Welcome, survivors, to the ultimate guide for After The Virus! If you’re a fan of strategy, zombies, cooperative gameplay, and the occasional panic attack when zombie hordes overwhelm your defenses, this board game delivers an intense post-apocalyptic experience. Let’s dive into why this game has earned its cult following among solo and cooperative gamers.
Part 1: Game Overview
What is After The Virus?
✅ VERIFIED INFORMATION:
- Designer: Jacob Fryxelius & Mattias Fryxelius (FryxGames)
- Publisher: FryxGames (Sweden), Ares Games (international distribution)
- Release Year: 2015
- Players: 1-3 players (optimized for solo play)
- Playing Time: 30-60 minutes
- Age: 13+
- Genre: Cooperative deck-building, survival horror, hand management
- Theme: Post-apocalyptic zombie survival
The Premise
In After The Virus, you play as one of the few remaining humans trying to survive in a world overrun by zombies. Set in the aftermath of a viral outbreak that has turned most of humanity into flesh-eating undead, you must complete missions, scavenge for resources, and fend off relentless zombie hordes while trying not to lose your sanity in the process.
The Twist: Unlike many zombie games focused purely on combat, After The Virus emphasizes deck-building strategy and resource management. You’re not just fighting zombies-you’re building an engine to survive.
What Makes It Special?
Unique Features:
- Solo-focused design: Arguably one of the best solo zombie games
- Deck-building mechanics: Build your survival deck as you play
- Mission variety: Multiple scenarios with different objectives
- Compact size: Fits in a small box, perfect for travel
- Quick gameplay: 30-60 minute sessions keep it tight and tense
- Escalating difficulty: Zombies become more threatening as game progresses
Part 2: Components & Quality
What’s in the Box?
✅ COMPONENT LIST:
Character Cards (3 unique survivors):
- Each with distinct starting abilities and attributes
- Asymmetric gameplay based on character choice
- Personal deck of starting equipment
Mission Cards:
- Multiple scenarios with varying objectives
- Progressive difficulty levels
- Replayable with different strategies
Zombie Cards:
- Various zombie types with different threat levels
- Standard zombies, fast zombies, tough zombies
- Boss zombies for harder missions
Item & Equipment Cards:
- Weapons (melee, ranged, improvised)
- Tools and survival gear
- Resources (food, medicine, ammunition)
- Defensive equipment
Location Cards:
- Different areas to explore and scavenge
- Each location offers unique risks and rewards
Event Cards:
- Random complications and challenges
- Add unpredictability to each playthrough
Component Quality Assessment
Strengths:
- ✅ Artwork: Detailed, atmospheric illustrations capture post-apocalyptic mood
- ✅ Card Quality: Durable linen-finish cards withstand repeated shuffling
- ✅ Iconography: Clear symbols make gameplay flow smoothly
- ✅ Box Size: Compact and portable (fits in backpack)
- ✅ Rulebook: Well-written with examples and clarifications
Weaknesses:
- ⚠️ No Miniatures: Cards only, no physical zombie figures
- ⚠️ Limited Player Count: Only up to 3 players
- ⚠️ Basic Box Insert: Components aren’t well-organized in box
💡 Pro Tip: Sleeve your cards! The frequent shuffling in deck-building games wears cards quickly. Standard-size sleeves (63.5mm × 88mm) work perfectly.
Part 3: How to Play
Game Setup (5 minutes)
Initial Setup:
- Choose your character (Scientist, Exterminator, Scout, Medic)
- Take your character’s starting deck
- Select a mission card (start with easier missions)
- Set up the location deck
- Prepare the zombie deck based on mission difficulty
- Shuffle and place all decks in designated areas
Starting Hand:
- Draw 5 cards from your personal deck
- You’re ready to survive!
Turn Structure
Each turn consists of three phases:
Phase 1: Action Phase
Available Actions:
- Play Cards: Use items, weapons, equipment from hand
- Move: Travel to different locations
- Attack: Fight zombies in your current location
- Scavenge: Search locations for resources
- Use Abilities: Activate character-specific powers
- Rest: Discard hand and draw new cards
Action Points: Most characters have 3-4 actions per turn. Choose wisely!
