Review: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. The Board Game

One of the most exciting aspects of tabletop crowdfunding has been its ability to foster bold and inventive ideas. In the realm of video-game-to-board game adaptations, designers no longer have to appeal to the masses; instead, they can focus on audiences who are already passionate about both gaming mediums. This has paved the way for a game like S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: The Board Game to shine, delivering an incredibly immersive experience that lives up to the rich legacy of the original video game series.

This board game isn’t just a casual pastime; it’s a complex, content-rich venture. It accommodates up to four players, letting them step into the shoes of STALKERs as they team up to complete tasks like freeing captives, tracking down artifacts, or taking on formidable creatures around Chernobyl’s hazardous zone. Getting everything set up—tiles, tokens, overlays, cards—demands about 20 minutes alone. When it comes to navigating the zone, be prepared for an intense two to three-hour session brimming with strategic sneaking and battling. Those diving in for the first time may find it takes even longer as they learn the ropes. Unlike recent board games like Mass Effect, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. asks players to fully immerse themselves in its world, even if it’s at the expense of quick accessibility. However, the payoff is substantial, providing an incredibly rewarding tabletop journey.

The main mode for playing S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is through a story-driven campaign consisting of three scenarios. This setup feels much less daunting compared to lengthier campaign games like Gloomhaven, and it means players are more likely to see the campaign through to the end.

Blending elements of a classic dungeon crawler with an adventure game, players control different STALKERs equipped with diverse weapons, armor, and enhancements. Each player takes turns deciding between actions such as moving, shooting, and more creative tactics like throwing bolts to divert enemies or interacting with various map features.

The game environment really stands out due to its vibrant uncertainty. This constant undercurrent of unpredictability mirrors the danger and allure of the Zone from the original game. As you traverse certain areas, radiation builds up—having a protective suit is vital. Depending on your scenario goals, you might find yourself uncovering hidden entrances or choosing between risky paths. These challenges are often presented on cards placed over the map, and engaging with them reveals their outcomes, lending a strong sense of the unknown that’s especially apparent during your first run-through of each scenario.

A fascinating element is the portrayal of anomalies. These mysterious anomalies are signature elements from the video game series, and their translation to the board game is done spectacularly. Represented by a standee, they’re placed on translucent templates on the board, laced with symbols that indicate potentially perilous zones.

Venturing into these spaces requires a dice roll, where rolling a matching symbol triggers the anomaly’s reaction. Effects can vary but often result in significant damage or negative status conditions. Tossing bolts helps mark safe paths through, elegantly capturing the source material’s tension and atmosphere without excessive complexity. The components’ unique nature further enhances the game’s otherworldly feel.

The game’s enemy AI is skillfully conceived. After players complete their turns, an action card is drawn that dictates enemy movements. The game differentiates between enemy types like mutants and humans, who respond based on players’ actions—whether covert or loud. Players who charge recklessly are met with harsher consequences. This system both encourages and rewards stealth tactics amid scenarios designed for strategic depth, aligning well with the unpredictable environmental and anomaly dynamics.

Though the campaign’s story mode offers engaging arcs, its duration is finite. With two mission branches available, any given path not taken invites a fresh replay opportunity. Each playthrough provides only a handful of missions, but even revisiting completed ones can be enjoyable thanks to the randomized terrain and multiple ways to achieve objectives.

Between-mission activities are an added touch, allowing you to visit scavenger camps, talk to armorers, and discover hidden caches. These are mapped out as you progress, with stickers marking finds on an area map. You get two blank maps, ensuring a fresh lens with each new campaign.

Without any additional content, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: The Board Game would still be a noteworthy entry in the market. But there’s more: the standout feature is undoubtedly the Zone Survival module. It’s a versatile scenario generator that combines numerous random elements to create a truly unique mission. With a deck made of random cards and objectives set either randomly or chosen, this module brings endless excitement through its variability.

Half of the game’s components are dedicated to this intricate system. Even if the story campaign were absent, this module alone would uphold S.T.A.L.K.E.R.’s position as a top board game of the year. Although setup demands attention, these standalone scenarios keep surprising players. The sheer variability supports almost infinite replayability.

What ensures this game’s long-term appeal is the scope for future expansion. It begins with STALKER miniatures and cardboard standees for opponents and anomalies. Yet, more options are available with purchasable miniature sets and expansions that inject fresh narratives, characters, factions, and campaigns. The publisher’s commitment is immense, hinting at a durable presence in the tabletop ecosystem.

Check out our buying guide if you’re ready to dive into this thrilling board game adaptation. Plus, explore even more board games inspired by popular video games!