Cutthroat Caverns

IELLO, Smirk & Dagger Games · Board game · 2007
3–6 · best 5 90 min Weight 2.1/5
7.2 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 21.95
7.2 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Enjoy a game where the line between friend and foe is blurry? Cutthroat Caverns mixes forced cooperation with timely betrayal, perfect for those who like laughing at others' misfortune.

Highlights
  • Tense balance of cooperation and betrayal
  • Surprising simultaneous action selection
  • Fun theme with dark humor
  • Strategic hand management
Keep in mind
  • Player elimination can be frustrating
  • Can lead to runaway leader
  • Moderate language dependency
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for an adventure where cooperation is essential for survival, but betrayal is the key to victory! In Cutthroat Caverns, you and your friends are adventurers exploring dungeons filled with dangers. The game lasts 9 rounds, each presenting a new challenge, whether it's a fierce monster or a treacherous trap. The goal? Accumulate the most prestige points by defeating monsters. But beware: only the one who delivers the final blow gets the glory (and the points!).

The twist is that while you need to work together to avoid elimination – if everyone falls, no one wins – each player is looking for an opportunity to strike decisively and secure the kill for themselves. It's a delicate balance between lending a hand to the group and staying sharp to avoid being backstabbed. Simultaneous action selection adds a layer of suspense, as you never know exactly what your companions (and rivals) are planning.

With hand management to play your cards at the right moment and a 'take that' element to hinder others, Cutthroat Caverns is a game that tests your alliances and your bluffing skills. If you enjoy games with a fantasy theme, a bit of dark humor, and that tension of not knowing whom to trust, this might be the right pick. It's an experience that promises laughter, shouts, and plenty of table talk!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

4 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–6 players
3 REC
4 REC
5 BEST
6 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Gems/Crystals Game: Cutthroat Caverns
Publisher IELLO, Smirk & Dagger Games
Designer Curt Covert
Artist Adam Vehige, Bruno Krippahl, Chad Savage, Curt Covert, Eric R. Martin, Henri Härkönen, Ian Field-Richards, Justin Brunetto, Loïc Muzy, Mark Jernstrom, Mats Holmgren, Morgan Rashand, Noel Hill, Paul Adam, Steve Messenger, Tim Wollweber, William Teo

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

7,238owners
1,190wishlist
149want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime?
The game is designed to last around 90 minutes, regardless of the player count (3 to 6 players).
Is it a pure cooperative game?
No, it's semi-cooperative. You need to work together to avoid elimination, but only one player wins in the end, encouraging betrayal.
What does 'Kill Steal' mean?
It means the player who lands the final blow on a monster gets the points, even if other players dealt most of the damage. It's the essence of strategic betrayal in the game.
Is the game very complex?
The average weight on BoardGameGeek is 2.08, indicating moderate complexity. The core rules are accessible, but the strategy can be deep.
Is there player elimination?
Yes, there is a possibility of player elimination. If the group fails to survive all encounters, no one wins. However, a player might be 'defeated' before that.
Do I need to translate anything?
Yes, the game has moderate language dependency. It's recommended to have the cards translated or use a reference sheet to facilitate gameplay.

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