Pandemic: Contagion

Z-Man Games, asmodee, Asterion Press · Board game · 2014
2–5 · best 4 30 min Weight 1.9/5
7.3 rating Ludopedia
6.4 rating BGG
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7.3 rating Ludopedia
6.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for anyone who wants to be the villain of the night: fast, dirty, and packed with laughs—best part? No heroes allowed.

Highlights
  • Becoming the villain is hilariously fun
  • Short, chaotic games
  • Creative mutation mechanic
  • Event cards bring wild surprises
  • Simple components, big impact
Keep in mind
  • Needs players with a sense of humor
  • Not cooperative—bring your betrayal game
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Imagine after years trying to save the world from pandemic, you finally flip the script. Now you’re the virus. Yes, the villain. And there’s no cure—just you and four other pathogens competing to wipe out humanity. In Pandemic: Contagion, you play cards to spread disease, mutate your strain, and dominate cities. Each turn, pick two actions: draw cards (based on your incubation rate), advance a mutation (incubation, transmission, or resistance), or place disease cubes on cities. When a city fills up, it’s erased—and the player who placed the last cube gets a bonus. Event and WHO cards throw curveballs mid-game, but your resistance level can soften the blow. Scoring happens every round: most disease cubes = most points. And at the end? The deadliest pathogen wins. Fast, chaotic, and hilarious as civilization collapses. Perfect for anyone who wants a lighthearted villain game full of laughs and dirty strategy.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
5 BEST
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Game details

Categories

Families

Game: Pandemic Medical: Diseases Occupation: Medic / Doctor / Nurses Occupation: Researcher / Scientist Theme: Bacteria Theme: Biology Theme: Science Theme: Villainy
Publisher Z-Man Games, asmodee, Asterion Press, Filosofia Éditions, Hobby Japan
Designer Carey Grayson
Artist Chris Quilliams, Josh Cappel, Marie-Elaine Bérubé, Marie-Eve Joly, Olivier Lamontagne, Philippe Guérin
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players?
2 to 5 players. Best with 4 or 5—the more villains, the more chaos.
How long does it take?
About 30 minutes. Perfect for a game between beers.
Is it hard to learn?
Nope! Minimal text and super intuitive rules. You’ll get it in 5 minutes.
Does it have a lot of components?
Just cards and plastic cubes. No board, no complicated pieces.
Good for kids?
From age 12+, if they like dark themes. Younger kids might find it a bit creepy.
Is it cooperative?
Nope. Everyone’s an enemy here. Plan betrayals, not alliances.
Is there a Portuguese version?
Yes! Cards are in Portuguese and easy to find in Brazil.