It’s the end of the world! You can just sit there and accept your awful fate, or… you can invite your friends over and spend some quality time playing board games with your loved ones.
Besides, you never know if the zombies, vampires, mutants, or aliens may really just be looking for some new playmates. If so, then invite them to join you as we give you the definitive guide to playing your way toward your impending doom with the best post-apocalyptic board games out there!
🏆 Our Top Picks for Best Post-Apocalyptic Board Games
In a hurry? Take a quick peek before you go.
Neuroshima Hex 3.0
Players: 1-4
Playing time: 30 minutes
If you are going to live in a post-apocalyptic world, naturally you would rather live in one that is well-established. Originally released in 2013, by Z-Man Games, Neuroshima Hex 3.0 has a true cult following, spawning tournaments that have brought players together from many countries.
This strategy game allows players to battle armies versus each other, hoping to be the last one standing. Players chose one of four armies: Borgo, Hegemonia (Hegemony), Moloch, and Posterunek (Outpost). Each army has 34 playing pieces (tiles) soldiers, support tiles, and special actions. Victory is achieved when all enemy headquarters are destroyed or when your headquarters is the least damaged at the end of the game.
There are extension packs a-plenty, meaning that the game has huge replayability, and you can even play solo – in case you are truly the sole survivor of the apocalypse.
Fallout
Players: 1-4
Playing time: 120-180 minutes
For those who may not have played the video game, the Fallout series has sold tens of millions of copies and is a true modern classic. This slick board game adaptation does justice to the series, making it an absolute must for fans of the game, and as a stand-alone, it is accessible and entertaining.
Players begin at the edge of an unexplored landscape and must collect influence and compete in a variety of skill-based tasks against mutated critters and feuding factions, hoping to survive the horrors of this desolate world. The gameplay is immersive with a modular board and extension quests, meaning that the game is a fine way to enjoy the hours before your impending doom!
Maximum Apocalypse
Players: 1-6
Playing time: 45-90 minutes
Sometimes it takes an apocalypse to bring people together. Certainly, in this adventure game, you will need to collaborate if you want to survive, and ultimately win the game.
The map is randomly generated and offers a huge variety of starting scenarios. As players take turns, they must choose wisely if they will fight the gathering monsters, search for resources, explore new territory, or equip themselves with weapons. Collaboration is key because you can’t win without the help of others (good advice with or without an apocalypse!).
Armageddon
Players: 3–4
Playing time: 90 minutes
Probably the first thing you will note is the high quality of component materials that accompany this game. The quality of the build and the artwork are to a very high standard. But, this game does much more than just look good.
A family-friendly board game (yes, really!), Armageddon is accessible and allows first-time players to get up to pace straight away. The game focuses on rebuilding civilization and is played over 6 rounds. Sitting firmly in the worker placement genre of strategy games, for those looking to help with the rebuild after Armageddon, then this is definitely for you.
Gatefall
Players: 2-8
Playing time: 60-180 minutes
We have all seen post-apocalyptic movies. Who is the character we most want to see survive? Of course, the answer is… the dog! And in Gatefall, one of the playable characters is, you guessed it – a dog. That alone is reason enough to buy this game today.
There are a total of seven sculpted figures (that can be painted) to choose from in this strategic wargame. With an easily understood style of gameplay, this game is designed to be spread out and played on a tabletop. The starting procedures are clear and concise.
The rulebook allows for streamlined gameplay that offers a wealth of playing styles and options. Expansion plans are soon going to be added and there is a start-up campaign if you wish to support the new upcoming additions.
Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game
Players: 2–5
Playing time: 60-120 minutes
Dead of Winter is described as a meta-cooperative psychological survival game. Sounds impressive, and it is. The game is structured in such a way that players must collaborate to achieve a collective objective – surviving a harsh winter in a post-apocalyptic world – whilst also completing their character’s individual objective.
So, players should ideally balance both of these tasks. But… they don’t have to. They can simply pursue their own goal – although this won’t allow you to truly ‘win’.
The mixture of choices gives the game strong longevity and replayability, allowing you to opt for different approaches with each session of the game. So, will you help the greater good, or ensure your own survival?
Fallen Land
Players: 2-5
Playing time: 120-300 minutes
If you seek a game that blends elements of strategy, with card building and light role-playing then this is the one for you. And if a nuclear apocalypse is not scary enough, then let’s add in a chemical apocalypse with a few elements of the Cold War. Based on a map of America, this truly is a world gone mad!
This sandbox-style game blends adventure, politics, and economics, and each game of this massive world has many variables; cards, player interactions, stories, strategies, and threats. You will never have the same experience twice.
Outlive
Players: 2-4
Playing time: 40-110 minutes
The first thing you’ll notice when unpacking the box is that the designers have created beautiful artwork and sturdy components, which always adds to the playability. The game is easy to understand from the first play and after one round (out of 6 per game) you’ll feel comfortable with the game mechanics.
Set in the year 2084: Five years have elapsed since the original game. This time the clans are struggling to survive in their underground shelters. They are being attacked by a group of robots, controlled by scientists.
Conrad Bordage begins an investigation to find out where they came from. Players work to unravel the mysteries behind this, in a compelling story of future survival.
Posthuman: Saga
Players: 1-4
Playing time: 30-120 minutes
Posthuman Saga is a tactical survival adventure set in a crumbled world, where resources are sparse and mutants roam the now deserted cities and forests.
The game has three playing options: solo, 2 to 4 players Competitive, or Team Versus. It utilizes the game mechanics with a finely crafted story to create an experience that will challenge your system-busting skills while immersing you in a rich post-apocalyptic world.
Each player completes the objectives of different characters with varied playing styles. Posthuman Saga has an emphasis on tactical choices on two levels – the journey expressed through an innovative modular tilemap puzzle and the individual story and combat encounters.
This War of Mine
Players: 1-6
Playing time: 45-120 minutes
This War of Mine originally began life as a war survival video game developed and published by the Polish game development company 11 Bit Studios. The game differs from most war-themed video games by focusing on the civilian experience of war rather than front-line combat. The board game adaptation sticks authentically to this approach. It is worth emphasizing this game is recommended for 18 years and above.
The aim is to survive in a besieged city; struggling with a lack of food, medicine, and constant danger from snipers and hostile scavengers. It is immersive and offers an experience of war seen from an unfamiliar perspective. During the day snipers outside stop you from leaving your refuge, so you need to focus on maintaining your hideout.
There is a solo mission or up to 6 players can join in. Each play is different, but the essence of the game is on the strength of humanity and our ability to survive even the harshest of realities.
Wrap-Up
We hope you enjoyed our list of the best post-apocalyptic board games! These are some of the best picks for fans of the end of the world, dystopian, and survival genres. When all hope is lost, humanity finds a way.
Have you tried any of the games on this list? Did we miss any of your post-apocalyptic favorites? Drop a comment below and let us know! We’d love to hear from you.
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As a late bloomer in the world of board games, I have made quick work of catching up. I am the master bluffer when it comes to social deduction games and reading my opponents is my third language. As a writer, I have a soft spot for games where words and images take the spotlight as opposed to strategy games where logical thinking sometimes evades me. Fusing these two sides of my spirit has been a match made in blogging heaven!