Zona: The Secret of Chernobyl

Rebel Sp. z o.o., ADC Blackfire Entertainment, asmodee · Board game · 2019
1–4 · best 3 Solo 120–180 min Weight 2.7/5
8.7 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
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8.7 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy a tense survival adventure with a sci-fi twist and mystery, Zona is for you! Get ready for an immersive experience in radioactive Chernobyl.

Highlights
  • Immersive and unique theme
  • Dangerous and rewarding exploration
  • Impactful decision-making
  • High replayability with varied Stalkers
  • Constant survival challenge
Keep in mind
  • Can be long for some
  • High language dependency
  • Dice luck influences outcomes
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About the game
Alright, ready to face the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone? In Zona: The Secret of Chernobyl, you and your friends (or just you, if you're brave enough!) become Stalkers, fearless explorers seeking valuable secrets and artifacts in the radioactive ruins. The main goal is to be the first to reach the sarcophagus of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, but it's not that simple: you first need to uncover two mysteries in secret underground facilities. And the clock is ticking, because the Final Emission can strike at any moment, ending everything!

Each turn is a race against time and the dangers of the Zone. You'll have two action points to spend on crucial activities like moving across the map, exploring mysterious locations, fighting mutants or other Stalkers, and even repairing your equipment. After your actions, an Event Card is revealed, adding a touch of narrative and unpredictability to your adventure. At the end of the round, a News Card brings more twists to the Zone.

Survival is a huge focus of the game. The Zone is a brutal place, with limited resources and constant dangers. You'll need to manage your items, ensuring they are always in good condition, and seek out new supplies. Furthermore, it's vital to rest to recover from fatigue and heal the injuries that will inevitably arise. Each of the ten available Stalkers has unique abilities, starting equipment, and a personal goal that brought them to this desolate place, ensuring that each game is a different experience. Your stats, such as Awareness, Agility, and Intellect, will be constantly tested to avoid traps, fight, and find precious artifacts. Get ready for a deep dive into a post-apocalyptic world where every decision could be your last!
Rules videos

In English

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Game details

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Components: Dice with Icons Components: Map (City Scale) Country: Ukraine Crowdfunding: Spieleschmiede Misc: LongPack Games Theme: Chernobyl Theme: Post-Apocalyptic
Publisher Rebel Sp. z o.o., ADC Blackfire Entertainment, asmodee, Corax Games, Funforge, Geekach LLC, Hobby World, Rebel Studio
Designer Krzysztof Głośnicki, Maciej Drewing
Artist Katarzyna Fiebiger, Tomek Zarucki, Wojciech Bajor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average playtime for Zona?
A game of Zona can take anywhere from 120 to 180 minutes, which is 2 to 3 hours. It's a longer experience, ideal for those seeking deep immersion.
How many players can participate?
Zona can be played by 1 to 4 players. Yes, it has a very interesting solo mode for those who enjoy individual challenges!
Is it a very complex game for beginners?
With a BGG weight of 2.71/5, it falls into the medium-heavy complexity category. It's not ideal for absolute beginners, but players with some board game experience won't find it overly difficult after a few rounds.
Does the game rely heavily on luck or is it more strategic?
Zona blends both well! There's plenty of strategy in action and resource management, but dice rolling and event cards introduce an element of luck that keeps things unpredictable and exciting. You need to know when to 'push your luck' at the right time.
Are the components of good quality?
Yes, the game features good quality components, including custom dice with icons and a detailed map that accurately represents the Exclusion Zone. The art and design contribute greatly to the immersion.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, there is extensive language dependency. There's a lot of text on event and news cards, as well as Stalker abilities. A translation or knowledge of the language is almost essential to fully enjoy the experience.
What is Zona's main differentiator from other survival games?
The Chernobyl theme is the big highlight, bringing a unique and heavy atmosphere. Furthermore, the combination of exploration, resource management, combat, and the race against time to reach the sarcophagus creates a personal and challenging narrative for each Stalker.