Rebel Studio Zona: The Secret of Chernobyl Board Game Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

Zona: The Secret of Chernobyl is an adventure board game designed for 1 to 4 players. The objective of the game is to reach the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant’s sarcophagus. To achieve this, players must first collect two Secrets from various underground facilities known as Secret Locations. Players must act with urgency, as the game has a time limit. If the Final Emission strikes before a player successfully completes their objective, the game ends for all players.

This game is suitable for players aged 18 and older, with an average playtime of approximately 60 to 120 minutes per session.

2. Game Components

Before starting your game, ensure all components are present:

• 1 Zona Game Board
• 1 Marketplace Board
• 10 Character Figures
• 10 Character Boards
• 4 Backpack Boards
• 207 Small Cards (e.g., Item, Anomaly, Rumor cards)
• 108 Large Cards (e.g., Event, Secret Location cards)
• 56 Mutant and Anomaly Tokens
• 131 Other Tokens (e.g., damage, currency, emission markers)

Image: The game box for Zona: The Secret of Chernobyl, featuring a character with goggles and a respirator mask.

Image: A selection of character cards and various game tokens, including currency and a dial marker.

Image: Various item cards from the game, depicting objects like a dog tag, a pistol, and a bottle of moonshine.

3. Setup

Follow these steps to prepare the game for play:

1. Place the Game Boards: Unfold and place the Zona Game Board in the center of your playing area. Position the Marketplace Board adjacent to it.
2. Component Organization: Sort all cards into their respective decks (e.g., Small Cards, Large Cards) and shuffle them. Place tokens in designated areas or in piles accessible to all players.
3. Character Selection: Each player chooses a unique character and takes their corresponding character figure, character board, and backpack board. Characters possess different starting items and abilities.
4. Starting Items: Distribute starting items and any initial currency or tokens as indicated on each character's board.
5. Initial Placement: Place character figures on their designated starting spaces on the Zona Game Board.
6. Emission Tracker: Set up the emission tracker and any related cards or tokens as described in the full rulebook.

4. Gameplay

Zona is played over a series of rounds, with each player taking a turn. The game progresses as players explore the Zone, encounter anomalies and mutants, and gather resources.

4.1. Player Turn Structure

During a player's turn, they typically perform actions such as moving their character, interacting with locations, fighting anomalies or mutants, and using items. After all players have taken their turn, an event phase occurs, followed by the advancement of the game's time track.

• Player Actions: Move, explore, engage in combat, trade, or rest.
• Event Card: Each player draws and resolves an event card.
• Zona Card: A Zona card is drawn, which typically advances the emission marker and may trigger other effects, some beneficial, but often hazardous.

4.2. Survival and Hazards

Players must manage their character's health and mental state. The Zone is dangerous, and characters can suffer radiation, mental, or physical damage. Bunkers provide opportunities to rest, recover, and acquire new items or sell findings.

4.3. Winning the Game

The game concludes when a player successfully reaches the Sarcophagus and, having collected two Secrets from Secret Locations, defeats a final event within the Sarcophagus. If the Final Emission track reaches its end before any player achieves this, all players lose.

5. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity of your game components:

• Storage: Store all game components in their original box in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe dust from game boards and figures. Avoid using liquids or abrasive cleaners.
• Card Care: Handle cards carefully to prevent bending or tearing. Consider using card sleeves for added protection if desired.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during gameplay:

• Missing Components: If any components are missing upon unboxing, please contact Rebel Studio customer support.
• Rule Clarification: For detailed rule explanations or specific scenarios not covered in this brief overview, refer to the comprehensive rulebook included with your game. Online forums and official game resources may also provide additional clarifications.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

This product is sold without a manufacturer's warranty. For any product-related inquiries, missing components, or support, please contact Rebel Studio directly through their official website or customer service channels.