Phase 2: Event Phase
- Draw Event Card: Introduces new challenges
- Resolve Effects: Events can spawn zombies, create obstacles, or provide benefits
- Adapt Strategy: Unexpected events force you to think on your feet
Sample Events:
- “Horde Incoming!”: Spawn 3 additional zombies
- “Supply Cache”: Find useful items
- “Broken Barricade”: Zombies move faster
- “Peace Treaty” (Joke Event): Try negotiating with zombies (spoiler: doesn’t work)
Phase 3: Zombie Phase
- Zombies Activate: Undead creatures move and attack
- Spawn New Zombies: More undead appear based on mission parameters
- Escalation: Zombie threat increases as game progresses
Zombie Behavior:
- Zombies move toward player locations
- Attack if in same location as player
- Deal damage equal to their strength
- Can overwhelm you if too many accumulate
Winning & Losing
Victory Conditions:
- Complete your mission objectives before being overwhelmed
- Survive the zombie onslaught
- Different missions have different success criteria
Defeat Conditions:
- Your character dies (health reaches zero)
- You’re unable to complete objectives before zombie victory track fills
- Mission-specific failure conditions
Part 4: Characters & Abilities
The Survivors
✅ VERIFIED CHARACTER DETAILS:
The Scientist
Background: Brilliant researcher trying to find a cure for the virus while fighting for survival.
Starting Abilities:
- Research: Can draw extra cards when scavenging
- Improvisation: Creates makeshift tools from junk
- Knowledge: Bonus when using medical items
Playstyle: Support/utility character, excels at resource generation Difficulty: Medium
Funny Fact: Tries to find scientific solutions but mostly just makes things explode. In one memorable game session, our Scientist attempted to create a “zombie repellent” that just attracted more zombies.
The Exterminator
Background: Professional pest control specialist. Zombies are just… big pests.
Starting Abilities:
- Weapon Specialist: Bonus damage with ranged weapons
- Flamethrower Enthusiast: Extra effective with fire-based weapons
- Area Attack: Can target multiple zombies
Playstyle: Combat-focused, eliminates zombie threats efficiently Difficulty: Easy (straightforward combat strategy)
Personality: Loves flamethrowers. A lot. Possibly too much. Has been known to say “Everything looks better on fire” during gameplay.
The Scout
Background: Former military reconnaissance specialist with exceptional mobility and stealth.
Starting Abilities:
- Speed: Extra movement actions
- Stealth: Avoid zombie attacks more easily
- Scavenger: Find items in dangerous locations
Playstyle: Hit-and-run tactics, mobility-based strategy Difficulty: Medium-Hard (requires tactical positioning)
Description: Sneaky and fast, like a caffeine-powered squirrel navigating a zombie-infested world.
The Medic
Background: Combat medic who keeps the group alive through medical expertise.
Starting Abilities:
- Healing: Restore health to self or others
- First Aid: Efficient use of medical supplies
- Support: Provide buffs to teammates
Playstyle: Support/survival, keeps team healthy in cooperative games Difficulty: Medium (requires resource management)
Attitude: Always ready with a band-aid and a sarcastic remark about your poor life choices that led to zombie bites.
Part 5: Strategy & Tactics
Core Strategic Principles
1. Deck-Building Optimization
The heart of After The Virus is building an efficient survival deck:
Early Game Strategy:
- Acquire versatile cards that provide multiple options
- Remove weak starter cards from your deck
- Focus on consistent resource generation
Mid Game Strategy:
- Specialize based on your character’s strengths
- Build combos between cards
- Balance offense and defense
Late Game Strategy:
- Streamline deck for maximum efficiency
- Focus on mission objectives
- Manage zombie threat levels
💡 Pro Tip: A small, efficient deck is better than a large, bloated one. Only add cards that serve clear purposes.
