Santorini: Riddle of the Sphinx

Roxley, Lavka Games · Board game · 2025
1–4 · best 1 Solo 20 min Weight 2.2/5
8.8 rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG
How to Play Buy · from US$ 26.85
8.8 rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for Santorini fans who want to experience a cooperative campaign with progression. The highlight is the shift from a competitive match to a collective puzzle.

Highlights
  • Rewarding progression with new gods
  • Fresh cooperative twist on competitive gameplay
  • Iconic and attractive 3D visuals
  • Tactical challenges that encourage teamwork
Keep in mind
  • Requires the base game to play
  • Some riddles can be quite punishing
RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game
If you've already mastered the art of building towers and outsmarting opponents in Santorini, get ready for a total shift in vibe. In 'Riddle of the Sphinx', the competition is set aside, and the group unites in a cooperative journey. Instead of trying to knock your friend off the board, you are now partners in an ongoing adventure, facing challenging scenarios called 'riddles'.

The goal here is purely tactical: each riddle proposes specific objectives that the group must achieve to move forward. But it's no walk in the park! The main danger is resource management. If you exhaust all the tower pieces in the game before solving the riddle, the mission fails, and you'll have to start over from scratch. It's the kind of game that requires communication, planning, and great synergy between players to avoid wasting precious moves.

Progression is what keeps the excitement high. As you solve the riddles, you advance on an adventure map and, even better, unlock new gods. These gods bring various powers that will be essential for tackling the more complex riddles ahead. It's like a campaign where your team becomes stronger as the story progresses.

The game maintains the amazing visual essence of Santorini — with that three-dimensional movement we love — but transforms the experience into a collective strategic puzzle. Do you and your friends have the cunning necessary to decipher all the mysteries and finally solve the riddle of the Sphinx? Get your towers ready, coordinate your strategies, and good luck, because the Sphinx doesn't make it easy for anyone!
Expansion for
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Santorini: Riddle of the Sphinx English · PDF
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BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 BEST
2 REC
3 OK
4 OK
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Game details

Families

Components: 3-Dimensional (3D) Components: Book as Board Components: PVC Cards Country: Greece Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Game: Santorini Islands: Santorini (Greece) Mythology: Greek Players: Expansions Adding Solo Play Theme: Chibis Theme: Construction
Publisher Roxley, Lavka Games
Designer James Van Niekerk, Paul Saxberg
Artist Damien Mammoliti, David Forest, Lina Cossette
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the base Santorini game?
Yes! This is an expansion, so you'll need the pieces and board from the base game to play.
How many people can play?
The game supports 1 to 4 players. It's great for both solo challengers and groups.
Is it hard to learn?
If you already know Santorini, it's quite easy. The core mechanics are the same, only the objective (cooperative) and scenario structure change.
How long does a game take?
Each riddle is quick, taking about 20 minutes, but the full campaign takes much longer.
What happens if we fail a riddle?
If you run out of tower pieces before the objective is met, the riddle remains unsolved and you must try again.
Is there a solo mode?
Yes, the expansion allows you to face the riddles alone, testing your own tactical skills.