Pandemic*

Pandemic is a highly acclaimed cooperative board game where players take on the roles of disease-fighting specialists. Their mission is to contain and cure four deadly diseases that have broken out across the globe. The game is set on a board depicting major world population centers and requires players to strategize and work together to manage the outbreaks and develop cures before the diseases spiral out of control.

Gameplay Overview

  • Role-Specific Abilities: Each player has a unique role with special abilities, such as the Operations Expert and Scientist.
  • Actions: Players use actions to travel, treat infections, discover cures, and build research stations.
  • Card Decks: Two decks control the game - one for player abilities and actions, and the other for disease spread.
  • Epidemic Cards: These cards intensify the diseases' spread, adding to the challenge.

Special Features

  • Cooperative Play: Players must work together, planning their strategies to utilize each specialist's strengths.
  • Dynamic Game Mechanics: The game includes elements of randomness and unpredictability through card draws.
  • New Characters in 2013 Edition: The Contingency Planner and Quarantine Specialist add new strategies.

Winning and Losing

  • Win Condition: Players win by curing all four diseases.
  • Lose Condition: The game is lost if diseases spread beyond control or if time runs out.

Conclusion

Pandemic is perfect for players who enjoy cooperative games that require strategic thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. The game's theme is both relevant and engaging, offering an immersive experience where players feel the urgency and importance of their roles. Whether you're new to board games or an experienced player, Pandemic provides a challenging and satisfying cooperative adventure.

Nominated for 29 awards and won 8.

⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2009

  • 2 - 4 Players
  • 45 Minutes
  • 8+ years old
  • Easy to learn

Video reviews, ratings, Let's Plays and tests for Pandemic

  • YouTube Review for the game "Pandemic" by Shut Up & Sit Down
    Video is in English
  • YouTube Review for the game "Pandemic" by BoardGameGeek
    Video is in English

We like Pandemic so much that we recommend it in the following board game recommendation lists 2024

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