Zombicide Black Plague Board Game Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

Zombicide: Black Plague is a cooperative adventure board game designed for 1 to 6 players, aged 14 and up. Set in a medieval fantasy world, players assume the roles of Survivors battling hordes of zombies and powerful Necromancers. The game emphasizes teamwork, strategic planning, and resource management to overcome the relentless undead threat.

During the Middle Ages, a mysterious illness sweeps across the countryside, transforming individuals into mindless, bloodthirsty walkers. This 'Black Plague' has devastated the land, and only a brave few can stand against the rising tide of the undead.

Image 1.1: Front of the Zombicide Black Plague game box, depicting medieval heroes fighting zombies.

Image 1.2: Promotional artwork showcasing the game's medieval fantasy setting and characters.

2. What's in the Box

The Zombicide Black Plague core box contains all the necessary components to begin your zombie-slaying adventures:

• 71 Highly Detailed Plastic Miniatures
• 125 Mini-Cards
• 9 Double-Sided Gaming Tiles
• 6 Dice
• 6 Survivor Identity Cards
• 6 Survivors Plastic Dashboards
• 48 Plastic Tokens
• 63 Tokens
• 1 Rulebook

Image 2.1: Back of the game box, detailing game contents and features.

Image 2.2: All game components, including miniatures, tiles, cards, and dashboards, laid out.

3. Setup

To set up a game of Zombicide: Black Plague, follow these general steps:

1. Choose a Scenario: Select one of the included quests from the rulebook. Each scenario specifies the game tiles to use and their layout.
2. Assemble the Game Board: Arrange the double-sided game tiles according to the chosen scenario's map.
3. Place Tokens: Position all objective tokens, spawn zones, and other scenario-specific tokens as indicated by the map.
4. Select Survivors: Each player chooses a Survivor character and takes their corresponding miniature, Identity Card, and plastic dashboard.
5. Prepare Decks: Shuffle the Equipment deck and the Zombie deck separately. Place them face down in their designated areas on the board.
6. Starting Equipment: Distribute starting equipment to Survivors as per the scenario rules or character abilities.
7. Place Survivors: Place Survivor miniatures on their starting zones as specified by the scenario.
8. Initial Zombie Spawn: Draw initial Zombie cards and place the corresponding miniatures in the designated spawn zones.

Image 3.1: A game in progress, showing assembled tiles, miniatures, and player dashboards.

4. Gameplay Overview

Zombicide: Black Plague is a cooperative game where players work together to complete scenario objectives while fighting off an ever-growing horde of zombies. The game is played over a series of rounds, each divided into two main phases:

• Survivor Phase: Each Survivor takes their turn, performing actions such as moving, searching for equipment, opening doors, attacking zombies, or activating objectives. Actions are limited, requiring careful planning.
• Zombie Phase: All zombies on the board activate. They typically move towards the nearest Survivor or attack if a Survivor is in their zone. New zombies also spawn from designated spawn zones.

Survivors gain experience by killing zombies and completing objectives, which allows them to level up and unlock new skills. As Survivors become more powerful, the zombie threat also escalates, introducing more dangerous types of undead.

Image 4.1: Survivors positioned on the game board, ready for action against the zombie horde.

5. Survivor Types and Abilities

Players control diverse heroes from medieval times, including fantasy races like dwarves and elves. Each Survivor possesses unique special abilities that evolve as they gain experience. These abilities can range from enhanced combat prowess to improved searching or movement skills, crucial for adapting to the changing threats.

Image 5.1: A detailed plastic miniature of a Survivor character, ready for battle.

6. Adversaries

The primary antagonists in Zombicide: Black Plague are the zombie hordes. These include various types of undead, each with distinct movement and attack patterns. Additionally, players will face powerful special enemies:

• Necromancers: These evil sorcerers control the zombie population and can summon more undead. Eliminating them is often a key objective.
• Abomination: A fearsome and resilient creature that poses a significant threat to Survivors. Special tactics and powerful weapons are required to defeat it.

Image 6.1: A detailed plastic miniature of a zombie, representing the common threat.

7. Game Organization

The game features quality plastic dashboards for each Survivor, which help streamline gameplay. These dashboards include slots for tracking experience, inventory, and special abilities, ensuring that all vital information is easily accessible during play.

Image 7.1: The Zombicide Black Plague game logo.

8. Operating the Game (Playing a Turn)

A game round consists of the following sequence:

1. Survivor Phase: Each player, in turn order, activates their Survivor(s). During a Survivor's activation, they can perform a set number of actions (e.g., move, attack, search, open doors).
2. Zombie Phase: All active zombies on the board move and/or attack. Then, new zombies spawn from all active spawn zones.
3. End Phase: Check for scenario victory or defeat conditions. If neither is met, the First Player token passes to the next player, and a new round begins.

Detailed rules for movement, combat, searching, and specific actions are provided in the included rulebook. Refer to the rulebook for comprehensive instructions on all game mechanics.

9. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity of your Zombicide: Black Plague board game, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Storage: Store the game in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Keep all components in their designated trays or bags to prevent damage and loss.
• Cleaning: Gently wipe plastic miniatures and game tiles with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the paint or surface.
• Card Care: Handle game cards with clean, dry hands. Consider sleeving cards for added protection against wear and tear, especially for frequently shuffled decks.
• Miniature Care: While durable, plastic miniatures can break if subjected to excessive force. Handle them carefully during play and storage.

10. Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while playing Zombicide: Black Plague, consider the following:

• Missing Components: Carefully check all packaging materials. If a component is genuinely missing, contact CMON customer support (see Section 12).
• Rule Clarifications: The rulebook contains detailed explanations and examples. If a rule is unclear, re-read the relevant section. Many online forums and communities also offer rule clarifications and FAQs.
• Game Difficulty: If the game feels too easy or too hard, ensure all rules are being followed correctly. Some scenarios offer difficulty adjustments or alternative setups.
• Miniature Assembly: Miniatures come pre-assembled. If any pieces detach, a small amount of plastic glue can be used to reattach them.

11. Specifications

Image 11.1: Illustration showing the product dimensions.

12. Important Safety Information

Legal Disclaimer: Contains small pieces that may be a choking hazard. Not intended for use with small children.

13. Warranty and Support

For information regarding product warranty, missing components, or general support, please visit the official CMON website or contact their customer service department. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

You can find more information and contact details on the CMON Store Page.