Twilight Struggle: Turn Zero and Promo Packs

GMT Games, GaGa Games, PHALANX · Board game · 2017
9.2 Ludopedia 7.7 BGG 2 · best 2 — Weight 3.3/5
Buy · from US$ 14.97
9.2 rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Fans of Cold War depth and “what if” scenarios will love this!

Highlights
  • More card variety
  • Alternate history fun
  • Deluxe compatible
Keep in mind
  • Translation needed
  • Mechanics unchanged
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Twilight Struggle Turn Zero & Promo Packs bring more heat and curiosity to the classic Cold War clash. The Turn Zero expansion adds 12 cards that shift the starting point, letting you play the world before 1945 and explore alternate scenarios. The two Promo Packs, each with four cards, feature “What if?” events that alter history, like a Soviet invasion of Poland or the USSR’s collapse in 1985. The set also includes optional rules for the Space Race track, adding a tech‑competition layer. If you already own the Deluxe Edition, just swap the card backs – they share the same standard art, so compatibility is no issue. The experience stays true to the base game, with the same Influence Control, Hand Management, and Simultaneous Action Selection mechanics. The expansion boosts card variety and strategic depth while keeping the learning curve approachable. Perfect for those who love deep historical play and want to test “what if” hypotheses. If your goal is to extend the campaign or simply try new cards, these packs are the right pick. Don’t forget to check for a full translation if you’re playing in Portuguese, as the cards come in English and may need adaptation.

Expansion for

Published additional content

1 items

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Country: Soviet Union Country: USA Game: Twilight Struggle History: Cold War Players: Two-Player Only Games
Publisher GMT Games, GaGa Games, PHALANX, Udo Grebe Gamedesign
Designer Ananda Gupta, Jason Matthews

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,179owners
128wishlist
46want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How long does a game last with the expansions?
Playtime typically ranges from 2 to 3 hours, similar to the base game, but can vary slightly depending on how the extra cards are used.
Do I need more players to use the expansions?
No, the expansions are designed for the existing two‑player format. Just play with your usual partner.
Are the promo pack cards available in Portuguese?
No, the cards are in English. If you want to play in Portuguese, you’ll need to translate or use a pre‑translated version.
What’s the difference between Turn Zero and the Promo Packs?
Turn Zero changes the starting point and adds 12 scenario cards, while each Promo Pack adds 4 “What if?” cards focused on alternate events.
How does the optional Space Race track work?
It’s an influence path players can use to earn extra points, adding a tech‑competition layer to the game.
Do these expansions affect the game’s difficulty?
They don’t alter core mechanics, but the increased card variety can make the game more unpredictable and strategic.