3.5
rating
Ludopedia
4.9
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy a social deduction game with a fun theme and a unique visual mechanic, Red Scare will keep you on the edge of your seat! It's perfect for those who love suspecting everyone and having a good laugh at the accusations.
Highlights
- Unique glasses mechanic
- High player interaction
- Fun spy theme
- No player elimination
Keep in mind
- High language dependency
- Can cause paranoia
- Requires an engaged group
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
Get ready for a red scare that will make you question everything, even your morning coffee! In Red Scare, you and your fellow FBI patriots are on a mission to hunt down communist spies infiltrating every corner. The catch? They could be anywhere, and the only way to figure out who's who is by using a pair of super-secret decoder glasses. It's a social deduction game where trust is a rare commodity and appearances are deceiving. Each player has a hidden role, and the task is to identify the Soviet agents before they cause irreparable damage. But beware, because one wrong move could lead you to accuse an innocent colleague or, even worse, be exposed as a double agent! The game shines with its unique decoder glasses mechanic, adding a fun and visual layer to the investigation. And the best part? No player elimination! Everyone actively participates until the very last second, ensuring laughter, accusations, and plenty of interaction. With simple rules and quick playtime, Red Scare is perfect for livening up any game night with a touch of Cold War suspense and paranoia. It's the kind of game that makes you question everything and everyone, guaranteeing a memorable experience full of twists and turns. If you enjoy bluffing, deduction, and some good old-fashioned banter (or shouting!) with friends, this is the right choice. Just don't say we didn't warn you when your best friend points you out as the prime suspect!
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
BEST
8
BEST
9
BEST
10
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
Loading playlist...
Where to Buy
Prices monitored daily
Finding best prices...
Prices unavailable at this time.
Price history — last 6 months (lowest new offer)
Alert enabled!
Join the BoardGamesBot deals group
Get the best board game deals every day — without message spam.
Join the WhatsApp groupGame details
Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Pandasaurus Games
Designer
Benjamin Kanelos
Artist
Ian O'Toole
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
473owners
122wishlist
7want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average playtime for Red Scare?
Red Scare games are quite fast, usually lasting between 20 to 30 minutes, which is great for playing multiple rounds in one evening.
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for larger groups, accommodating 4 to 10 players. The more people, the more chaos and fun!
Is it a difficult game to learn?
The basic rules are quite straightforward, but the deduction and social interaction aspects might require some practice. The BGG weight is 2.2/5, indicating moderate complexity.
Do I need to know English to play?
Yes, unfortunately, Red Scare has a high language dependency. At least one player needs to be able to read and translate the game's text for everyone to understand.
What comes in the box?
The game includes the necessary components for investigation, such as cards and, of course, the special pair of decoder glasses that is the heart of the mechanic. Exact details may vary, but the essentials are for deduction.
Is it a good game for those who don't like player elimination?
Absolutely! Red Scare does not eliminate players. Everyone stays in the game until the end, actively participating in discussions and accusations, which is a big plus for those who dislike waiting around.
What kind of group is Red Scare best suited for?
It's ideal for groups that enjoy social deduction games, bluffing, and don't mind playfully suspecting each other. It works best with people who are comfortable interacting and arguing.
Other Games You'll Like
Based on mechanics and theme