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Zombie Dice vs Farkel comes down to one question: how do you like your push-your-luck? Both are dice games where every roll tempts you to keep going for a bigger score, and both can wipe out your turn in an instant. Zombie Dice wraps the gamble in a goofy theme and custom dice, while Farkel (also spelled Farkle) is a classic scoring game played with six standard dice. Here is how they compare for family nights, parties and stocking stuffers.
Our pick for parties and teens: Zombie Dice
Zombie Dice teaches in one minute, plays in about 15 and gets big reactions every turn. It costs about $26.
Price band: $20–$30 (about $26) · Check today’s price on Amazon
Zombie Dice vs Farkel at a glance
Two push-your-luck dice games with different flavors.
- Best quick party dice game: Zombie Dice — 13 custom dice in a cup, brains versus shotgun blasts (about $26)
- Best classic scoring dice game: Farkel dice set with rolling tray — six dice, a tray and score pads for the traditional game (about $25)
How Zombie Dice works
You are a zombie hunting for brains. The cup holds 13 dice: six green (easy), four yellow (medium) and three red (dangerous). On your turn you draw three dice without looking and roll them. Brains are points you set aside. Shotguns are blasts you set aside too. Footprints mean the victim escaped, so you reroll those dice and draw fresh ones to make three again.
You can stop anytime and bank your brains. But if you collect three shotguns in one turn, you lose every brain from that turn. The first player to 13 brains triggers the end of the round, and the highest total wins. See our how to play Zombie Dice guide for the full rules.
How Farkel works
Farkel uses six ordinary dice. You roll all six, set aside at least one scoring die or combination, and decide whether to bank your points or roll the remaining dice for more. Ones and fives score on their own, and three of a kind or bigger combinations score more. If a roll shows nothing that scores, that is a Farkel and you lose everything from that turn.
If you manage to score with all six dice, you get hot dice and can roll all six again while keeping your running total. Scoring tables differ a little between editions and house rules, so agree on the sheet before you start. Most groups play to 10,000 points.
Zombie Dice vs Farkel: side-by-side table
| Feature | Zombie Dice | Farkel |
|---|---|---|
| Dice | 13 custom dice in three colors | 6 standard dice |
| Bust condition | Three shotguns in one turn | A roll with no scoring dice |
| Game length | About 10 to 20 minutes | 20 to 45 minutes, depending on target score |
| Math needed | Count to 13 | Add scores into the thousands |
| Theme | Silly zombie horror | None, pure classic dice |
| Price on Amazon | About $26 | About $25 |
Which one has better decisions
Farkel gives you more to think about each turn: which scoring dice to keep, whether to save a single five or reroll it, and when your odds with two or three dice get too thin. Zombie Dice is lighter. Your choice is really just stop or roll, but seeing which colors are left in the cup adds a satisfying bit of risk reading. Players who like probability puzzles usually prefer Farkel.
Which one is better for kids and parties
Zombie Dice wins at a party. It is fast, the scoring is simple, and the theme makes every shotgun a laugh. Kids around 8 and up can play without help. Farkel is great for a family table with older kids who like adding numbers, and it works well as a long, chatty game with grandparents because almost everyone has played some version of it.
Portability and stocking stuffers
Zombie Dice comes in a small tube, so it is one of the best stocking stuffers you can buy. A Farkel set with a tray is bulkier but makes rolling quieter and keeps dice from flying off the table. For more ideas, see our best push-your-luck games and best dice games.
Our verdict on Zombie Dice vs Farkel
- Choose Zombie Dice for parties, teens, stockings and quick games between bigger ones.
- Choose Farkel for families who like keeping score, deeper risk choices and longer sessions.
Zombie Dice vs Farkel FAQ
Is Zombie Dice like Farkel?
Yes, both are push-your-luck dice games where you can lose your turn’s points by rolling one time too many. Zombie Dice uses custom dice and a simpler score.
How many dice do you need for Farkel?
Six standard dice, plus paper or a score pad.
How many players can play Zombie Dice?
Two or more. It works well with a big group because turns are quick.
Which costs less?
At today’s Amazon prices, Zombie Dice is about $26 and the Farkel set with a tray is about $25.
