the cup, trying to eat as many brains as possible while avoiding shotgun blasts.
If a player rolls a brain, they set it aside. If a player rolls a shotgun blast, they set it aside. If a player rolls any feet, that means the human got away.
Obviously, luck plays a big role in Zombie Dice, but there is an element of strategy. Players must decide when to stop rolling dice and be satisfied with the brains they have. If a player accumulates three shotgun blasts before stopping, they lose their brains and die… again.
Zombie players add up their brains each round. When a player reaches 13 brains, everyone else gets one more chance. The player with the most brains wins!
This game is super easy to learn. I played it with my family, and my kids had no trouble picking up the rules in a matter of minutes.
It’s also nice because even though it has a clear zombie theme, it’s not too dark or gruesome. If you have younger kids, you won’t have to worry about nightmares from playing.
Zombie Dice is portable and easy to take wherever you go, making it the perfect filler game for those times when you’re traveling or waiting around with nothing to do. I’m looking at you, airports and restaurants.
Buyers had rave reviews for Zombie Dice. They found it to be a great game, easy to learn and play, and ideal for parties. It has solid player interaction and moves quickly, so it can hold everyone’s attention.
Those who didn’t enjoy Zombie Dice either wanted something more complex and strategic, or they were less than impressed with the cylindrical cardboard cup.
The container is on the flimsy side, so just be prepared. Worst case, you can always use a different plastic cup. That change wouldn’t affect gameplay.
Zombie Dice is the perfect light casual party game for groups of all sizes.
Pros
- Quick, fast-paced
- Easy to learn
- Portable
- Great for families
- Affordable
Cons
- Not driven by theme or narrative
- Thin cardboard cup
Zombie Kittens: Best Zombie Card Game
Players: 2-5
Playing Time: 15 minutes
Age: 7+
Publisher: Exploding Kittens LLC
Zombie Kittens brings an undead twist to the original Exploding Kittens game. You can’t beat the box description, which dubs it as “a card game where you explode and then come back to life and then maybe explode again.”
Sign me up.
If you’re unsure how to play, it’s quite simple. Players draw cards until somebody draws an exploding kitten, at which point they explode and die.
But wait!
The game isn’t over yet. That player can rise from the dead with zombie cards and get their revenge. Players can also use special action cards to avoid or move the exploding kitten. The last player alive wins.
You can play Zombie Kittens by itself with up to five players or combine it with any other version of Exploding Kittens to unlock a mega game for up to nine players.
If you just have two players, however, the zombie cards won’t come into play. That limits the game somewhat. It’s best if you have three or more people to play.
With no player elimination, this is great for kids or parties. Everyone can get in on the action and stay in the game, even from the grave.
The illustrations are quirky and super fun, and each card displays its special ability, so you don’t have to memorize which cards do what.
Buyers had a blast playing Zombie Kittens. They enjoyed the fast-paced gameplay, the dark humor, and the entertaining theme. They liked the new zombie kitten cards that allow everyone to play, dead or alive.
Zombie Kittens is one of the best zombie games for families, parties, and those who want a card-based game.
Pros
- Easy to learn
- Quick games, fast-paced
- No player elimination
- A blend of strategy and luck
- Can combine with other versions
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as good for two players
Selfish, Zombie Edition: Runner-Up Zombie Card Game
Players: 2-5
Playing Time: 20 minutes
Age: 7+
Publisher: Ridley’s Games
For another card-based option, you might like Selfish: Zombie Edition. This is the zombie edition of the original base game. You need ruthlessness to stay alive in this fantastic game!
Only one person can survive the Zombie apocalypse and get to the safety of the rescue helicopter. Players use their turns to terrorize and prevent fellow players from reaching the helicopter before them.
Preserving supplies is of utmost importance in this game. If you make a miscalculation and run out of supplies, you’ll get eaten alive. Literally.
Selfish: Zombie Edition is easy to play. Start by choosing your character. Each player gets a hand of cards containing Supplies Cards and Action Cards. On your turn of the dice, use your cards to move forward through the Zombie-filled wasteland.
