
Zilch for PC
Reviewed by Apps Playground Editorial Team · Updated
What's New
| Version | 1.5.3 |
| Size | 10.6 MB |
| What's New | fix - some buttons were not displayed correctly |

Zilch is a dice-rolling board game that translates effectively to desktop play, letting you roll virtual dice against computer opponents or local players without managing physical cubes or scoresheets. This straightforward game of scoring combinations and push-your-luck decisions works well at a keyboard and monitor, where you can take your time between turns and track multiple games across longer sessions. The app includes single-player modes, local multiplayer for friends, leaderboards, and achievements to pursue as you build your score.
Playing Zilch on a computer removes the setup overhead of physical dice and paper scoring while keeping the core dice-rolling tension intact. If you're learning the rules through the built-in tutorial or refining your strategy against AI opponents, the desktop environment gives you space to think and track your performance across games without the clutter of pen and paper.
How Scoring and Risk Work Together
Zilch centers on rolling six dice and selecting combinations that score: ones and fives are worth points, as are certain three-of-a-kind patterns and straights. After you set aside scoring dice, you can roll again to chase higher totals, but if your next roll contains no scoring dice, you lose your round's points and get zilched. The game forces you to decide when to bank your score and end your turn. On a computer, you click to select dice and confirm your choices with a mouse, making each decision deliberate and easy to reverse before committing.
Single-Player and Local Multiplayer Modes
You can play Zilch against up to three computer-controlled opponents in single-player sessions, or pass the keyboard to friends for local multiplayer on the same device. The app handles turn management and score tracking, letting you focus on the dice rolls and strategy. Computer opponents provide a consistent challenge, while local multiplayer recreates the social dynamic of passing dice at a table, a physics-driven dice game like GO Dice takes the same desktop approach, rolling digitally each time.
Tracking Progress Across Sessions
Zilch on PC maintains three separate leaderboards letting you compare your scores over time, whether you play one session or many. The app also logs achievements as you hit milestones, giving casual players something to aim for beyond just winning individual rounds. This long-term structure suits desktop play, where you might return to the game across days or weeks and watch your rankings climb.
What to Expect from the Rule Set
The game follows standard yatzy game mechanics adapted to Zilch's specific scoring combinations. If you've played the physical version or similar dice games, the digital rules translate directly; if you're new, the tutorial and manual explain everything. Some players note occasional quirks in how the app awards free rolls after six scoring dice or handles edge cases, so be prepared for moments where the scoring logic might feel unclear, but for straightforward rounds of rolling, selecting, and banking, the core loop remains solid.
How to Download and Install Zilch for PC or MAC:
Select an Android emulator:  There are many free and paid Android emulators available for PC and MAC, few of the popular ones are Bluestacks, Andy OS, Nox, MeMu and there are more you can find from Google.
Compatibility:  Before downloading them take a look at the minimum system requirements to install the emulator on your PC.
For example,  BlueStacks requires OS: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista SP2, Windows XP SP3 (32-bit only), Mac OS Sierra(10.12), High Sierra (10.13) and Mojave(10.14), 2-4GB of RAM, 4GB of disk space for storing Android apps/games, updated graphics drivers.
Finally, download and install the emulator which will work well with your PC's hardware/software.
- Open the emulator software from the start menu or desktop shortcut in your PC.
- Associate or set up your Google account with the emulator.
- You can either install the app from Google PlayStore inside the emulator or download Zilch APK file and open the APK file with the emulator or drag the file into the emulator window to install Zilch for PC.
You can follow above instructions to install Zilch for PC with any of the Android emulators available.
FAQ
Can I play Zilch against friends on the same PC?
Yes. The app includes local multiplayer for up to three friends, letting you pass the keyboard around and take turns on a single monitor. Each player's scores are tracked independently within that session.
Is there a tutorial for new players?
Zilch includes an in-game tutorial and a short manual that explain the scoring rules and how to play. The tutorial walks you through the basic mechanics before you start competitive rounds.
What leaderboards does Zilch track?
The app maintains three separate leaderboards where your scores are recorded as you play. You can compare your performance across these lists and pursue achievements alongside your ranking.
Why does the game sometimes lock me out of ending my turn?
Some users report that the end-turn button doesn't always respond even when it appears highlighted. This is a known issue; restarting the session sometimes resolves the problem. Pay attention to the button state before assuming it's broken.
Does Zilch require an internet connection?
No. All modes (single-player, local multiplayer, and leaderboard views) run on your device without needing online access.
The editorial team installs and tests each app before writing up the guide, and keeps the version history current. The site has never charged developers for coverage.
