# Fallout: Atomic Bonds ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2020 - **BGG Rating**: 8.2 - **BGG Rank**: — - **Players**: 1-4 (Best with: 3) - **Duration**: 120-180 min - **Weight**: 2.96 / 5 - **Designers**: Dane Beltrami - **Publishers**: Fantasy Flight Games, Delta Vision Publishing, Galakta, Hobby World - **Categories**: Adventure, Expansion for Base-game, Exploration, Science Fiction, Video Game Theme - **Mechanics**: Action Points, Area Movement, Cooperative Game, Dice Rolling, Hand Management, Modular Board, Role Playing, Storytelling, Variable Player Powers ## Verdict Perfect for those who prefer playing with friends rather than against them, turning wasteland brutality into cooperation.Doubles the number of available scenariosMutations and upgrades add depthIdeal for groups preferring co-opSeamless integration with New CaliforniaRequires the base game to functionIncreases management complexityRECOMMENDED ## Description Surviving alone in the irradiated wasteland of Fallout is stressful, but who says you have to do it without company? Atomic Bonds arrives to change the dynamics of the base game and the New California expansion, turning the fight for power into a survival partnership. Instead of trying to take down your friends to dominate the Wasteland, you can now join forces to face the dangers of the outer world, loot the best gear, and lead your faction to victory together. The biggest strength of this pack is its versatility: it essentially doubles the number of available scenarios by converting all competitive scenarios into cooperative missions. Now, the strategy shifts completely; coordination between players becomes the key to avoiding becoming ghoul food. But it's not just about changing who wins; Atomic Bonds adds extra layers of depth with the introduction of modifications, mutations, and workshop upgrades. This means your characters can evolve in more interesting ways, making the gaming experience much richer and more varied. If you feel that the competition in the original game sometimes creates more conflict at the table than fun, or if you simply want to experience the feeling of forming a tactical squad exploring the ruins of civilization, this upgrade is essential. It's the perfect chance to transform the lonely and brutal experience of the desert into an epic journey of friendship and mutual survival, where cooperation is the only way to truly thrive in a world that wants to kill you at every corner. ## How to Play Goal of the Game In Fallout: Atomic Bonds, players are survivors working together to complete specific scenario objectives, loyal to the Brotherhood of Steel, while facing the threat of the Enclave, led by the mysterious President Eden. To win, players must: Complete 1 objective per survivor. Complete the mission "...and Justice for All" (#55). Players lose if the Enclave (opposing faction) power marker reaches the final space on the power track. Setup Follow the steps in the Fallout base game manual and then perform these additional steps: Choose the Loyal Faction: Select the Brotherhood of Steel as the loyal faction. Use the expansion scenario card with the loyal faction side facing up. Place the Enclave (non-loyal) power marker on the highest space of the track. Prepare the Decks: Shuffle the modification, mutation, workshop, and objective cards separately. Place the activation deck to the right of the first player. Reveal Missions: Place 4 mission cards face up in the play area. Place the C.A.M.P. Marker: Position a marker on the Crossroads Camp space. Prepare Mutations: Each player receives one mutation card face down, which will be revealed when they reach 5 radiation. Gameplay Flow The game progresses in rounds, with players acting cooperatively: Player Turns: Each player performs 2 actions per turn (such as moving, combatting, or fast traveling). Activation Phase: At the end of the round, the first player reveals an activation card and resolves: Activate Enemies: Activate the enemy types indicated on the card. Activate the Opposing Faction: Advance the Enclave power marker if there are corresponding icons on the card. Choosing the New First Player: The first player may pass the title to another player. Consult the manual for details regarding this section. Actions and How to Play Main actions available: Assistance: A player can assist another in combat by rolling the assistance die, but suffers damage equal to the enemy level per radiation icon shown. Fast Travel: Allows you to move to any space with a C.A.M.P. marker, provided there are no enemies nearby. Modifications: Can be purchased and attached to items to improve skills. Each item supports only one modification. Mutations: Revealed upon reaching 5 radiation, these grant permanent positive/negative effects. Consult the manual for details regarding this section. End of Game and Scoring The game ends when: Victory: The players complete all scenario objectives and the mission "...and Justice for All". Defeat: The Enclave power marker reaches the final space on the track. Objectives are completed when their conditions are met (e.g., having 3 workshop upgrades). If there are identical objectives, each must be completed separately. Tips for Winning Prioritize objectives: Completing additional objectives moves the Enclave power marker back 2 spaces. Use C.A.M.P.: Expand your fast travel network for strategic mobility. Manage radiation: Mutations can be useful, but avoid accumulating too much radiation. ## FAQ ### Do I need the base game to use Atomic Bonds? Yes, this is an upgrade pack. You need Fallout: The Board Game to play. ### What exactly does it add to the game? It transforms all competitive scenarios (from the base game and New California) into cooperative ones, plus adds mutations and workshop upgrades. ### Does the game become harder in cooperative mode? The difficulty shifts. While you work together, coordination is essential to survive the scenario's challenges. ### How many players can play with this upgrade? The game supports 1 to 4 players, and this remains the same in cooperative mode. ### Does the playtime increase? Games typically last between 120 and 180 minutes, depending on the complexity of the chosen scenario. ## Price Comparison ### Best International Offers - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 19.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=5380447&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/35322/fallout-atomic-bonds?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com