Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you love card games that blend bidding, bluffing, and collection, Dreadful Circus will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Highlights
- Auction excitement
- Dynamic scoring
- Strategic variety
- Fun circus theme
- High‑quality components
Keep in mind
- Moderate playtime
- Medium complexity
- Unique scoring rules
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
At Dreadful Circus, you step into a world where a circus is about to become the stage for bidding, bluffing, and card collection. Each game begins with players receiving basic cards that represent performers, attractions, and special acts. Throughout the play, they participate in auctions to acquire more powerful cards while trying to guess who has the best combination of performers to build the most profitable show. The betting and bluffing mechanic kicks in when players bid on cards that can change the course of the game, forcing you to evaluate both the immediate value and the future potential of the cards you’re offering. As the game approaches its end, each player reveals their set of cards and applies final scoring rules that have been acquired during play. These rules are unique to each player, meaning that the scoring strategy changes from hand to hand, making every game a different experience. The components are well produced, with high‑quality illustrated cards that bring the circus theme to life. The game supports 4 to 8 players and lasts about 45 minutes, making it a good option for mid‑day sessions or Friday‑night gatherings. If you enjoy games that mix negotiation, bluffing, and collection, Dreadful Circus delivers a fun and unpredictable mix that keeps everyone at the table engaged. Each round requires players to balance card purchases with the cost of their bids, trying to predict which performer combinations will yield the most points at the end. The card design features vivid illustrations of clowns, acrobats, and exotic animals, giving the game a visually striking atmosphere. The final scoring mechanic, which varies from player to player, encourages constant adaptation and makes each game unique.
Expansions
Published additional content
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
4
REC
5
REC
6
BEST
7
REC
8
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Where to Buy
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Portal Games, Bannan Games, CMON Global Limited, Cranio Creations, Maldito Games, Pegasus Spiele
Designer
Bruno Faidutti, Joanna Kijanka
Artist
Maciej Simiński, Mateusz Bielski
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
2,296owners
335wishlist
37want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play?
4 to 8 players.
What is the game’s duration?
About 45 minutes.
What is the game’s complexity?
Medium; requires attention to bidding and final scoring rules.
What components are included?
High‑quality illustrated cards, betting chips, scoring chips, and a rulebook.
Who is the target audience?
Players who enjoy card games with negotiation, bluffing, and collection, aged 12+.
How do you win?
Accumulate the highest final score by managing cards and bidding strategies.
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