Complete Guide to Buying Pandemic

Your Guide to buying the best Pandemic

Overview

This buying guide is designed to help you make an educated and informed decision when it comes to purchasing the popular board game, Pandemic. We will be discussing the game mechanics, components, and the best editions to buy. We'll also be covering age-specific versions of the game, as well as expansions and accessories. With our guide, you will be able to find the perfect edition of the game and make sure you have a great experience.

Key features

  1. Type of Pandemic - There are different types of pandemics that can be purchased. Consider the type of pandemic you are looking to buy, and the purpose for which you will be using it.
  2. Number of Players - The number of players that can be accommodated for a particular pandemic is important to consider. Choose a game that provides an appropriate level of challenge and engagement regardless of the number of players.
  3. Time Span - Consider the amount of time you have available for playing the game. Some pandemics are designed to be played in a few hours, while others can take days or weeks to complete.
  4. Gameplay - Each pandemic has its own unique style of gameplay. In some games, players compete against each other, while in others they must work together to achieve a common goal. Consider the type of game you would prefer to play before you make your purchase.
  5. Price - The price of a pandemic can vary significantly depending on the complexity and type of game. Consider your budget and the price of the game before making your decision.
  6. Quality - Quality is an important factor when choosing a pandemic. Read reviews to get an idea of the level of quality offered by different games and select one that meets your needs.

See the most popular Pandemic on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Educational - Pandemic provides a fun way to learn about epidemiology and the spread of diseases.
  • Cooperative Play - Pandemic encourages collaboration and teamwork as players work together to battle against the spread of diseases.
  • Replayability - With multiple scenarios and the possibility of random events, Pandemic offers players lots of variety and an element of surprise.
  • Strategy - Pandemic challenges players to develop and implement strategies to save the world from a pandemic.
  • Time Commitment - Pandemic is designed to be played in under an hour, making it an ideal game for those with limited time.

Cons

  • Cost: Pandemic can be an expensive game, ranging from $30 to $60 depending on the edition.
  • Accessibility: Pandemic can be a complex game, and may not be enjoyable for those who are not familiar with board games or strategic gaming.
  • Strategy: As the game is based on strategy, players with a lot of experience may be better equipped to win the game.
  • Time: Games of Pandemic can take a long time to play, which may not suit people who are short on time.
  • Need for Players: Pandemic requires at least two players to play, and is best with up to four players.

Best alternatives

  1. Fluxx – a fast-paced card game with constantly changing rules and objectives.
  2. Terraforming Mars – a strategic board game set in the 2400s where players compete to transform the planet.
  3. Coup – a bluffing card game where players attempt to eliminate their opponents by claiming identities.
  4. 7 Wonders – a card-drafting game where players build their own civilizations in ancient times.
  5. Splendor – a resource-management game where players compete to earn prestige points by collecting gems.
  6. Settlers of Catan – a strategy game where players attempt to build the most successful colonies on an island.
  7. Ticket to Ride – a railway-based board game in which players compete to build the most extensive train routes.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Board Game – Pandemic is a cooperative board game where players work together to prevent the spread of four diseases across the world.
  • Cards – Pandemic includes cards for outbreaks, events, curing diseases, and cities.
  • Dice – Pandemic includes six 6-sided dice, which are used to keep track of the disease cube supply.
  • Player Pieces – Each player has a set of 8 colored cubes in their player color.
  • Disease Cubes – The game contains 48 disease cubes used to track the spread of each of the four diseases.
  • Reference Cards – Reference cards provide an overview of the game and each player's role.
  • Rules Booklet – The rules booklet provides detailed explanations of the game play and components, as well as variants to the game.
  • Timer – A timer can be used in the game to keep track of how long each turn takes.

Common questions

  1. What kind of game is Pandemic? Pandemic is a cooperative game for 2-4 players where the objective is to work together to find cures for four diseases before they spread out of control.
  2. What is the recommended age for Pandemic? The recommended age for Pandemic is 8 and up.
  3. How many players can play Pandemic? Pandemic can be played with 2-4 players.
  4. How long does it take to play Pandemic? It takes around 45 minutes to play one game of Pandemic.
  5. What components does Pandemic come with? Pandemic comes with a board, 6 city pieces, 4 pawns, 4 disease cubes, 96 cards, 7 player cards, and a rulebook.
  6. Is there an expansion for Pandemic? Yes, there are several expansions for Pandemic, including On The Brink, In the Lab, and State of Emergency.

Trivia

During the original 2008 release of the Pandemic board game, the creators had no idea the game would become so popular. They only printed a limited run of 2,000 copies, and the game was sold out at many retailers within months of its release. It wasn’t until the game’s digital version was released on Steam in late 2020 that the game’s popularity exploded and the board game sold over 5 million copies. Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidmpearce/2020/12/17/pandemic-the-board-game-has-sold-over-5-million-copies-worldwide/?sh=6bade9c1455c

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.