The Trout Trials

In this mode, Zombie Zero is unleashed on a group of survivor cats, each trying to help each other eliminate the zombies before they all meet their dreaded end. But there’s a catch. Zombie Zero? They have the power to turn every survivor cat into a fellow zombie. Not only that… it’s their sole mission!

Who is Zombie Zero?

After everyone chooses their cat character, each player rolls the die. Whoever rolls the highest number becomes Zombie Zero. Zombie Zero’s health is doubled, and Kitty Patty is placed next to their character card (and remains there in full effect) until Zombie Zero is eliminated or every survivor has been infected.

Infecting Survivors

Zombie Zero infects their first victim by eliminating another player, just as they normally would. Once that happens, another zombie will join the horde. Only Zombie Zero’s health is doubled, which makes them the biggest threat!

The Horde Heals Itself…

As long as Zombie Zero is alive, every zombie will automatically heal 1 health every time they start their turn. They can also use healing cards as normal. Eliminate Zombie Zero to remove Kitty Patty from the game, and as such, stop the horde from healing passively.

Survivor Strategy

Survivors can gain the advantage by stockpiling healing and defense cards to help keep the zombies at bay. Strong survivors communicate well with each other and come up with a game plan to knock out zombies before they become too big of a threat, because even one infection could spell doom for the survivors.

Player Abilities

All players must play cards the same as they would in the base game mode. That means no healing each other, no stacking attack cards for huge hits, no doubling turns or skipping turns. All character cards retain their unique abilities, such as Society Cat being able to heal others or Zoomie Cat being able to dodge and reflect attacks. That means depending on who becomes Zombie Zero, the strategy could vary significantly.

How to Win

It’s simple. Survivors win by eliminating every zombie. Zombies win by infecting every survivor. Even if only one survivor remains with 1 health, the survivors win, as long as all zombies have been eliminated.

Some fish are worth fighting for, but only one is worth winning the entire game. In this mode, the legendary Golden Trout is assigned to the player who rolls the highest before the game starts. From that moment on, everyone has the same goal: steal it! Alliances form, betrayals commence, and every decision becomes a gamble as players fight to be the last cat standing with the most valuable fish in the world.

The legendary Golden Trout…

The Golden Trout must be pulled from the deck before starting the game, and as mentioned above, should be assigned to the player who rolls the highest number on the game die. Unlike the base game, the Golden Trout has no attack power. Instead, it becomes the game’s ultimate prize. Once the Golden Trout has been assigned, every player knows exactly who has it and the hunt begins.

What about Rainbow Trout?

In this mode, Rainbow Trout is optional. If kept in the deck, Rainbow Trout retains its effect: 3 additional health to the player who equips it, even beyond max health. However, it is not the trout that wins the match, so it should be used as normal, if kept in the deck.

How do I get the Golden Trout?

To capture the Golden Trout and become King of The Sea, you have a few options. Either eliminate the player who held the Golden Trout or use a Fish Net to steal it. Unlike the base game, Fish Net may be used while Golden Trout is “armed” and placed on the table in front of a player. Golden Trout is immune to every other card, including Cheese Blend or Spilled Milk.

Remaining the King…

To remain the King of the Sea, don’t let anyone steal your Golden Trout! Do your best to stay on-guard and remember who has wild action or attack cards that could end your reign.

How to win…

Winning is easy. Eliminate the player who has the Golden Trout, keep it, and eliminate everyone else. If you are eliminated, the player who eliminated you takes the Golden Trout for themself. Last cat alive wins!