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!
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!
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
REC
4
REC
5
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
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
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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