All you need to know about Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game

Players: 2 – 5 players | Game Duration 60 – 120 mins | Min. Age 13+ | Game complexity: MEDIUM Genre: Bluffing, Deduction, Horror, Zombies Solo game mode: No | Co-op: Yes | Online Version: No
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What is Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game about?

‘Dead of Winter’ plunges players into the heart of a bleak, zombie-infested winter, challenging them with both survival and moral dilemmas. This game is renowned for its blend of cooperative and competitive elements, with a strong narrative focus that immerses players into its chilling post-apocalyptic world.

Gameplay and Mechanics ‘

‘Dead of Winter’ is a game for 2 to 5 players who collaborate on a common goal while pursuing secret personal objectives, which might not align with the group’s interests. Set in a struggling survivor colony facing the cold, the undead, and potential internal betrayal, each player leads a group of survivors with unique abilities. The game focuses on resource management, moral decisions, and protecting the colony from zombies. Action dice allow players to search for food, fight zombies, and build barricades. The crisis mechanic introduces challenges each round, forcing players to allocate limited resources to prevent disaster, adding tension and requiring strategic planning and negotiation.

What Makes ‘Dead of Winter’ Fun

The charm of ‘Dead of Winter’ comes from its storytelling and deep player interactions. ‘Crossroads’ cards throw scenarios at players, offering choices with major impacts on the colony. This narrative approach ensures every game is unique, offering great replay value.

The possibility of betrayal adds suspense. With the chance of any player secretly undermining the colony, an atmosphere of mistrust and paranoia builds, deepening the experience of survival in a hostile, apocalyptic world.

Who Will Enjoy ‘Dead of Winter’

‘Dead of Winter’ is likely to appeal to gamers who enjoy complex strategic decisions, cooperative gameplay with a competitive twist, and a strong narrative. Fans of thematic games and those who appreciate the zombie genre will find much to love here. Additionally, players who relish psychological and social manipulation in games will be drawn to the elements of betrayal and secret objectives.

Rulebook and How to Play Guides

How to Play Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game and Review Videos

Awards Won by Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game

2015 Tric Trac Nominee
2015 SXSW Tabletop Game of the Year Nominee
2015 Origins Awards Best Board Game Nominee
2015 As d’Or – Jeu de l’Année Nominee
2014 Meeples’ Choice Nominee
2014 Golden Geek Most Innovative Board Game Winner
2014 Golden Geek Most Innovative Board Game Nominee
2014 Golden Geek Board Game of the Year Nominee
2014 Golden Geek Best Thematic Board Game Winner
2014 Golden Geek Best Thematic Board Game Nominee
2014 Golden Geek Best Board Game Artwork & Presentation Nominee
2014 Board Game Quest Awards Most Innovative Game Nominee
2014 Board Game Quest Awards Game of the Year Nominee
2014 Board Game Quest Awards Best Thematic Game Winner
2014 Board Game Quest Awards Best Thematic Game Nominee
2014 Board Game Quest Awards Best Coop Game Winner
2014 Board Game Quest Awards Best Coop Game Nominee