Yes, social deduction is for you

Most of us know social deduction from the classic game Werewolf (or Mafia). It's all about using logic, observation, and persuasion to uncover (or deepen) lies. With all respect due to Werewolf, this unique genre has now much more to offer than what it initially brought to the table. In a shorter play time too. Today, I want to give you a sample of the thrill that social deduction can bring to your game nights with a variety of bangers highlighting different facets of the concept. So, prepare a round table, gather your friends and let‘s get started.

Social deduction as quick fun - Love Letter

Now, not all nights are suitable for games as long as Werewolf. Besides, not all players are up to learning new games, even more so if they are unfamiliar with the genre. Fear not: Love Letter is the perfect introduction to social deduction. The game is quick, witty and strategic all in 5 minutes (and that includes an explanation of the rules). But don‘t be fooled: this game has much to offer in just 16 cards. In Love Letter, players are in a romantic medieval world and trying to send a love letter to the princess while thwarting their opponents from reaching her. Each card represents a character, ranging from the princess herself to guards, priests and even the king. Turns could not be simpler: you draw a card, choose one of your two cards to play and keep the other. The catch is that every single card has unique abilities interwoven in such a way as to incite bluff and deduction. Why? It‘s simple, the game is full of ways to eliminate other players… if you know what they hold that is. Yes, the game has player elimination but games are so short that it is never a bother. The game ends when only one player remains or when the deck runs out, with the player who holds the highest value card being crowned winner. Simple, yes, but strategic, engaging and most of all fun.

Social deduction as diplomacy - The Resistance

Now, some of you will want to dive deeper into the realm of teamwork, where a hidden traitor must be uncovered before he sabotages the rest. For that, your best entry would be the classic game The Resistance. In The Resistance, players are a group of rebels fighting in a dystopian future. Players have to complete a series of missions. Of course, some of the players will be spies whose objective is to sabotage those missions. What makes The Resistance shine is just how simple and devious it is. Before each mission, one player is tasked with choosing which players will contribute to it. Never have I seen a mechanism raising stakes that quickly. I have introduced many groups to it only to see them start bickering the moment I finish explaining the rules. It‘s beautiful. The game is a test of diplomacy, charisma even. A favourite of non-gamers, it is also an excellent introduction to the genre. Intense, fast-paced and full of deception. A classic worthy of the title.

Social deduction as a story generator - Deception: Murder in Hong Kong

Some of you might feel the previous recommendation is a bit too intense. Worry not: social deduction has still something for you. I already described it in another post but frankly, it is worth repeating that Deception: Murder in Hong Kong is an excellent option in the genre. The game revolves around solving a murder. The twist? One of the players is secretly the murderer, trying to mislead the group. In each round, a game moderator (called the forensic scientist) provides cryptic clues to the group. Players have to find which weapon and clue could match the clues. The thing is every player has murder weapons and clues in front of them. Therefore, finding the right weapon/clue pair is finding the murderer. What I love most about this game is how it succeeds in bringing forth the best aspects of the genre without putting too much pressure on the players themselves. Nobody has the full spotlight, yet even the most shy player will have a say. More often than not, this is a really funny game - as players build increasingly ridiculous stories to fit the clues. Perfect for players who enjoy unravelling crime fiction novels but might be intimidated by the prospect of a game of Werewolf.

Social deduction as drama - Shadows over Camelot

Now, some games are not centred around social deduction but leverage it to build tension beautifully. Shadows over Camelot is an excellent example of that. At its core, Shadows over Camelot is a cooperative game. Players are Knights of the Round Table trying to defend Camelot from various threats including the treacherous Dark Knight, a dragon and two invading armies. Oh, and let‘s not forget the quest for the Holy Grail of course. Players work together to balance these, which is in itself a delicate task. Yet, the best part is the possibility of a traitor among the players. Indeed, one of the players might secretly be working to weaken the kingdom and hinder the others. This builds tension instantly, even in games where there is no traitor after all. Such a brilliant concept.

In itself, Shadows over Camelot stays accessible and not that complex. If you are up to the task, Battlestar Galactica would be another of my highest recommendations. Be warned that this game is longer, heavier and even more stressful. It is technically out of print, but now available in a new coat as “Unfathomable“. Give it a look.

Social deduction as a puzzle - Blood on the Clocktower

And, finally, sometimes all you want is Werewolf. We can‘t deny its charm. The asymmetry. The variety. The flavour. The deception. Yet, even in this role, there are plenty of alternatives. Here, I will present my favourite option and possibly my favourite social deduction game: Blood on the Clocktower. In Blood on the Clocktower, players are villagers in a mysterious town trying to find a demon and his minions before they all die. Should be familiar if you know werewolf. Where Blood on the Clocktower shines is just how intricate and narrative-driven it is in its depth and complexity. First, EVERY player has something special to use. Second, there is - in a way - no player elimination. When a player dies, they can still contribute meaningfully to the game, they just lose their power. But the most important part is how the powers themselves shape the game. The best way to emblematize this is to talk about one of the roles: the drunk. What is the drunk‘s power? Simply put, he will think he is in another role, yet everything he does has absolutely no effect. In that way, Blood on the Clocktower includes misleading information about the powers themselves. The focus goes more on trying to solve the puzzle rather than focusing on individual charisma. Still, deception plays a part and you can (almost) never know who you can trust. It results in an intricate, fascinating, unpredictable and dynamic experience that you should at least try once. But, believe me, with just how much variety is on offer, one game won‘t satisfy you. My highest recommendation.

The day comes

That will be all for today. Hopefully, you now better understand the depth and breadth of social deduction. Any of the above options could be your next obsession. You just have to pick it up and test it.

Until you do, see you next week.