Dawn of the Zeds: Designer Edition 2026

The world you knew is gone. Don't look now, but the dead are marching.

A deadly virus has turned ordinary people into vicious, zombie-like killers - the Zeds. They are now converging on your isolated hometown of Farmingdale. The National Guard is fighting its way to you, but you're alone, cut off, and the horde arrives now.

This isn't a game of simply surviving; it's a desperate fight to become the hope of all humankind. The Defense of Farmingdale

In Dawn of the Zeds: Designer's Edition', you must coordinate and deploy the best defense possible across the town and its surrounding villages. As the Zeds advance along multiple, distinct avenues of approach, you'll depend on the bravery of ordinary citizens, who — with the right leadership — can emerge as stalwart heroes.

Your goal is two-fold:

Hold the Line: Halt the Zeds' advance by “re-killing” them before they breach the crucial Town Center. Find the Cure: Research, discover, and implement a cure for the vile scourge that drives these monsters, thus helping save the remnants of humanity before it’s too late.

Every decision is a test of skill and nerve. Can you fight off the waves of Zeds while also protecting the townspeople? Will you survive long enough to unearth the cure? In this apocalyptic fever dream, the nightmare ends only with you being either a savior... or merely another zombie snack.

What's New in the Designer's Edition?

Dawn of the Zeds: Designer's Edition is a solitaire and cooperative survival horror game heavily influenced by the iconic States of Siege series. This new edition is a re-imagining of the first and second editions, serving as a comprehensive renewal of the franchise:

Updated Mechanics: The game design has been re-engineered for a quicker, smoother, and more accessible experience. One Rulebook: All rules are consolidated into a single, concise book, making it easier for both new and returning players. New Content: Most of the original characters and events are back, alongside a sprinkling of brand-new heroes, units, events, and modes of play. Uncompromised Horror: This edition maintains the deep horror narrative, thematic events, and engaging fun that made the Dawn of the Zeds franchise a classic. The traditional horror mood is alive and well ... errr, I mean ... undead and not-so-well.

—description from the publisher