For fans of intense, story-driven board games, understanding the nemesis board game rules is essential to fully enjoy this immersive sci-fi survival experience. Set aboard a mysterious spaceship crawling with alien threats, Nemesis combines strategy, hidden information, and cooperative tension in a way few games can match.
Each player takes on the role of a crew member, each with unique abilities and personal goals. At the same time, one or more players may be secretly infected—turning them into a traitor later in the game. This creates constant suspicion and high-stakes decisions.
The game unfolds over several phases per round: movement, action, encounter, and threat activation. Every choice matters. Missteps can lead to infection, death, or mission failure.
Players explore rooms, gather weapons, complete objectives, and manage their physical and mental health. Meanwhile, aliens move through vents and corridors, hunting silently.
Because the nemesis board game rules blend cooperation with potential betrayal, every session feels unpredictable. No two games play out the same.
Knowing how to navigate these mechanics ensures you get the most from your gameplay. Whether you’re a beginner or returning after a break, reviewing the nemesis board game rules deepens your appreciation and skill.
Understanding the Components Before Playing
Before diving into the nemesis board game rules, take time to identify all game parts. First, lay out the modular room tiles. These snap together to form the ship’s layout. Each tile shows doors, vents, and key zones like the Bridge or Medbay.
Then, sort the player boards. Each represents a character class such as Scientist, Engineer, or Security Officer. These come with ability trackers and inventory slots.
Next, prepare the decks: Action cards, Encounter cards, Quests, and Trauma. Shuffle each and place them near the board. These drive events and challenges throughout the game.
Alien miniatures go in designated spawn areas. Humans use standees or detailed figures. Place starting weapons and tools in the Supply area.
Personal pods hold private items and hidden infection status. Only the owner should look inside during setup.
Health and stamina tokens go on their respective tracks. Players will adjust these often.
Finally, set up the central AI deck. It controls alien movements and triggers danger phases.
Familiarizing yourself with these components makes learning the nemesis board game rules much smoother.
Setting Up the Game Correctly
Setting up Nemesis properly ensures a balanced and exciting session. Start by connecting room tiles to build the ship. Follow the scenario guide or create your own layout. Make sure all doors align and paths are clear.
Then, place the airlock, supply crate, and objective markers where instructed. Some missions require specific placements.
Each player picks a character. They receive the matching board, starting gear, and a personal pod. Draw a random infection token—some are clean, others carry the parasite. Do not reveal it yet.
Shuffle the action deck and give five cards to each player. Place the remaining deck face down.
Deal one secret objective to each player. These vary in difficulty and reward. Keep them hidden.
Place alien miniatures in vent spaces or off-board areas as directed. The AI deck determines when they appear.
Assign a first player. Use a marker or token to track turns.
Lastly, review win conditions. Some scenarios require escaping. Others demand destroying a core or surviving until rescue.
A correct setup prevents confusion and keeps the game running smoothly.
Core Gameplay Phases Explained
The nemesis board game rules divide each round into four main phases. First is the Movement Phase. Players declare how many steps they’ll take. Then, move one at a time in turn order. Movement uses energy (stamina). Running costs more than walking.
Next comes the Action Phase. This is where players interact with the world. You can search drawers, hack terminals, heal, trade items, or attack enemies. Each action uses one card from your hand. Discard it after use.
Then, the Encounter Phase begins. Reveal new encounter cards based on location or event triggers. These may force combat, offer choices, or introduce surprises. Read them aloud and follow instructions.
Finally, the Threat Phase activates. Draw from the AI deck. This moves aliens, spawns new ones, or triggers system failures. Aliens follow simple rules: move toward noise or heat signatures.
After all phases, players draw back up to five cards. Then, begin the next round.
These phases repeat until someone escapes, dies, or completes objectives. Timing is critical. Delays increase risk.
