Inside Job

KOSMOS, 999 Games, Broadway Toys LTD · Board game · 2022
2–5 · best 5 20–30 min Weight 1.7/5
7.7 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 13.98
7.7 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you love intrigue and a bit of betrayal, Inside Job’s trick‑taking, deduction, and a traitor in the mix will hook you.

Highlights
  • Fast tricks and constant tension
  • Hidden roles keep the surprise alive
  • Engaging voting mechanics
Keep in mind
  • Not fully cooperative
  • Needs focus on clues
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Picture yourself and your crew on a covert mission, but one of you has a hidden agenda: sabotage. Inside Job throws 2 to 5 players into the shoes of secret agents who must complete missions while sniffing out the mole among them. The game uses trick‑taking cards to advance, but each player’s hand is limited and communication rules are strict, so you have to read the room, pick up clues, and interpret body language. Each round, cards are played in tricks and the winner earns mission points; however, if the traitor wins a trick, he can steal intel or block the team. The traitor’s special powers shift the balance, and at each turn a vote is held to eject suspects, adding a layer of tension.

The hidden‑role and deduction mechanics make every game feel fresh, while hand‑management and communication limits keep the pace brisk and strategic. The fun comes from the tug‑of‑war between cooperation and internal competition, and the possibility of a twist that turns the tide in favor of the insider keeps you guessing. If you love mystery, deduction, and a dash of betrayal, Inside Job is the missing piece for your table.

Components are simple: a deck of trick‑cards, mission tokens, and a small reference board. Playtime sits at 20‑30 minutes, making it great for quick sessions or larger groups without fatigue. Though “mostly” cooperative, the traitor’s presence forces the team to stay alert to every move, creating a suspenseful vibe reminiscent of The Resistance or Secret Harry Potter.

For those who enjoy games that demand conversation, focus, and a touch of deception, Inside Job delivers an engaging, highly replayable experience. If you want a game that tests trust among friends and sharpens your people‑reading skills, give it a go.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

3 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
5 BEST

Where to Buy

Prices monitored daily

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Admin: Better Description Needed! Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena
Publisher KOSMOS, 999 Games, Broadway Toys LTD, Devir, Galakta, GP Games, IELLO, Korea Boardgames, Thames & Kosmos
Designer Tanner Simmons
Artist Marek Bláha

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the average playtime?
Between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on the flow and player count.
How many players is it best for?
Designed for 3 to 5 players, but it works well with 2 or up to 6 in expanded versions.
Does it require deep strategy?
Yes, hand‑management and deduction are core, but the communication limits keep the pace brisk.
What are the main components?
A deck of trick cards, mission tokens, and a small reference board.
Is it suitable for card‑game beginners?
Absolutely, the rules are simple and the game offers plenty of interaction, making it beginner‑friendly.
Any recommended expansions?
No official expansions yet, but rule variants can add complexity for a bigger challenge.
Does it have a digital version?
Yes, there’s a Board Game Arena implementation that lets you play online with friends.

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