After the Virus

After the Virus

Players
1-3
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
1 player
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
90 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
10+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
2.3 / 5
Year
2017

About the game

After the Virus is a cooperative deck-building game for 1-3 players surviving a zombie apocalypse across 15 story-driven missions. Players scavenge weapons and gear from an area deck while their own deck gets progressively infected with zombie cards each time it's reshuffled, forcing tough choices about what to keep and discard. Balancing deck management against escalating zombie threats makes for a tense, mission-based cooperative campaign.

Hobbli's Notes

Hobbli's team likes how After the Virus turns the deck-building genre's core loop into a genuine survival mechanic, your own deck becomes a ticking clock as zombies infiltrate it. The linked mission structure gives a satisfying narrative arc for those who play through in sequence. Its low player count and strong solo mode make it a great pick for smaller zombie-survival co-op sessions.

What we like

  • Clever mechanic where the deck itself represents the escalating threat.
  • 15 linked missions provide a satisfying campaign arc.
  • Strong solo mode alongside small-group cooperative play.
  • Deck management decisions stay meaningful throughout.

Keep in mind

  • Capped at 3 players limits larger group play.
  • Missions best experienced in sequence, reducing replay flexibility.

Who it's for

Great for cooperative and solo players (ages 10+) in small groups of 1-3 who enjoy zombie-themed deck-building.

Mechanics