Managing Health, Stamina, and Trauma
In Nemesis, survival depends on tracking three vital systems. Health measures physical damage. Lose it all, and you die unless revived. Wounds come from fights, traps, or failed checks.
Stamina powers actions. Moving, attacking, or using special abilities costs stamina points. Resting recovers some, but not always enough. Poor management leads to exhaustion.
Then there’s Trauma, which affects your mind. Failing fear checks or witnessing horrors adds trauma. Too much causes permanent negative effects. Some characters handle it better than others.
Players must balance these stats carefully. Healing requires medkits or visiting the Medbay. Restoring stamina means skipping actions. Reducing trauma is rare and difficult.
Some items help. Painkillers restore health. Energy drinks boost stamina. Therapy has limited trauma reduction.
Also, certain encounters force stat loss regardless of success. This raises tension.
Because recovery is slow, avoiding danger is often smarter than fighting. Smart players conserve resources and plan ahead.
Hidden Roles and the Infection Mechanic
One of the most thrilling aspects of the nemesis board game rules is the hidden infection system. During setup, each player draws a secret token. Most are “clean,” but some indicate infection.
Infected players don’t know it at first. The parasite lies dormant. However, a trigger—like failing a check or entering a lab—can activate it.
Once activated, the player becomes a monster. They switch to a hidden alien form. Their goal shifts to killing the crew.
This twist creates paranoia. Even close allies might turn. Trust erodes fast.
The transformation includes new abilities and movement rules. Monsters ignore line of sight and move faster. They attack brutally.
Other players must detect signs early. Strange behavior, missing items, or unexplained wounds raise red flags.
However, accusing the wrong person wastes time and weakens the team.
Managing suspicion while staying focused on objectives is a major challenge. The nemesis board game rules make betrayal both terrifying and fair.
Winning and Losing Conditions by Scenario
Victory in Nemesis depends on the chosen scenario. Not all players win together. Personal goals allow for solo success—even if others fail.
In the base scenario, the main goal is to escape via shuttle. But only a few can fit. Players must decide who leaves and who stays behind.
Some quests require retrieving data cores or destroying the reactor. These add urgency. Failure triggers immediate alien swarms.
Individual objectives also matter. One player may need to survive. Another must collect three artifacts. Completing them earns victory points.
If all humans die, the aliens win. If the parasite spreads unchecked, the ship is lost.
Sometimes, the last survivor wins by default. Other times, multiple players succeed under different terms.
Because outcomes vary, teamwork isn’t always rewarded. Self-interest often competes with group survival.
Reviewing the scenario sheet before playing clarifies what counts as a win. Clear goals keep everyone engaged.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nemesis Board Game Rules
Can I look inside my personal pod during the game?
Yes. Only you may check your infection status or stored items.
Do all players have to be human at start?
No. Random infection means one or more may be parasitized from the beginning.
How do aliens move during the Threat Phase?
They follow AI card instructions. Usually, they move toward the nearest living player.
Can I trade weapons during my turn?
Yes. Trading is an action. Both players must agree and be in the same room.
What happens if I run out of action cards?
You draw up to five at the end of the round. Manage your hand wisely.
Can I open doors without using an action?
Yes. Door opening doesn’t cost an action, but moving through does.
Are expansions necessary to understand the base rules?
No. The core rulebook covers everything. Expansions add options, not requirements.
Can children play Nemesis?
It’s recommended for ages 14+. Themes include horror, violence, and psychological stress.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the nemesis board game rules transforms a chaotic experience into a thrilling strategic challenge. From setup to final escape, every phase demands attention and cooperation—or cunning betrayal.
The depth of mechanics, combined with narrative tension, makes Nemesis stand out in the world of board gaming.
Whether you’re drawn to the sci-fi horror theme or the complex decision-making, knowing the rules enhances every moment.
And because no two games are alike, revisiting the nemesis board game rules before each session keeps gameplay fresh and fair.
With preparation, communication, and courage, you and your crew might just survive the darkness lurking in the vents.