Pandemic: In the Lab

Z-Man Games, asmodee, Asterion Press · Board game · 2013
1–6 · best 4 Solo 45–60 min Weight 2.9/5
8.8 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
How to Play Buy
8.8 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you're a Pandemic fan craving more depth and new ways to play, In the Lab is a fantastic choice! It brings a laboratory twist that changes the cure dynamic.

Highlights
  • Adds laboratory board
  • New roles and challenges
  • Solo and team modes
  • More strategic depth
  • Increases replayability
Keep in mind
  • Requires base game
  • Better with 'On the Brink'
  • Increases complexity
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Get ready for another shot of adrenaline with Pandemic: In the Lab, the second expansion for the acclaimed Pandemic! If you're already a fan of racing against time to save humanity, this expansion takes the action to a new level, literally, inside a high-security laboratory. The objective remains the same: find cures for the diseases plaguing the planet, but now with a more focused and intense approach.

With a new modular board dedicated to the lab, scientists will need to sequence diseases, collect samples, and test cures in a controlled yet dangerous environment. The expansion introduces four new player roles, each with unique abilities that promise to change team dynamics. Furthermore, new Virulent Strain events and a Worldwide Panic Mutation scenario further increase the challenge, ensuring each game is a desperate race against catastrophe.

One of the big novelties is the possibility of playing in different ways: individually (with solo rules) or in rival teams, if you have four to six players at the table. Yes, you can even compete to see which team of scientists is most efficient at saving the world! But beware: to enjoy all scenarios and the complete experience, especially with more players, you'll need the Pandemic base game and, for two of the three scenarios, also the Pandemic: On the Brink expansion. So, gather your team, put on your lab coat, and get ready to save the world, one test tube at a time!
Expansion for
Expansions
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Pandemic: In the Lab English · PDF
Download PDF
BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 REC
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 OK
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Game details

Families

Game: Pandemic Medical: Diseases Occupation: Medic / Doctor / Nurses Occupation: Researcher / Scientist Players: Expansions Adding Solo Play Players: Expansions Changing Player Count Players: Games with Solitaire Rules
Publisher Z-Man Games, asmodee, Asterion Press, Devir, Filosofia Éditions, Galápagos Jogos, Gémklub, Hobby Japan, Lacerta, Lifestyle Boardgames Ltd, MINDOK
Designer Matt Leacock, Thomas Lehmann
Artist Chris Quilliams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pandemic: In the Lab?
It's the second expansion for the cooperative board game Pandemic, adding a new laboratory board, new roles, events, and game modes, such as solo and team play.
Do I need the Pandemic base game to play this expansion?
Yes, Pandemic: In the Lab is an expansion and requires the Pandemic base game to be played.
How many players can play with this expansion?
The expansion allows for 1 to 6 players. The team play modes are ideal for 4 or 6 players.
What is the average duration of a game with this expansion?
A game with the expansion usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes, similar to the base game, but can vary depending on the scenario and the number of players.
Is it necessary to have the first expansion, Pandemic: On the Brink, to play In the Lab?
To fully enjoy the experience and all scenarios, especially with 5 or 6 players and some specific challenges, it is highly recommended to also have Pandemic: On the Brink. With only the base game and In the Lab, team mode is limited to 4 players and conventional mode does not support 5 players.
Does this expansion increase the game's complexity?
Yes, with new mechanics like the laboratory board and additional scenarios, the complexity is slightly higher, making the game more challenging and strategic (BGG weight of 2.89/5).
What are the main new features the expansion brings?
The main new features are the laboratory board for sequencing diseases, four new character roles, new Virulent Strain events, the Worldwide Panic Mutation scenario, and the introduction of solo and team play modes.