Curios

Alderac Entertainment Group · Board game · 2019
6.4 Ludopedia 6.5 BGG 2–5 · best 4 15–20 min Weight 1.2/5
Buy · from US$ 19.07
6.4 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

A snappy, clever card game for those who love bluffing friends and uncovering secrets.

Highlights
  • Very fast play sessions
  • Engaging bluffing mechanics
  • Easy to pick up
  • Satisfying deduction elements
Keep in mind
  • Requires reading opponents
  • Can be tricky for beginners
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Ever played a game where you think it's just luck, only to realize you're actually in a high-stakes psychological war? That's Curios! Imagine you're a slightly 'alternative'—let's say, a bit dishonest—archaeologist traveling the globe in search of lost relics. The catch? The antiquities market is more volatile than the weather in Africa: what was a pharaoh's most coveted treasure yesterday might be worthless today compared to a religious artifact recently unearthed in a remote temple.

The gameplay is addictive: you'll acquire artifacts from various archaeological sites, but there's a twist... you don't know their true value right away! This is where the game truly shines. You have to watch the cards in your opponents' hands and those already revealed on the table to deduce what's actually worth your time. It's a game of reading people and pure logic. Will you bid high on something you think is gold, or will you try to bluff your opponent into wasting resources on something worthless?

Curios blends auctions, deduction, and a touch of worker placement in a very fluid way. It is an extremely intuitive game, perfect for those seeking a quick experience that still keeps your brain engaged. If you enjoy card games where information is your most precious asset and where a poker face can earn you a fortune in relics, pack your explorer's bag and join the table. It's fast, it's tense, and it's guaranteed fun for anyone who loves a good mental challenge without needing to read a 50-page manual!

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 REC
5 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Categories

Families

Components: Gems/Crystals Theme: Archaeology / Paleontology
Publisher Alderac Entertainment Group
Designer (Uncredited)
Artist Carl Frank

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,094owners
171wishlist
19want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How long does a game last?
Super quick! Usually between 15 to 20 minutes per session.
Is it hard to learn?
Not at all! The rules are very intuitive, perfect for jumping straight in.
How many players can play?
It works great for 2 to 5 players.
Is it a complex game?
The weight is low (1.2/5), so it's a light game that still requires mental focus.
Do I need to know English?
The text is very minimal and easy to memorize, so the language barrier is low.

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