2. Resource Management
Critical Resources:
- Health: Your survival depends on it
- Actions: Limited per turn, use wisely
- Cards in Hand: Your options each turn
- Deck Composition: Quality over quantity
Resource Priorities:
- Survival (health, defense)
- Mission objectives (focus on winning)
- Zombie control (don’t get overwhelmed)
- Deck improvement (long-term power)
3. Zombie Threat Management
When to Fight:
- Zombies threatening mission objectives
- You have efficient weapons in hand
- Zombie numbers are still manageable
When to Avoid:
- Low health and no healing available
- Inefficient combat cards in hand
- Better to focus on mission objectives
When to Run:
- Overwhelming zombie numbers
- Critical mission objective elsewhere
- Better positioning needed
4. Location Strategy
High-Risk Locations:
- More zombies
- Better loot rewards
- High-risk, high-reward
Low-Risk Locations:
- Fewer zombies
- Moderate rewards
- Good for recovery
Strategic Movement:
- Plan routes to minimize zombie encounters
- Visit locations matching your character’s strengths
- Consider event card implications
Advanced Tactics
Combo Plays: Certain card combinations create powerful synergies:
- Weapon + Ammunition = Multiple attacks
- Tool + Scavenge Action = Extra resources
- Defensive Item + Healing = Sustainable survival
Timing Windows:
- Complete objectives before zombie escalation
- Use powerful cards at critical moments
- Save healing for emergencies
Risk Assessment:
- Calculate zombie damage potential
- Estimate turns until objective completion
- Decide when to push forward vs. play safe
Part 6: Mission Variety & Replayability
Mission Types
✅ VERIFIED MISSION CATEGORIES:
1. Survival Missions
- Objective: Survive X turns
- Difficulty: Varies
- Strategy: Pure endurance, zombie management
2. Scavenge Missions
- Objective: Collect specific items/resources
- Difficulty: Medium
- Strategy: Risk management, location selection
3. Rescue Missions
- Objective: Save survivors in different locations
- Difficulty: Hard
- Strategy: Mobility, time management
4. Elimination Missions
- Objective: Defeat specific zombie bosses
- Difficulty: Varies
- Strategy: Combat focus, preparation
5. Exploration Missions
- Objective: Visit all locations
- Difficulty: Medium
- Strategy: Efficient routing, zombie avoidance
Difficulty Scaling
Easy Mode:
- Fewer starting zombies
- More resources available
- Good for learning the game
Normal Mode:
- Balanced challenge
- Standard zombie spawning
- Intended difficulty
Hard Mode:
- Increased zombie threat
- Limited resources
- For experienced players
Nightmare Mode:
- Maximum zombie spawning
- Minimal resources
- Boss zombies from start
- Brutal challenge
Replayability Factors
High Replayability Because:
- ✅ Multiple characters with different playstyles
- ✅ Various missions with different objectives
- ✅ Randomized events create unique scenarios
- ✅ Different deck-building strategies
- ✅ Scalable difficulty levels
- ✅ Quick playtime encourages “one more game”
Expansion Potential:
- Community creates custom missions
- House rules for added challenge
- Character variant abilities
Part 7: Solo Play Experience
Why After The Virus Excels Solo
Perfect for Solo Gaming:
- ✅ Designed for 1 player: No awkward scaling or AI rules
- ✅ Quick setup: Get playing in 5 minutes
- ✅ Tight gameplay: 30-60 minute sessions fit busy schedules
- ✅ No downtime: Always your turn
- ✅ Portable: Easy to play anywhere
- ✅ Puzzle-like challenge: Optimize your strategy
Solo Gaming Strengths:
- Pure strategic decision-making
- No need to coordinate with others
- Play at your own pace
- Experiment with different strategies
- Multiple quick plays in one session
💡 Pro Tip: Solo players can easily play 2-3 missions in one sitting, testing different characters and strategies.
Cooperative (2-3 Players)
Cooperative Dynamics:
- Each player controls their own character
- Share mission objectives
- Can trade items and support each other
- Coordinate strategies and actions
Cooperative Challenges:
- More zombies spawn
- Resource distribution becomes important
- Communication and planning crucial
- Different character combos create synergies
Best 2-Player Combos:
- Exterminator + Medic (damage + healing)
- Scout + Scientist (mobility + resources)
- Any combination works with good communication
3-Player Experience:
- Maximum zombie threat
- Complex coordination required
- Most chaotic and hilarious
- Harder but more fun
Part 8: The Humor Factor
Embracing the Absurdity
Despite the grim theme of zombie apocalypse and human extinction, After The Virus is filled with humorous moments that keep gameplay lighthearted and entertaining.
Humorous Elements:
Event Cards: Some event cards are intentionally ridiculous:
- “Peace Treaty”: Attempt diplomatic negotiations with zombies (always fails spectacularly)
- “Zombie Dance Party”: Undead temporarily confused by survivor doing the Thriller dance
- “Accidental Explosion”: Scientist experiments gone wrong (again)
Absurd Situations:
- Using a frying pan as your primary zombie-fighting weapon
- Trying to fix a broken radio while surrounded by undead
- Exterminator insisting “Everything looks better on fire”
- Scout running circles around zombies like Benny Hill chase scene
Character Quirks:
- Scientist making things explode while “researching”
- Medic’s sarcastic remarks about zombie bite treatment
- Exterminator’s unhealthy obsession with flamethrowers
- Scout’s squirrel-like darting between locations
Memorable Game Moments:
Story #1: The Frying Pan Incident “In one game, our group ended up using a frying pan to fend off zombies while the Scientist tried to fix a broken radio. The absurdity of clubbing undead with cookware while classical music played from a half-functioning radio had us laughing for hours.”
