At a glance
Players: 2–4 · Play time: 45 min · Ages: 8+ · Cooperative board game · Publisher: Z-Man Games · Designer: Matt Leacock
Pandemic (ZMG-ZM7101)
Pandemic is a cooperative board game from Z-Man Games for 2–4 players, ages 8+, that plays in about 45 minutes.
How it plays
Pandemic is a cooperative game. You and your team are an elite disease-control unit trying to keep four deadly diseases at bay.
Travel the globe to treat infections and collect the cards you need to discover a cure for each disease. Outbreaks and epidemics keep the pressure on, and you win or lose together.
What's in the box
- 1 rulebook
- 1 game board
- 7 role cards
- 7 pawns
- 59 player cards (48 city, 6 epidemic, 5 event)
- 4 reference cards
- 48 infection cards
- 96 disease cubes
- 4 cure markers
- 1 infection rate token
- 1 outbreaks token
- 6 research stations
Saga Table Talk
Great for: Families and friends who would rather team up than compete, and groups new to modern board games.
What a game night feels like: Tense teamwork. Everyone leans over the board planning moves together, and an epidemic card gets a collective groan.
If you like this, try: Daybreak, Everdell
Teaching tip: Play your first game with the easiest setup and talk through every turn as a team.
FAQ
How many players can play Pandemic?
Pandemic is for 2–4 players.
How long does Pandemic take?
Z-Man Games lists about 45 minutes.
What age is Pandemic for?
Z-Man Games recommends it for ages 8+.
Do I need anything else to play Pandemic?
No. Pandemic is a complete, standalone game.
Is Pandemic good for two players?
Yes. It plays with two, and Z-Man Games lists it for 2–4 players.
How does Pandemic compare to Daybreak?
Both are cooperative: everyone wins or loses together. Pandemic is about curing diseases (2–4 players); Daybreak is about tackling climate change.
