What Is Dead of Winter?

Dead of Winter Is a Zombie-Themed Survival Adventure Game. It Is Semi-Cooperative, Meaning Players Work Cooperatively Towards One Goal, but Each Player Has Their Own Personal Goal to Accomplish, Also.

Playing Dead of Winter – What You’ll Need

Everything You Need to Play Dead of Winter Can Be Found in the Box:

Suggested Area of Play

Dead of Winter Can Be Played on Your Standard Kitchen or Card Table. Each Player Should Reserve a Small Area in Front of Them for Their Player Reference Sheet, Survivor Cards, and Any Additional Cards They May Collect During Gameplay.

The Following Setup Is for a Game Involving 3 Players. the Rulebook Will Explain in Further Detail the Different Game Variants and Their Set up Such as a 2 Player Game, Strictly Co-Op, Hardcore, Etc.

How to Setup the Game

The Following Setup Is for a Game Involving 3 Players. the Rulebook Will Explain in Further Detail the Different Game Variants and Their Set up Such as a 2 Player Game, Strictly Co-Op, Hardcore, Etc.

How to Play Dead of Winter

In Dead of Winter, Each Round Consists of 2 Phases: Player Turn Phase and Colony Phase.

How to Win at Dead of Winter

To Determine Who Wins, the Game Must First Come to an End. the Game Will End If Either of These Conditions Are Met:

Gameplay Video Instructions

The Box States an Average Game Is Around 60-120 Minutes, but It Also Depends on the Main Objective Card You Choose to Play With. Main Objective Cards Are Each Labeled Short, Medium, and Long and Can Last Anywhere from 45-210 Minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Box States an Average Game Is Around 60-120 Minutes, but It Also Depends on the Main Objective Card You Choose to Play With. Main Objective Cards Are Each Labeled Short, Medium, and Long and Can Last Anywhere from 45-210 Minutes.

How Long Does It Take to Play Dead of Winter?

The Box States an Average Game Is Around 60-120 Minutes, but It Also Depends on the Main Objective Card You Choose to Play With. Main Objective Cards Are Each Labeled Short, Medium, and Long and Can Last Anywhere from 45-210 Minutes.

What’s the Difference Between Dead of Winter and Dead of Winter: the Long Night?

Dead of Winter: the Long Night Is a Standalone Expansion. Look at Our Expansion Section Below for Additional Information!

Can Dead of Winter Be Played Solo?

No, Dead of Winter Is Strictly Meant to Be Played for 2-5 Players.

Dead of Winter Expansions

Currently, There Are Two Expansions for Dead of Winter:

Similar Games to Dead of Winter (Our Guides)

If You Enjoyed Playing Dead of Winter, Below Is a List of Other Similar Games You Might Enjoy Playing and Learning About (If We’ve Covered It):

Dead of Winter: a Crossroads Game (Rules and Instructions)

By Alexander Ross

• Oct 8, 2026 • 14 min read

Dead of Winter: a Crossroads Game (Rules and Instructions)

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

Dead of Winter Is a Board Game That Transports You Directly into a Colony with Other Survivors Who All Share the Same Goal: Stay Alive, No Matter What It Takes!

Alexander Ross

Gaming, Esports & Interactive Media Writer

Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.

Tags: dead of winter rules