Betrayal at House on the Hill

Avalon Hill, Wizards of the Coast, asmodee · Board game · 2004
3–6 · best 5 60 min Weight 2.4/5
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love emergent storytelling and a dash of horror, Betrayal at House on the Hill offers a unique, ever-changing haunted mansion experience where one of your friends might just turn on you!

Highlights
  • Dynamic map building creates unique layouts
  • Exciting, unpredictable traitor mechanic
  • High replayability with diverse haunts
  • Strong thematic horror atmosphere
Keep in mind
  • Rules can be complex for new players
  • Player elimination can occur
FOR GENRE FANS
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our interactive rules guide and exclusive illustrated infographic.
Access Rules Guide
About the game
Get ready for a spine-chilling adventure in Betrayal at House on the Hill, a game that throws you into a haunted mansion you help build yourself! Each game is unique, as rooms are revealed and added to the board as players explore, creating a new layout and a new horror story every time. Tension and excitement build rapidly as your group of 3 to 6 explorers encounters spirits, sinister omens, and supernatural events that shape everyone's fate. The big plot twist? At some point in the game, one of the characters is revealed to be a traitor! From then on, the game divides into two distinct phases: the first is exploration and map building, and the second, the 'Haunt', is when the betrayal is revealed and players split into two sides – the traitor against the rest of the group. The innocent members must work together to unravel the mystery and defeat the traitor before it's too late, while the traitor has their own sinister objectives. With an average playtime of about an hour, Betrayal at House on the Hill is perfect for game nights with friends, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a dose of suspense and casual fun. The detailed components, such as character cards, pre-painted plastic miniatures, and special tokens, contribute to the immersive and spooky atmosphere of the game, making the experience even more engaging. It's a treat for anyone who enjoys a good horror story with twists!
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Betrayal at House on the Hill English · PDF
Download PDF
BEST PLAYER COUNT
3 REC
4 REC
5 BEST
6 BEST
WHERE TO BUY
Finding best prices...
Game details

Families

Category: Dungeon Crawler Digital Implementations: VASSAL Misc: Dice Tower Hall of Fame Players: One versus Many Series: Betrayal (Avalon Hill) Theme: Spooky Old Houses
Publisher Avalon Hill, Wizards of the Coast, asmodee, Hasbro
Designer Bill McQuillan, Bruce Glassco, Mike Selinker, Rob Daviau, Teeuwynn Woodruff
Artist Christopher Moeller, Dennis Crabapple McClain, Peter Whitley
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play Betrayal at House on the Hill?
The game is ideal for groups of 3 to 6 players, ensuring that the exploration dynamic and eventual betrayal are always engaging.
What is the average playtime for a game?
A game of Betrayal at House on the Hill typically lasts around 60 minutes, making it perfect for a quicker, suspense-filled gaming session.
Is the game too complex for beginners?
It has a medium complexity (BGG weight 2.3986/5). The basic rules are easy to pick up, but the 'Haunt' phase introduces specific rules that might require a bit more attention the first time.
What are the main components of the game?
You'll find modular board tiles to build the mansion, character cards, pre-painted plastic miniatures for the explorers, and various special tokens that help create the atmosphere.
Is Betrayal at House on the Hill a cooperative game?
It starts as a cooperative exploration game, but at a certain point, one player becomes the traitor, transforming the game into a 'one versus all' or 'one versus the rest of the group' dynamic.
What makes each game different?
In each game, the mansion is built differently with the modular tiles, and the 'Haunt' (the betrayal scenario) is randomly chosen from dozens of options, ensuring a new story and new objectives every time.