Secret City

Fantasy World, Inc., Hobby World · Board game · 2010
— Ludopedia 5.4 BGG 2–6 · best 4, 5 120 min Weight 3.0/5
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— rating Ludopedia
5.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy card games with a fantasy theme and a touch of political intrigue, Secret City might be your jam! It's a game that blends hand management with open drafting for a tense experience.

Highlights
  • Engaging intrigue and fantasy
  • Strategic hand management
  • Dynamic open drafting
  • Unique and captivating theme
Keep in mind
  • Can be complex initially
  • High player interaction
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to dive into the Secret City, an alternate Moscow where magic runs wild and the intrigues between the Great Houses are as real as the nightmares haunting the streets. Based on Vadim Panov's acclaimed book series, this game puts you in command of one of these powerful houses, be it Chud', Lud', or Nav'. The goal? To dominate the Secret City, of course! To achieve this, you'll need to expand your territories, recruit loyal armies, acquire mystical artifacts, and cast devastating spells. With each turn, you'll manage your hand of cards, decide which actions to take, and how to use your magical energy. Diplomacy might allow for temporary alliances, but remember: in the end, only one house can reign supreme. It's a tactical and strategic game that demands careful planning to distribute your resources, hire efficient mercenaries, and accumulate the power needed to cast impactful spells. Each game's strategy is set at the beginning, and success will depend on your army's strength, the cards in your hand, and, of course, the unpredictable moves of your opponents. Gather your friends and prepare for an epic battle of magic and power!

Best player count

BGG community vote

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

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Cities: Moscow (Russia)
Publisher Fantasy World, Inc., Hobby World
Designer Sergey Golubkin
Artist Uildrim

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

43owners
3wishlist

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can participate?
The game is for 2 to 6 players, so it works for duels as well as larger groups.
How long does a game session take?
Games are on the longer side, typically taking around 120 minutes.
What is the game's complexity?
The estimated weight is 3 out of 5, indicating moderate complexity, requiring a good understanding of the rules and strategy.
Is the game based on a story?
Yes, it's based on Vadim Panov's 'Secret City' book series, set in a magical Moscow full of intrigue.
What are the main mechanics?
The main mechanics are Hand Management and Open Drafting.
Is it a cooperative or competitive game?
It's a competitive game where players control Great Houses and fight for control of the Secret City.
Do I need to have read the books to play?
Reading the books isn't mandatory, but knowing the story can enrich the experience.