Story #2: The Failed Negotiation “During one particularly desperate game, our Scientist drew the ‘Peace Treaty’ event card and genuinely tried to negotiate with the zombie horde using logical arguments about mutual survival. Spoiler alert: Zombies don’t care about game theory. The laughter echoed as we were promptly eaten.”
Story #3: Exterminator’s Solution “Everything is flammable if you’re brave enough” - The Exterminator’s motto. In one mission, instead of carefully clearing zombies, our Exterminator just set everything on fire. Problem solved… along with most of our mission objectives.”
Why Humor Matters
The humorous approach to zombie apocalypse serves important functions:
- Tension Relief: Lightens the intense strategic pressure
- Engagement: Keeps players invested and entertained
- Memorability: Creates stories you’ll tell for years
- Accessibility: Makes grim theme approachable for wider audience
- Replayability: Fun moments encourage return plays
Part 9: Pros & Cons
Strengths
✅ Engaging Deck-Building Gameplay
- Strategic depth without overwhelming complexity
- Satisfying progression as deck improves
- Multiple viable strategies
✅ Excellent Solo Experience
- One of the best solo zombie games available
- Quick setup and playtime
- No fiddly AI or bot rules
✅ High-Quality Components
- Beautiful, atmospheric artwork
- Durable cards with clear iconography
- Professional production values
✅ Replayability
- Multiple missions and difficulty levels
- Different characters with unique abilities
- Randomized events ensure variety
- Quick enough to play multiple times in session
✅ Cooperative Fun (2-3 players)
- Teamwork and coordination add excitement
- Different character combos create synergies
- Shared victory is satisfying
✅ Portable & Accessible
- Compact box size perfect for travel
- Quick to teach and learn
- 30-60 minute playtime fits busy schedules
✅ Humorous Tone
- Lighthearted approach to grim theme
- Creates memorable moments
- Balances tension with entertainment
Weaknesses
⚠️ Limited Player Count
- Maximum 3 players feels restrictive
- Not suitable for larger game nights
- Miss out if you have 4+ regular gaming group
⚠️ Complex Setup (Relative to Playtime)
- Multiple decks to prepare
- Shuffling and organizing takes time
- Setup-to-playtime ratio could be better
⚠️ Punishing Difficulty
- Can be brutally hard, especially on higher difficulties
- New players may get discouraged
- Randomness can create unwinnable situations
⚠️ Zombie Overload (Theme)
- If you’re tired of zombie themes, this won’t change your mind
- Saturated market of zombie games
- Nothing revolutionary thematically
⚠️ Limited Strategic Depth (For Experts)
- Experienced gamers may find it straightforward
- Optimal strategies become apparent
- Not as deep as heavy deck-builders
⚠️ No Miniatures
- Cards-only design lacks tactile appeal
- No physical zombie figures
- Less visually impressive on table
⚠️ Language Dependence
- Text on many cards
- Not easy to play in non-native language
- Requires translation for international players
Part 10: Who Should Buy After The Virus?
Perfect For:
✅ Solo Gamers
- Excellent solo experience
- Quick setup and playtime
- No awkward bot/AI systems
- Portable for solo gaming anywhere
✅ Deck-Building Fans
- Satisfying deck optimization
- Card combos and synergies
- Progressive power growth
✅ Zombie Theme Enthusiasts
- If you love zombie survival
- Post-apocalyptic atmosphere
- Undead hordes and survival horror
✅ Quick Session Gamers
- 30-60 minute playtime
- Fits lunch breaks or short gaming windows
- Multiple plays in one sitting
✅ Cooperative Players (Small Groups)
- 2-3 player co-op works well
- Teamwork and coordination
- Shared victory satisfaction
✅ Casual to Medium Gamers
- Accessible rules
- Strategic without being overwhelming
- Good bridge between light and heavy games
Not Ideal For:
❌ Large Gaming Groups
- 3-player maximum is limiting
- Not suitable for big game nights
- Miss out if your group is 4+
❌ Heavy Strategy Gamers
- May find it too light
- Limited strategic depth compared to complex deck-builders
- Becomes solved after many plays
❌ Zombie Theme Fatigue
- If you’re tired of zombie games
- Nothing revolutionary about theme
- Saturated market
❌ Luck-Averse Players
- Random events can swing games
- Card draws create variance
- Not purely skill-based
❌ Players Seeking Miniatures
- Card-only game
- No physical zombie figures
- Less table presence
❌ Fans of Longer Campaign Games
- Missions are standalone
- No persistent progression
- Not a legacy or campaign experience
Part 11: Comparison to Other Games
After The Virus vs. Zombicide
| Feature | After The Virus | Zombicide |
|---|---|---|
| Players | 1-3 | 1-6 |
| Playtime | 30-60 min | 60-180 min |
| Type | Deck-building | Cooperative action |
| Components | Cards only | Miniatures + tiles |
| Complexity | Medium-Light | Medium |
| Price | ~$25-35 | ~$80-100+ |
| Portability | Excellent | Poor (big box) |
| Solo | Excellent | Good |
Verdict: After The Virus is more portable, quicker, and cheaper. Zombicide offers more tactical depth, miniatures, and larger player count.
