Zombie Kittens

First, remove all Exploding Kittens cards from the deck and set them aside. Next, adjust the remaining cards based on the number of players: for 2 players, use only cards with a paw print symbol; for 3 players, use only cards without a paw print symbol; for 4 or 5 players, use all cards. Then, remove all Zombie Kittens cards from the deck and deal one to each player. If playing with fewer players and extra Zombie Kittens remain, shuffle them back into the deck. Shuffle the main deck and deal 7 cards face down to each player. Each player now has 8 cards in hand (7 dealt cards + 1 Zombie Kitten). Finally, shuffle the Exploding Kittens cards back into the main deck, ensuring there is one fewer Exploding Kitten card than the number of players, and place the shuffled deck face down in the center of the table. Randomly choose the first player.

The primary objective of Zombie Kittens is to be the last player remaining alive. Players are eliminated if they draw an Exploding Kitten card and cannot defuse it. However, unlike the original Exploding Kittens, dead players can still influence the game and even return to life, adding a unique twist to the survival aspect.

During your turn, you have two main options: you can play any number of cards from your hand, or you can choose to pass without playing any cards. If you play a card, place it face up on the discard pile and follow its instructions. You can play as many cards as you wish, as long as you follow the instructions for each card. After playing cards or passing, you must draw the top card from the main deck. If you draw an Exploding Kitten and cannot play a Zombie Kitten card to save yourself, you die.

Zombie Kittens is a game of elimination, not scoring. There are no points or scores to track. The sole condition for victory is to be the last player left alive at the table. This means that strategic play, card management, and even tactical self-sacrifice can be more important than accumulating points.

The game concludes when all but one player have been eliminated. The last player remaining alive is declared the winner. Players are eliminated if they draw an Exploding Kitten card and do not have a Zombie Kitten card to play. Dead players can still play certain cards and be brought back to life, prolonging the game and adding dynamic shifts to who is 'alive' or 'dead'.