Best Post Apocalyptic Board Games of 2024: Top 6 Picks

Explore the best board games with a post apocalyptic twist! Survive, strategize, and rebuild in a world forever changed.
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51st State: Master Set coverAfter The Virus coverFallout: The Board Game cover

When the world ends, the fun begins! We’ve scoured the wastelands to bring you the 6 best ‘post apocalyptic’ board games out there. Now, in a world where resources are scarce and danger lurks in every corner, what do we look for? A mix of survival tension, strategic depth, and, surprisingly, fun storytelling elements. Whether you’re rebuilding civilization, fighting off unspeakable horrors, or just trying to deliver the mail in a world gone mad, we’ve got something for you. These games have been tested in the most unforgiving environments (our game nights), and they’ve emerged as the champions of the apocalypse. Let’s get ready to rumble in the ruins!

On this list:

6 51st State: Master Set

51st State: Master Set cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 60-90 minutes

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If you’ve got a thing for card games and want to rebuild society after it’s all gone to pot, 51st State: Master Set is your jam. We fell in love with it ’cause it’s all about making strategic alliances, or just blowing stuff up if that’s more your style. There’s a ton of cards, so every game feels fresh.

5 After The Virus

After The Virus cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 1-3
  • Play Time: 30-90 minutes

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Zombie fans unite! After The Virus is a deck-building game that really makes you feel like you’re scrambling to survive a zombie outbreak. We couldn’t get enough of how each choice feels like life or death. Plus, it’s cooperative, so you can backstab – um, I mean, help your friends survive.

4 Fallout: The Board Game

Fallout: The Board Game cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 2-3 hours

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Based on the beloved video game series, Fallout: The Board Game nails the post apocalyptic vibe. Exploring, fighting, and decision-making – it’s got it all. We especially loved the quest system that changes every time you play. It’s like stepping right into the wasteland, minus the radiation poisoning.

3 The Others

The Others cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 90 minutes

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The Others is not your typical post apocalyptic game. It mixes horror with your end-of-the-world chaos, where you’re fighting against a bunch of deadly sins. Yeah, literal sins. It’s team-based, so you either save the world or destroy it, depending on your mood. The minis in this game? Absolutely killer.

2 Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game

Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game cover

  • Age Range: 13+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 1-2 hours

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Dead of Winter throws you into a frozen wasteland with a small group of survivors. It’s not just about zombies; it’s about handling crisis, morale, and sometimes, betrayal. We were on the edge of our seats, making tough calls on who gets to eat and who gets… well, you know. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions.

1 Wasteland Express Delivery Service

Wasteland Express Delivery Service cover

  • Age Range: 13+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 60-120 minutes

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Wasteland Express Delivery Service takes the cake. Imagine Mad Max, but you’re a delivery driver. Sounds nuts, right? It’s fast, it’s furious (pun intended), and has you delivering goods, fighting off raiders, and pimping out your truck in a post apocalyptic wasteland. What sets it apart is the theme integration. Every aspect, from the art to the missions, feels like you’re cruising through a world that’s seen better days. It’s hands-down the best for diving headfirst into chaos and coming out with a story to tell.

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.