After The Virus vs. Dead of Winter
| Feature | After The Virus | Dead of Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Players | 1-3 | 2-5 |
| Playtime | 30-60 min | 60-120 min |
| Type | Deck-building | Crisis management |
| Betrayal | No | Yes (crossroads) |
| Complexity | Medium-Light | Medium-Heavy |
| Theme | Zombie survival | Winter survival + zombies |
| Solo | Excellent | Requires variant |
Verdict: After The Virus is simpler and better for solo. Dead of Winter offers social deduction and more complex narrative.
After The Virus vs. Legendary (Marvel)
| Feature | After The Virus | Legendary |
|---|---|---|
| Theme | Zombie survival | Superhero battles |
| Players | 1-3 | 1-5 |
| Deck-Building | Survival focus | Combat focus |
| Expansions | Limited | Extensive |
| Complexity | Medium-Light | Medium |
| Replayability | High | Very High |
Verdict: Similar deck-building mechanics. Legendary has more content/expansions. After The Virus has tighter, more focused gameplay.
Part 12: Final Verdict
The Bottom Line
After The Virus is a compact, accessible, and highly entertaining cooperative deck-building game that excels at delivering quick, strategic zombie survival experiences. It shines brightest as a solo game, offering one of the best single-player zombie experiences in a small, portable package.
Final Rating: 8/10
Breakdown:
- Gameplay: 8.5/10 (Engaging deck-building with good tension)
- Components: 8/10 (Quality cards and art, no miniatures)
- Solo Experience: 9/10 (Excellent for solo gamers)
- Cooperative: 7/10 (Good but limited to 3 players)
- Replayability: 8/10 (Multiple missions and characters)
- Value: 9/10 (Great price for content)
- Theme: 7/10 (Familiar but well-executed)
Who Will Love It
Strong Recommendation For:
- Solo gamers seeking portable zombie survival
- Deck-building fans wanting quick sessions
- Small cooperative groups (2-3 players)
- Zombie theme enthusiasts
- Gamers with limited time (30-60 min sessions)
- Budget-conscious buyers (~$25-35)
Who Might Skip It
Consider Alternatives If:
- You need 4+ player games
- You want miniatures and tactile components
- You seek deep, complex strategy
- You’re experiencing zombie theme fatigue
- You want campaign/legacy progression
- You dislike luck-based elements
Final Recommendation
If you enjoy deck-building games, love zombie survival themes, and especially if you’re a solo gamer looking for quick, strategic sessions, After The Virus delivers excellent value. It won’t replace heavy strategy games or large-group party games, but within its niche-compact, quick, solo-friendly zombie deck-building-it’s one of the best options available.
The Geeknite Verdict: After The Virus proves that you don’t need a massive box full of miniatures to create an engaging zombie survival experience. Its tight deck-building mechanics, humorous tone, and excellent solo play make it a must-have for the right audience. Just don’t expect to negotiate peace treaties with the undead-it never works.
Ready to survive the zombie apocalypse? Grab your copy and join the fight! May your brains remain uneaten!
Where to Buy (2025 Prices)
Availability:
- Amazon: $28-35
- Board Game Geek Marketplace: $20-30 (used)
- Local Game Stores: $30-35
- FryxGames Direct: Check official website
💡 Pro Tip: The game occasionally goes out of print. If you find it at MSRP ($30-35), grab it!
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Tags: board games, review, after the virus, zombies, deck-building, cooperative, solo gaming, strategy, survival horror, card games, fryxgames
| *Last Updated: October 2025 | Game information verified against publisher specifications and rulebook* |