# Secret Moon ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2014 - **BGG Rating**: 5.6 - **BGG Rank**: #23482 - **Players**: 5-8 (Best with: 8) - **Duration**: 10 min - **Weight**: 1.17 / 5 - **Designers**: Seiji Kanai - **Artists**: Noboru Sugiura - **Publishers**: Arclight Games, Kanai Factory, minimalGames - **Categories**: Deduction, Party Game - **Mechanics**: Deduction, Hidden Roles, Player Elimination, Score-and-Reset Game, Team-Based Game, Variable Player Powers ## Verdict Fans of social deduction will love Secret Moon, and the best part: it doesn’t require a lot of bluffing.Fast and fun paceUnique team strategyElimination without losing funNeeds PT translation or cardsNot for heavy bluff loversHIGHLY RECOMMENDED ## Description Secret Moon is a team‑deduction game that blends the charm of Love Letter with the social intrigue of Werewolf, but without the gore. Up to three players join the “Princess Team” (Princess, Wanderer, and Priestess), while the rest form the “Minister Team” (Minister and four Guards). The Priestess can masquerade as a Minister ally to aid the Princess, creating a tense who‑is‑who dynamic. The Princess Team wins by capturing the Minister or surviving three rounds; the Minister Team wins if the Princess is captured or both the Princess and Wanderer are exposed. Each game lasts just 10 minutes, supports 5–8 players, and unfolds over three fast rounds. Instead of bluffing, the focus is on inspections, interrogations, and accusations based on each player’s secret character card. You can peek at another’s card, ask a specific question, accuse a suspect, or protect yourself or someone else. The Priestess can “capture” revealed cards, while Guards are barred from capturing. A captured player is out of the game, but still counts as a winner if their team triumphs. The game’s language requirement is moderate; you’ll need a translated sheet or cards in Portuguese, but the mechanics are simple enough for a dinner or friend‑group session. Secret Moon is ideal for fans of social‑deduction games who want something lighter and quicker than a classic Werewolf. Gameplay is dynamic: each turn you decide whether to investigate, interrogate, accuse, or protect. The elimination mechanic adds tension, yet captured players can still influence the outcome. The no‑talk rule outside of allowed questions keeps the mystery alive. If you enjoy quick, logical, social games, Secret Moon will surprise you. With a maximum of eight players, everyone gets a voice, and the score‑and‑reset mechanic keeps the game fresh without fatigue. In short, Secret Moon delivers a fun mix of deduction, teamwork, and elimination in under 20 minutes of pure fun. The game is available in English and Japanese, with digital implementations on Board Game Arena for online play when you can’t gather the crew. In short, Secret Moon is the perfect pick for anyone craving a fast, team‑deduction game with minimal bluffing. ## FAQ ### How long does a typical game last? Each game runs about 10–12 minutes, with three quick rounds. ### How many players can join? 5 to 8 players, with a maximum of 8 to keep the pace lively. ### Does the game rely heavily on bluffing? No, it focuses on inspections and rule‑based accusations rather than bluffing. ### What are the main components? Character cards, capture tokens, a small board, and a rulebook. ### Do I need Portuguese resources? Yes, the game has moderate language requirements; translated cards or sheets help. ### Is it suitable for larger groups? Yes, up to 8 players all get a say, though dynamics shift with more participants. ### Is there a digital version? Yes, there’s a Board Game Arena implementation for online play.