# Dark City ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2018 - **BGG Rating**: 6.7 - **BGG Rank**: — - **Players**: 4-8 - **Duration**: 30-70 min - **Weight**: 2.00 / 5 - **Designers**: Gustavo Nascimento Barreto - **Artists**: Debora Carita - **Publishers**: Devir, Funbox Editora - **Categories**: Card Game, Deduction, Horror, Humor, Party Game - **Mechanics**: Open Drafting, Set Collection, Simultaneous Action Selection, Take That, Variable Player Powers ## Verdict If you love party games full of gossip and bluffing, Dark City will keep you hooked from start to finish.Engaging bluffingCard combo funFun horror vibeRules can be confusingVariable playtimeHIGHLY RECOMMENDED ## Description Dark City, released in 2018, has carved out a niche for those who enjoy a mix of horror, humor, and lively conversation. The game brings together four to eight players in a card‑based clash where each player takes on the role of a guardian or monster—vampire, werewolf, zombie, hunter, or priest. The premise is simple: choose a character, discover who’s on the table, and then use your character’s signature gesture to attack the others. The real fun comes from how those gestures fit into a rock‑paper‑scissors‑style system with “take that” rules that let one player interrupt another’s action, creating a tense, bluff‑heavy atmosphere. Gameplay starts with the Acting Player randomly discarding three cards from the deck. Then, players perform an open draft, picking between monsters or guardians that remain available. Each card carries a secret objective that, when fulfilled, earns experience points (XP). After selecting the card, the player points their character’s gesture at a chosen target; if the gesture wins, the target is “killed” and the attacker gains XP. If the target survives, they can try to flee, attempting to stop the attacker from scoring. Actions resolve in initiative order, which can shift each round. The game ends when a player accumulates enough XP to meet one of four victory conditions: complete three objectives, kill four enemies, escape from five attacks, or take control of three areas. The open‑draft and set‑collection mechanics add strategic tension, while simultaneous action selection keeps everyone on their toes. The horror vibe is balanced with dark humor, and the presence of iconic horror movie characters adds a nostalgic touch. If you enjoy party games that demand deduction, bluffing, and a dash of terror, Dark City is a choice that will keep the table buzzing. ## How to Play Objective of the Game In Dark City, players take on the roles of monsters or guardians battling for survival in a city plagued by darkness. The goal is to survive a series of nightly encounters, achieve the personal goals of your chosen role, and gather experience points (XP) to meet one of the victory conditions. Victory can be achieved by earning XP in multiple roles, reaching a total XP threshold, or mastering specific roles. Preparation (Setup) To set up the game: Each player receives a journal sheet and fills in the first experience dot for one role of their choice (free XP). Designate a player as the Mayor, who oversees the game and ensures smooth gameplay. Shuffle the 12 basic role cards and randomly discard 3 face-down. Players then secretly choose their roles from the remaining cards, passing the deck clockwise. Place the remaining cards face-down on the table. Consulte o manual para detalhes sobre esta seção. Flow of the Game The game is played in rounds, each representing a night of deadly encounters. Each round consists of five phases: Phase 1: Role Selection – Players choose their roles for the encounter. Phase 2: Attack! – Players attack their chosen targets using their role’s signature gesture. Phase 3: Withdrawal – Players may withdraw their attacks to prevent others from gaining XP. Phase 4: Resolution – Attacks are resolved in initiative order. Phase 5: Experience – Players record XP if they achieved their role’s goals. Consulte o manual para detalhes sobre esta seção. Actions and How to Play Each role has unique abilities and goals: Devil: Survive and make a monster or guardian withdraw an attack. Vampire: Survive and kill a monster or guardian. Werewolf: Survive and kill a monster or guardian. Zombie: Survive and kill a monster or guardian. Hunter: Survive and kill at least one monster. Priest: Survive. During Phase 2: Attack!, players use their role’s gesture to target others. In Phase 3: Withdrawal, players can choose to withdraw their attacks. In Phase 4: Resolution, attacks are resolved in initiative order, and players determine if they achieved their goals. Consulte o manual para detalhes sobre esta seção. Endgame and Scoring The game ends when one or more players meet a victory condition: Earning at least 1 XP in six different roles. Scoring a total of 8 XP, regardless of roles. Gathering 2 XP in three different roles. Gaining 4 XP in one role only. If there’s a tie, the player with the most XP wins. If the tie persists, the player with XP in the highest number of different roles wins. Consulte o manual para detalhes sobre esta seção. Tips for Winning Here are a few tips to improve your chances of victory: Withdraw strategically: If you can’t achieve your goals, withdrawing can prevent others from gaining XP. Understand initiative: Lower initiative roles resolve attacks first, so plan accordingly. Master multiple roles: Diversifying your XP across roles can help you meet victory conditions faster. Consulte o manual para detalhes sobre esta seção. ## FAQ ### How many players can play? 4 to 8 players, making it ideal for larger groups. ### How long does a game take? Between 30 and 70 minutes, depending on player experience and decision speed. ### What is the complexity level? Medium. It requires attention to draft rules and gesture interactions, but is accessible for those who already play party games. ### What are the game components? A deck of monster and guardian cards, XP tokens, goal markers, and a rulebook. ### Who is the game recommended for? Those who enjoy deduction, bluffing, and humor with a horror theme. ### Is there a solo mode? There is no official solo mode, but it can be played in teams or with one player handling multiple cards. ## Price Comparison ### Best Offers in Brazil - **Amazon**: R$ 125,00 (https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B07M93TDTY?tag=bgbot26b-20&linkCode=as2) - **PandaBoardGames**: R$ 60,36 (https://www.pandaboardgames.com.br/Dark-City?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **Tubaleria**: R$ 91,20 (https://tubaleria.store/produtos/dark-city/?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - See all on Compara Jogos: https://www.comparajogos.com.br/item/dark-city