Our Verdict
Fans of quick card games with dark humor and light competition will love Side Effects.
Highlights
- Fast and fun
- Dark humor
- Constant interaction
Keep in mind
- Adult content
- Simple rules
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Side Effects is a card game that blends sharp humor, psychology, and a dash of science in a fun way. Each player starts with four visible disease cards in their own ‘psyche’ and also holds four hidden cards that are the medicines they’ll try to play. The core mechanic, Take That, adds a competitive edge: while you’re curing your ailments, you can play episode cards that trigger punishments or help sabotage opponents. The goal is simple: cure all your diseases before anyone else does. It supports 2 to 8 players, lasts 10 to 30 minutes, and is perfect for quick, adult‑themed fun. Components are compact: medicine deck, disease deck, and episode cards. The artwork has a dark‑humor vibe that fits the addiction and psychology theme. Side Effects works great at parties but also as a casual home‑game. If you enjoy light strategy, humor, and a touch of social critique, this title will surprise you.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
REC
3
REC
4
BEST
5
BEST
6
BEST
7
REC
8
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Where to Buy
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Pillbox Games, Tower Tactic Games, TTGames CZ
Designer
Jade Shames, Jen Igartua, Kat Thek
Artist
Ben Bronstein
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
3,488owners
434wishlist
17want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How long does a typical game of Side Effects last?
Between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on player count and game pace.
How many players can join?
The game supports 2 to 8 players, making it versatile for small groups or larger parties.
Are the rules hard to learn?
No, the rules are straightforward and can be explained in a few minutes, great for beginners.
What components are included?
Medicine deck, disease deck, and episode cards, all in a compact package.
Who is Side Effects aimed at?
Those who enjoy adult-themed card games with dark humor and light competition.
Does it have a deck‑building mechanic?
No, the game uses fixed decks and does not require deck building.
What age recommendation is there?
Recommended for ages 18 and up due to adult content and dark humor.
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