Rebellion Unplugged will reelase a 40th-anniversary version of the Judge Dredd card game on October 2, 2026. The project, designed by Ian Livingstone, introduces revised rules and updated artwork to the classic tabletop experience.

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The October 2 launch of the 40th anniversary edition

Rebellion Unplugged is bringing back Judge Dredd: The Game Of Crime-Fighting In Mega-City One. According to the report, this edition celebrates four decades of the tabletop experience, bridging the gap between legacy gaming and the enduring appeal of the franchise.

The new version includes revised rules and updated cards to streamline the experience. It specifically features recolored artwork from legendary 2000 AD artists Brian Bolland and Ian Gibson, ensuring the visual style remains faithful to the source material while providing a refreshed look for modern players.

Six unique roles in the Specialist Judges expansion

Alongside the core game, Rebellion Unplugged is releasing the Specialist Judges expansion. As the report says, this addition allows players to select from six distinct Judge types, each possessing a unique ability that alters gameplay strategy and approach.

The available roles include:

  • The Mechanismo droid, specializing in brute strength.
  • The Psi Judge, utilizing innate psychic abilities.
  • The Chief Judge, wielding unrivalled authority.
  • The Cadet, benefiting from added support.
  • The Special Judicial Squad, employing brutal methods.
  • The Wally Squad, utilizing unique undercover skills.

    • Players will navigate the streets of Mega-City One to capture notorious criminals like Orlok the Assassin, Judge Death, and the Angel Gang. However, the game maintains a level of unpredictability, where even a "lowlife sugar-addict" can potentially defeat a player if they get lucky.

    From 2000 AD to the 800 million citizens of Mega-City One

    The revival of this card game coincides with the upcoming 50th anniversary of Judge Dredd. The character first appeared in the second issue of the British anthology comic 2000 AD before gaining enough popularity to launch the Judge Dredd Megazine in 1990.

    The setting of the game, Mega-City One, is a dystopian 22nd-century metropolis housing 800 million citizens. This massive scale reflects the broader themes of the franchise, where the Judges act as both police and jury in a world where any minor infraction, from littering to murder, can lead to severe punishment.

    The franchise's longevity is further evidenced by its transition to screen, including the 1995 film starring Sylvester Stallone and later interpretations featuring Karl Urban. This card game serves as a bridge between the original tabletop era and the modern multimedia presence of the character.

    The missing details on pricing and distribution

    While pre-orders are currently available, the source does not specify the retail price for the core box or the Specialist Judges expansion. It remains unclear whether the game will be available exclusively through Rebellion Unplugged or via wider retail channels.

    Additionally, the report does not clarify if a digital version of the game will accompany the physical release, which has become a common trend for modern anniversary editions of classic tabletop games.