The Thing: Infection at Outpost 31 cover
2017BGG rank #2,296

The Thing: Infection at Outpost 31

by Joe Van Wetering · Mondo Games

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Players4–8
Time60–120m
ComplexityMedium-Light
Age17+

About the game

What is The Thing: Infection at Outpost 31?

It is the start of the bleak, desolate Antarctic winter when a group of NSF researchers manning the claustrophobic, isolated U.S. Outpost 31 comes into contact with a hostile extraterrestrial lifeform. Bent on assimilating Earth's native species, this being infiltrates the facility — creating a perfect imitation of one of the Outpost 31 crew. The staff frantically begin a sweep of the base, desperate to purge this alien infection before escaping to warn McMurdo Station that somewhere, out there in the frigid darkness, something horrible is waiting. In the hidden identity game The Thing: Infection at Outpost 31, you will relive John Carpenter's sci-fi cult classic in a race to discover who among the team has been infected by this heinous lifeform. Play as one of twelve characters as you lead a series of investigations through the facility using supplies and equipment to clear the building. The tension mounts and paranoia ensues as you question who you can trust in the ultimate race to save humanity!

How it plays

Mechanics

Dice RollingHand ManagementHidden RolesRole PlayingTeam-Based GameTraitor GameVariable Player PowersVoting

On the shelf

Categories

BluffingDeductionHorrorMovies / TV / Radio themeScience FictionSpies / Secret Agents

Questions players ask

Questions to bring to BoardGameBrain

  • How do setup and the first turn work in The Thing: Infection at Outpost 31?
  • When does scoring happen and what ends the game?
  • How should the table resolve an unusual timing or rules interaction?