Saboteur: The Dark Cave

AMIGO, 999 Games, Albi · Board game · 2022
2–8 · best 6 45 min Weight 1.8/5
9.0 rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 10.97
9.0 rating Ludopedia
6.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy fast card games with bluffing and lots of social chaos, Saboteur: The Dark Cave will hit the spot.

Highlights
  • Constant bluffing
  • Short playtime
  • High replay value
Keep in mind
  • Simple components
  • Luck dependent
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About the game

What you do in a play session

After your dwarf clan struck gold, an earthquake rattles the mine and everything starts to collapse. Now the mission is to escape the dark cave before it all caves in. In Saboteur: The Dark Cave, each player controls a dwarf from one of two clans, but not everyone is loyal – some are saboteurs hidden in the rival team. The game starts with the mine card in the center of the table. On each turn you lay down tunnel cards, expanding paths that can lead to four corners of the board – only one hides the exit. While building the labyrinth you can equip your dwarf, unleash monsters on opponents, discover who really belongs to your clan, and even reveal the exit before you get there. When a dwarf leaves the mine, they reveal their identity and any gold they carry adds to their clan’s total. The game ends as soon as all members of a clan have escaped, and the clan with the most gold wins. The game blends bluffing, hand management and exploration in a quick 45‑minute playtime, supporting 2‑8 players. The cards are bright, the monsters are goofy, and the tension of not knowing who the saboteur is sparks plenty of laughs and debates. Though the rules are simple, reading the board and deciding when to risk a tunnel or place an obstacle keeps each play fresh. It’s ideal for groups who enjoy light card games with a dash of strategy and lots of social interaction.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

3 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–8 players
2 OK
3 OK
4 REC
5 REC
6 BEST
7 REC
8 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Admin: Better Description Needed! Game: Saboteur
Publisher AMIGO, 999 Games, Albi, Brain Games, Gigamic, Lifestyle Boardgames Ltd, Mercurio, Piatnik, Swan Panasia Co., Ltd.
Designer Fréderic Moyersoen
Artist Alexander Jung

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can join?
2 to 8 players, making it great for larger groups.
How long does a game take?
Approximately 45 minutes, varying with player count.
What is the game’s complexity?
Light (BGG weight 1.75), with simple, quick-to-learn rules.
What components are included?
Tunnel cards, action cards, gold tokens, dwarf and monster miniatures, and a central mine board.
Who is the game best suited for?
Fans of card games, bluffing, and fast, party‑style experiences, especially groups looking for a fun, social game.

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