Secret Hitler

Goat Wolf & Cabbage, (Self-Published), Print & Play Productions · Board game · 2016
5–10 · best 8 45 min Weight 1.7/5
8.3 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
8.3 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love social deduction and political intrigue, Secret Hitler offers a tense and twisty journey into betrayal and hidden identities. It's a standout for its clever hidden roles and escalating paranoia.

Highlights
  • Engaging social deduction gameplay
  • High player interaction and deception
  • Accessible rules, quick to learn
  • Exciting reveals and accusations
Keep in mind
  • Requires specific player count
  • Can be frustrating for new players
  • Relies heavily on player personalities
RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our interactive rules guide and exclusive illustrated infographic.
Access Rules Guide
About the game
Get ready for a tense and twisty journey to 1930s Germany with Secret Hitler! In this game of political intrigue and betrayal, each player is secretly assigned a role: liberal, fascist, or Secret Hitler himself. The liberals, always in the majority, must uncover Secret Hitler and prevent the fascists from seizing power. The fascists, on the other hand, work together to sow distrust and elect their ruthless leader. At the start of the game, everyone closes their eyes, and the fascists reveal themselves to each other. Secret Hitler keeps his eyes closed but gives a thumbs-up so his fellow fascists can identify him. Thus, the fascists know who Hitler is, but Hitler doesn't know who the other fascists are, and the liberals are completely in the dark about everyone's identity. Each round, players elect a President and a Chancellor, who together will try to enact a law from a random deck. If a fascist law is passed, the tension rises: was it a betrayal or just bad luck? As fascism advances, special government powers come into play, allowing the fascists to create even more chaos. Liberals must use all their cunning to prevent the nation from falling into the abyss. The liberal team wins if they manage to pass five liberal policies or assassinate Secret Hitler. The fascist team, in turn, triumphs by passing six fascist policies or electing Secret Hitler as Chancellor after three fascist policies have already been passed. It's a game of bluffing, deduction, and a lot of sweet talk, where trust is a luxury and paranoia is your best friend!
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Secret Hitler English · PDF
Download PDF
BEST PLAYER COUNT
5 OK
6 REC
7 REC
8 BEST
9 REC
10 BEST
WHERE TO BUY
Finding best prices...
Game details

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Game: Werewolf / Mafia
Publisher Goat Wolf & Cabbage, (Self-Published), Print & Play Productions
Designer Max Temkin, Mike Boxleiter, Tommy Maranges
Artist Mackenzie Schubert
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can participate in Secret Hitler?
Secret Hitler is ideal for larger groups, accommodating 5 to 10 players. The more people, the more chaotic and fun it gets!
What is the average game duration?
A game typically lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour. The time can vary slightly depending on the number of players and the intensity of the discussions.
Is it a complex game to learn?
No, the basic rules are quite simple and easy to pick up. The complexity comes from player interaction, deduction, and bluffing, not the mechanics themselves.
What are the main components of the game?
The game comes with role cards, policy cards (liberal and fascist), boards to track policy progress, and vote tokens. Everything is straightforward to keep the focus on interaction!
Who is Secret Hitler for?
It's perfect for anyone who loves party games, social deduction, bluffing, and lots of discussion. If you enjoy games like Mafia or Werewolf, but with a political twist and more structure, you'll love it!
Is there player elimination in Secret Hitler?
Yes, player elimination is a mechanic present. At certain points in the game, the President can assassinate a player, which adds an extra layer of tension and risk.