S.T.A.L.K.E.R. The Board Game

Awaken Realms, Albi, Delta Vision Publishing · Board game · 2025
1–4 · best 2 Solo 120–180 min Weight 3.8/5
rating Ludopedia
8.6 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
8.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Fans of tense zone games and narrative choices will love this cooperative crawler.

Highlights
  • High‑quality miniatures
  • Story‑changing decisions
  • Cooperative and solo play
  • Exploration of dangerous zones
Keep in mind
  • Long playtime
  • Moderate complexity
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About the game

What you do in a play session

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. The Board Game brings the tense, mysterious atmosphere of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone to the tabletop, with detailed miniatures and high‑quality components that make you feel like you’re actually walking through the dark corridors full of anomalies. The game is fully cooperative, but it also works as a solo challenge, letting one player face the zone alone while others join in campaign sessions or Zone Survival matches. Each mission comes in separate boxes, easing the transition between adventures and keeping the narrative fresh. The narrative choice mechanic allows pivotal decisions to change the story’s direction, while dice rolling and action events add the unpredictability typical of the zone. Players can choose to sneak in, avoiding combat, or go in guns blazing, and both paths are well integrated into the tactical flow. The zone never stops surprising you: radioactive rain, energy emissions, anomalies, and hordes of mutants can appear at any moment, forcing strategic adjustments. The game blends exploration, combat, narrative, and tension, creating an experience that feels like a video‑game‑inspired board RPG. If you love dark stories, tough decisions, and miniatures that bring the setting to life, you’ll fall in love with this zone crawler. Get ready for an intense adventure where every choice can mean the difference between survival and death.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

11 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 BEST
2 BEST
3 REC
4 REC

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Admin: Better Description Needed! Category: Dungeon Crawler Components: Miniatures Country: Ukraine Creatures: Monsters Crowdfunding: Gamefound Theme: Chernobyl Theme: Post-Apocalyptic
Publisher Awaken Realms, Albi, Delta Vision Publishing, Fox in the Box, Ігромаг
Designer Paweł Samborski
Artist Ewa Labak, Jakub Dzikowski, Pamela Łuniewska, Patryk Jędraszek, Piotr Orleański

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How long does a game take?
Between 120 and 180 minutes, depending on the campaign or Zone Survival session.
What is the recommended player count?
1 to 4 players, with strong support for both cooperative and solo play.
What is the game’s complexity?
Moderate complexity: clear rules, but the mix of action, narrative, and exploration demands focus.
What are the main components?
Detailed miniatures, zone maps, mission boxes, various dice, event cards, and character sheets.
Who is the target audience?
Fans of horror/apocalypse, dungeon crawlers, and those who enjoy narrative choices that shape the story.
Is a translation required?
The Portuguese edition includes translated cards, but the original version may need a glossary of terms.

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