Dawn of the Zeds (Third Edition)

Victory Point Games, Frosted Games, Maldito Games · Board game · 2016
1–5 · best 1 Solo 90–120 min Weight 3.8/5
8.1 rating Ludopedia
8.1 rating BGG
Buy
8.1 rating Ludopedia
8.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love cooperative wargames and want to feel the pressure of holding back a zombie horde.

Highlights
  • Constant atmosphere of tension
  • Deep and engaging campaign
  • Rewarding tactical challenge
  • Excellent solo experience
Keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve
  • High language dependency
FOR GENRE FANS
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
You know those cute postcards that say 'Welcome to Fabulous Farmingdale!'? Yeah, forget about them. The town has turned into a total nightmare. A mysterious virus is transforming the local population into bloodthirsty creatures, dubbed 'Zeds' by the local news. To make matters worse, you've been left to your own devices. The National Guard is on the way, but they could take days or even weeks to break through and reach you. Until then, your only choices are to fight or become zombie food.

In Dawn of the Zeds, you and your friends step into the shoes of unlikely heroes and determined citizens who must coordinate the defense of Farmingdale and its surrounding villages. The goal is straightforward: halt the undead advance, save as many people as possible, and, if you're lucky, discover a cure for this plague. It's not just about shooting zombies; it's about strategic resource management and tactical movement on a map where every single decision can mean the difference between life and death for hundreds of innocents.

The game blends the precision of a wargame with the tension of a cooperative experience. You'll need to manage action points, deal with the unpredictability of dice rolls, and navigate an event deck that drives the campaign's pace. The experience is intense and punishing, requiring total group coordination to prevent the town from falling. Can you organize the resistance, or will Farmingdale become just another open-air cemetery? The clock is ticking, and the Zeds never stop walking.
Other Games You'll Like
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 BEST
2 REC
3 OK
4 OK
5 OK
WHERE TO BUY
Finding best prices...
Game details

Families

Category: Tower Defense Creatures: Zombies Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: TableTop Simulator Mod (TTS) Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Digital Implementations: VASSAL Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Series: States of Siege
Publisher Victory Point Games, Frosted Games, Maldito Games
Designer Hermann Luttmann
Artist Clark Miller
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game too complex?
Yes, it's an 'Expert' level game. If you're used to wargames or heavy strategy games, you'll be fine, but beginners might find the rules challenging.
Can I play it solo?
Absolutely! The game has solid solo rules, turning the experience into a very tense individual survival challenge.
How long does a game take?
Expect to spend between 90 to 120 minutes per session, depending on the number of players and the complexity of the map situation.
Is there a high language dependency?
Yes, there is a high dependency on the language due to event and campaign cards, so you'll need the original language or a translation.
Who would you recommend this game to?
Groups that enjoy extreme cooperation, zombie apocalypse themes, and don't mind detailed and punishing rules.