Stay Away!

Pendragon Game Studio, Ares Games, Asterion Press · Board game · 2014
4–12 · best 6 15–60 min Weight 1.2/5
7.3 rating Ludopedia
6.1 rating BGG
Buy
7.3 rating Ludopedia
6.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Perfect for those who love betrayal games and large groups that enjoy role-playing. The gradual infection dynamic creates a delightful chaos.

Highlights
  • Constant and engaging paranoia
  • Easy to explain to newcomers
  • High player interaction
  • Very well-executed horror atmosphere
Keep in mind
  • Player elimination may frustrate some
  • Heavily dependent on group's willingness to act
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Imagine you're part of a rescue team sent to the mysterious island of R'lyeh to find missing archaeologists. The catch? Something terrible has awakened from an eternal slumber and is now infiltrating your group. In Stay Away!, paranoia is the name of the game. You start as a human, but at any moment, you could be infected by 'The Thing' during card exchanges. From that point on, your goal shifts entirely: you are now an ally of the creature and must ensure the monster's identity remains a secret.

The game is an intense psychological duel. Humans need nerves of steel and sharp deduction to pinpoint the impostor and roast them with a flamethrower. Meanwhile, the creature and its infected use bluffing and manipulation to sow discord. You can block doors, quarantine suspects, or try to convince your colleagues of your innocence, even after you've already turned.

With open drafting and role-playing mechanics, Stay Away! turns the table into a scene of psychological horror. The 'who is who' dynamic creates hilarious and agonizing situations where clever acting is your best weapon. Can you maintain your hero facade while planning your friends' downfall, or will you manage to identify the monster before everyone is consumed? Get ready to scream, accuse, and maybe, just maybe, survive this Lovecraftian nightmare.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

4–12 players
4 OK
5 REC
6 BEST
7 BEST
8 BEST
9 REC
10 REC
11 OK
12 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Theme: Cthulhu Mythos
Publisher Pendragon Game Studio, Ares Games, Asterion Press, Delta Vision Publishing, Edge Entertainment, Escape Studios, Fantasmagoria, Galakta, Hobby World, KADABRA, Sherlock S.A., Truant Spiele, Ігрова Майстерня
Designer Antonio Ferrara, Sebastiano Fiorillo
Artist Alessia Valentina Coppola, Sebastiano Fiorillo

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many people can play?
The game supports 4 to 12 players, making it ideal for larger groups where confusion and paranoia shine brightest.
Is it hard to learn?
Not at all! The rules are simple and quick, making it a great party game for those who aren't used to complex board games.
How long does a game take?
Between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the group size and how much time you spend arguing and accusing each other.
What happens if I'm eliminated?
Since there is player elimination, you might leave the game early, but the tension of watching what happens to the survivors remains high.
Is it a complex game?
No, it's a lightweight game (BGG weight 1.24), focusing more on social interaction and bluffing than complex strategy.

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