Pandemic: The Cure

Z-Man Games, Asterion Press, Filosofia Éditions · Board game · 2014
2–5 · best 3 30 min Weight 2.1/5
7.6 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
How to Play Buy · from US$ 23.09
7.6 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love the tension of saving the world in Pandemic but want a faster, dice-driven experience, *The Cure* is the perfect choice for gathering your crew! It's the classic in a fresh, super addictive package.

Highlights
  • Quick to learn
  • Fast-paced games
  • Tense dice decisions
  • Engaging cooperative play
  • Great replayability
Keep in mind
  • Strong luck element
  • Can be frustrating with bad luck
  • Less control than original
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game
Alright, folks! Get ready to save the world in style with *Pandemic: The Cure*, the dice-driven powerhouse version of the classic *Pandemic*! If you love the thrill of battling global diseases but are looking for something more nimble, this is your game. With a setup that takes less than a minute and games lasting around 30 minutes, you'll dive into the action in no time. The premise is the same one we adore: four diseases are terrorizing the planet, and it's up to your team of specialists to find the cures before humanity becomes history. You need to keep infection hotspots in check, prevent uncontrolled outbreaks, and, of course, research those miraculous vaccines. Each turn, luck (and strategy!) is in your hands with dice rolls. They'll determine your actions: flying between the six major population centers, treating diseases in your current region, collecting precious samples for study, or exchanging knowledge with your fellow scientists. Every player takes on a unique role, with special dice and abilities, like the Dispatcher who zips people around, or the Medic who's a wizard at treating disease. The clever twist? You can re-roll your dice as often as you like to get the perfect turn. But be warned! The more you push your luck, the higher the chance of a new epidemic emerging and complicating everything. At the end of each round, infection dice are rolled to spread the diseases. If a region has more than three dice of the same color, BOOM! An outbreak occurs, spreading the plague to adjacent areas. If too many outbreaks happen, too many people get infected, or the infection rate skyrockets, goodbye humanity, and you all lose. But if you manage to discover all four cures, victory is yours, and the world is saved! It's an addictive cooperative challenge that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Pandemic: The Cure English · PDF
Download PDF
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 REC
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Game details

Families

Components: Dice with Icons Game: Pandemic Medical: Diseases Occupation: Medic / Doctor / Nurses Occupation: Researcher / Scientist Versions & Editions: Dice Versions of Non-Dice Games
Publisher Z-Man Games, Asterion Press, Filosofia Éditions, Hobby Japan, Lacerta
Designer Matt Leacock
Artist Bernard Bittler, Chris Quilliams, Philippe Guérin
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Pandemic: The Cure and the original Pandemic?
The main difference is that *The Cure* uses dice for all actions and infections, instead of cards and a more complex board. This makes it faster, more portable, and with a more pronounced luck element, but it retains the cooperative disease-fighting essence.
How many players can join and what's the average game duration?
The game is for 2 to 5 players, and games are quite fast, usually lasting between 30 and 40 minutes. Perfect for a shorter game session or to fit in several consecutive plays!
Is it a very complex game for beginners?
Not at all! *Pandemic: The Cure* is considered a light-medium weight game (2.07/5 on BGG), which means it's super accessible for beginners. The rules are easy to pick up, and setup is quick, so you get right into the action.
Are the components good quality?
Yes, the components are of excellent quality! The dice are custom with clear icons, and the board and tokens are well-produced, ensuring a pleasant tactile experience.
Who would you recommend Pandemic: The Cure to?
I'd recommend it to anyone who already enjoys *Pandemic* and wants a more agile version, to those looking for a fun and challenging cooperative dice game, or to groups who want a quick, easy-to-learn game with meaningful decisions. If you like 'push your luck' and the thrill of the dice roll, you'll love it!
Is there an expansion for Pandemic: The Cure?
Yes, there is an expansion called *Experimental Meds* which adds new roles, events, and a fifth disease, increasing the complexity and replayability of the base game.