Day Night Z

Creating Games · Board game · 2019
— Ludopedia 7.5 BGG 1–4 · best 2 Solo 60–150 min Weight 3.7/5
Buy
— rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

Day Night Z is an immersive and punishing experience for those seeking a true survival simulator. The day and night system creates constant tension, forcing tough tactical choices every round. It's perfect for groups who love emergent narratives and don't mind denser rules and a significant playtime.

Highlights
  • Immersive day/night mechanic
  • Two-level exploration system
  • Narrative campaign with choices
  • Challenging refuge management
Keep in mind
  • Long playtime
  • Complex and dense rules
  • High difficulty and punishment
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Day Night Z isn't just another zombie game; it's a brutal survival experience where the day and night cycle dictates your fate. Forget the idea of mindlessly shooting hordes; here, you manage a group of survivors in a hostile world where resource scarcity and the need to protect your refuge make every decision a strategic and moral dilemma. The gameplay is split into three distinct phases: city exploration, the dangerous journey back, and the tense management of your shelter. One of the coolest features is the two-level board system: you navigate the city map, and upon entering specific locations, you expand the scene with modular tiles, creating incredible tactical immersion. The "day and night" system is the core mechanic: during the day, zombies are weaker, but at night, they become lethal predators while your survivors lose efficiency without scarce light sources. Furthermore, you must contend with a Threat Counter, infections that deteriorate health, psychological stress, and even traitors who might sabotage your refuge. The game offers narrative campaign modes, with choices that alter the story's ending, and a survival mode focused on free exploration. It's a dense game, with a weight of 3.7, requiring you to plan every step, manage stamina, and care for allies who have their own loyalty systems. If you're looking for an apocalypse simulator that doesn't forgive mistakes and puts you in the shoes of someone trying to see the sunrise the next day, Day Night Z is the right pick. Get ready to manage wounds, avoid the nocturnal "Hunter," and decide when it's time to risk everything for a bit of food or medical supplies. The grimdark atmosphere is palpable, and the need to optimize your actions makes every round a race against time and imminent death.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 REC
2 REC
3 REC
4 REC

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

Finding best prices...

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change.

Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter
Publisher Creating Games
Artist Daniel Jiménez Villalba, David Benzal, David Prieto, Israel Pato, Jose David Lanza Cebrian

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

648owners
153wishlist
18want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Is the game very difficult?
Yes, it is considered a medium-heavy game (3.74/5). Survival is the focus, and the game doesn't forgive planning mistakes.
How many people can play?
The game scales from 1 to 4 players, working very well in both solo and group modes.
How long does a game last?
Expect long sessions, ranging from 60 to 150 minutes depending on the scenario and player count.
Do I need expansions to play?
No, the base game is complete and offers robust campaign and survival modes.
Is it a cooperative game?
Yes, all players work together to survive, manage the refuge, and complete mission objectives.
What makes it different from other zombie games?
The two-level board system and the day/night mechanic that drastically alters the behavior of both enemies and players.

Other Games You'll Like

Based on mechanics and theme

8 games