Lairs

KTBG, DSV Games, Kutugo · Board game · 2026
2 · best 2 30–60 min Weight 2.2/5
rating Ludopedia
8.1 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
8.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love mind games and maze-building, Lairs is a blast. Fast, tense, and full of twists.

Highlights
  • Deduction and strategy in perfect balance
  • Maze-building is delightfully evil
  • Quick and replayable
Keep in mind
  • Luck might frustrate purists
  • Two-player only
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Lairs is a two-player deduction and strategy game where you build an evil maze for your opponent while trying to survive theirs. Picture a duel between dungeon architects, where every dead end, trap, or enchanted monster is there to ruin your day. You start with a set of tiles (walls, traps, treasures, and monsters) and use them to craft your rival's worst nightmare. Then, it's your turn to navigate their labyrinth, using action points, dice rolls, and sharp deduction to find treasures and escape alive. Whoever leaves with more loot and fewer psychological scars wins — and secures their spot in the Adventurers Guild. The game is quick (around 35 minutes), but every move matters. And yes, luck helps, but only the clever survive.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Players: Two-Player Only Games
Publisher KTBG, DSV Games, Kutugo
Designer Christopher Westmaas, Josh Cappel
Artist Claire Lin, Jean Walter, Josh Nelson

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,672owners
2,535wishlist
236want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How long does a game take?
Around 35 minutes, but it depends on how often you get stuck in your opponent's maze.
Does it need a big table?
Nope, each player builds their maze on a 5x5 grid, so even small tables work.
Is it hard to learn?
Nah, rules are simple, but mastering strategy takes a few plays.
Is there luck involved?
Yep, dice rolls and tile draws add randomness, but deduction matters more.
Is it good for non-competitive players?
If you don't mind being trolled by your opponent, sure. Otherwise, try a cooperative game.

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