What is the objective of the game Dead of Winter?

The objective of the game Dead of Winter is for the players, as survivors in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, to work together to achieve the main objective of the scenario they are playing. However, each player also has their own secret objective, which may conflict with the group's goal. Dead of Winter, designed by Jonathan Gilmour and Isaac Vega and published by Plaid Hat Games, is a highly thematic and suspenseful board game that blends cooperative and semi-cooperative gameplay.

In Dead of Winter, players take on the roles of different characters, each with unique abilities and strengths, trying to survive in a colony of survivors during a harsh winter in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse. The colony is represented by a central game board and various location cards that depict the different areas of the colony, such as the police station, hospital, and library.

The main objective of the game, known as the "crossroads" objective, is determined by the scenario being played. This objective can vary from scenario to scenario and might include tasks like gathering specific resources, rescuing survivors, or researching a cure for the zombie infection.

Players must work together and pool their resources to achieve the main objective while also dealing with various challenges, such as zombie attacks, limited supplies, and the harsh winter conditions. Each player takes turns during the game, and during their turn, they can perform various actions like searching for items, barricading locations, attacking zombies, or completing specific objectives.

However, what sets Dead of Winter apart from many other cooperative games is the addition of a secret objective for each player. At the start of the game, each player is dealt a secret objective card, which may align with the main objective, but it may also conflict with it. Some players might have a personal goal to hoard certain resources or sabotage the group's efforts.

This dual-objective system creates an atmosphere of suspicion and distrust among the players. Not everyone may be working towards the common good, and some players may be trying to sabotage the group's efforts for their own gain. The possibility of a traitor within the group adds a layer of tension and unpredictability to the game, as players must weigh their decisions carefully and try to determine who they can trust.

To make things even more challenging, each player also has a hidden identity card, which determines whether they are the traitor or a loyal member of the group. The traitor's objective is to see the main objective fail, while the other players must work together to achieve it while also dealing with potential traitorous actions.

The game also introduces the concept of "crossroads" cards, which are triggered by specific events or player actions. These cards present players with moral dilemmas or critical decisions, and the choices they make can have significant consequences for the group.

Dead of Winter's immersive theme, challenging gameplay, and elements of betrayal and cooperation have made it a highly praised and beloved game among board game enthusiasts. The dynamic nature of each scenario, combined with the possibility of traitorous players and the moral dilemmas presented by the "crossroads" cards, ensures that each playthrough is a unique and intense experience.

In summary, the objective of Dead of Winter is for the players to work together as survivors in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, striving to achieve the main objective of the scenario they are playing. However, each player also has a secret objective, which may conflict with the group's goal, and some players may be traitors trying to sabotage the group's efforts. The game's cooperative and semi-cooperative mechanics, along with its thematic immersion and tense decision-making, make Dead of Winter an enthralling and gripping experience that keeps players on the edge of their seats.