With obstacles and danger lurking around every corner, you’ll need to use skill and strategy when deploying your supply cards.
If you run out of supplies or get bitten by a Zombie your turn is over and you die, turning you into a Zombie. Your goal is now to eat the other players and turn them into Zombies, too.
Selfish Zombie is full of clever puns and pop culture references to appeal to a wide range of ages, both young and old.
Selfish: Zombie Edition is easy to learn and exciting to play. It’s great for small groups of highly competitive people.
Buyers enjoyed playing Selfish: Zombie Edition. They liked the intense competition and the fast pace of the game.
This is another game that’s more fun with three to five players. You can make it work with two, but it takes away a lot of the excitement.
If you enjoy highly competitive games with a zombie twist, you should consider Selfish: Zombie Edition.
Pros
- Competitive, intense
- Simple to learn
- Ideal for families
- No player elimination
- Quick gameplay
- Affordable
Cons
- Not as fun with just two players
Zombies!!!: Best Value Zombie Board Game
Players: 2-6
Playing Time: 60-90 minutes
Age: 15+
Publisher: Twilight Creations
It’s a race to safety in the board game Zombies!!! by Twilight Creations. This board game features a competitive or cooperative playing mode. The third edition has updated rules and cards and is compatible with all other Zombies!!! editions.
This game has a similar goal as Selfish, but it’s not card-based. In the midst of an advancing Zombie horde, players race to reach the helipad and escape to safety.
Players scavenge, travel, and fight with dice and cards. When a player’s piece is in the same square as a zombie figure, combat ensues. Players must conserve bullets and protect their life counters.
The winner is the first player to reach the helipad or destroy 25 zombie figures. If a player is killed, they must move back to the starting tile.
There are several scenarios in the game to provide variation and interest. The modular board consists of map tiles that are different each time, making for great replay value.
This edition also includes four new zombie figures, door tokens, and survivor tokens.
Buyers had positive things to say about Zombies!!! They enjoyed the game mechanics and found it to be entertaining. They also liked the game components and the tile-based board layout.
Some players did caution that the game could get lengthy. This was especially true on the first play-through since there is a learning curve with the rules.
But this game isn’t super complex. Once you get the hang of the basic mechanics, it’s pretty straightforward.
If you enjoy zombie games, Zombies!!! is a board game to consider.
- Easy to learn
- Lots of variation
- Competitive or cooperative mode
- Neat zombie minis
- High replay value
- Affordable
Cons
- Games can be lengthy
- Learning curve
What to Look for In Post-Apocalyptic Board Games
A zombie-themed board game should include a few components if it’s going to live up to the hype. There are other considerations that influence which zombie board game is best for you.
First, zombie-themed board games should have high-quality artwork and an immersive theme. The spooky factor is a big part of the fun. Good artwork adds to the gaming experience.
Secondly, you have to consider the plot and content. Some zombie board games feature graphic or disturbing content. The game could include deceit, betrayal, and violence. These elements would be unsuitable for young children or those who are bothered by such content.
Of course, the mechanics of the game have a large influence on the quality. Many zombie board games are competitive, while others require collaboration among players. Some are semi-cooperative, where it’s all against one or two.
Most zombie games feature some type of strategy. If you prefer luck-based games, you’ll want to choose a board game accordingly. If you like plenty of strategic planning, you’ll have no shortage of zombie games to fit your tastes.
Lastly, you should think about the game specifics, such as the length of playing time, number of players, minimum age, etc. Some games are just better suited for large groups, while others are ideal for one or two people. It depends on the game and your personal preference.
Best Zombie Board Games: Final Thoughts
Which zombie apocalypse is the best board game for you? I recommend Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game. It’s exciting, intense, strategic, and thematically spot-on.
It brings all the best of other zombie board games and combines those elements into one epic game.
It’s not the best for kids, though. Fortunately, there are several family-friendly options on the list, including Zombie Kidz, Zombie Dice, and Tiny Epic Zombies.