Chernobyl: The Exclusion Zone (2019)

Overview
"Zona" is an adventure board game designed for 1-4 players. The objective is to reach the Sarcophagus at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant before the other players. The Sarcophagus opens only when the player has collected two secrets from underground facilities, known as Secret Locations. Players must hurry as there is a time limit to consider. When the Final Emission occurs, all is lost...

Gameplay Mechanics
Each turn, players can perform two actions (move, explore, fight, etc.), and then everyone reads an Event Card, which contains text for a short adventure. At the end of the turn, a News Card is drawn by the first player and resolved by them.

Atmosphere
This board game emphasizes the survival aspect. The Zone depicted on the game board is an extremely dangerous and isolated area with very limited access to functional equipment and supplies. Players often have to repair their items and buy new ones. It is also crucial to rest to reduce fatigue and heal injuries.

Stalkers
Each player takes on the role of one of the 10 Stalkers included in the game. Each Stalker has their own Special Ability, a set of basic skills, and starting equipment. The values for stats like Awareness, Agility, and Intelligence determine how well they are at avoiding dangers and traps, fighting mutants, or collecting Artifacts from anomalies. The Stalker's story explains their personal goal – the reason they have come to the Zone. The differences between the Stalkers make playing with each of them a completely unique experience.