Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game
- Designer Jonathan Gilmour-Long , Isaac Vega
- Publisher Plaid Hat Games , Arclight Games , Cube Factory of Ideas , Edge Entertainment , Fantasy Flight Games
- Illustration David Richards , Fernanda Suárez , Peter Wocken
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players lead factions of survivors in a zombie-infested post-apocalyptic colony, working together to survive harsh conditions and crises. Each player also pursues a secret personal objective that may conflict with the group's goals, creating tension and complex social dynamics. Decisions involve managing scarce resources, facing external threats, and navigating internal conflicts, all within a narrative-driven framework.
Who Is This Game For?
This game suits experienced players who enjoy thematic, psychological, and semi-cooperative gameplay. With an approximate playtime of 120 minutes, it demands strategic thinking and patience. Prior experience with cooperative or narrative-heavy games is beneficial. It's suitable for groups with players aged 13 and up.
How It Works
Dead of Winter uses mechanics like Action Points, Hand Management, and Narrative Choice to immerse players in survival challenges. Players perform actions to gather resources, fight zombies, and address crises, often relying on dice rolls and Push Your Luck elements. Cooperation is essential to maintain the colony, but secret objectives create suspicion and strategic depth.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Jonathan Gilmour and Isaac Vega, Dead of Winter won the 2014 Board Game Quest Awards for Best Coop Game and Best Thematic Game. As part of Plaid Hat Games' Crossroads series, it uniquely blends collaboration with secret personal goals in a post-apocalyptic setting, emphasizing story-driven semi-cooperative play.
Awards
- 2014 Board Game Quest Awards Best Coop Game — Winner
- 2014 Board Game Quest Awards Best Thematic Game — Winner
- 2014 Board Game Quest Awards Game of the Year — Nominated
- 2014 Board Game Quest Awards Most Innovative Game — Nominated
Pro
- Strong narrative and thematic integration
- Semi-cooperative gameplay with secret objectives
- 2014 Board Game Quest Awards winner for Best Coop and Best Thematic Game
- Complex decisions through Action Points and Push Your Luck mechanics
Contra
- Relatively long playtime around 120 minutes
- Requires patience and strategic thinking
- Not suitable for players under 13 years
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, players lead a small colony struggling to survive a harsh winter while facing external dangers and internal psychological challenges.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on mastering core mechanics like resource management and cooperation before fully engaging with personal secret goals.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Dead of Winter is designed for 2 to 5 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game typically lasts about 120 minutes, with setup and explanations potentially extending that time.
What prior experience do I need?
It is aimed at experienced players familiar with semi-cooperative or thematic games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Dead of Winter combines semi-cooperative gameplay with secret personal objectives and strong narrative elements.
Is this suitable for families?
Recommended for ages 13 and above, it is better suited to experienced players than younger family members.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Action Points, Narrative Choice, and Push Your Luck mechanics creates dynamic and suspenseful gameplay.
Fazit
Dead of Winter is recommended for players seeking a complex, narrative-rich semi-cooperative experience. It requires strategic social interaction and suits groups looking for depth and thematic immersion.
