The Pretender is a cooperative mystery and horror game that places players in the shoes of die‑hard fans of renowned horror author Bradley Raymond. They get the chance to spend a weekend with the writer, but one of them isn’t who they seem: the infamous killer known only as The Pretender. The plot unfolds in a fictional small town where a mysterious disease plagues the residents, and the only hope for survival lies in uncovering the secret behind the evil. Players must gather clues, interview witnesses, and analyze evidence to discover who is behind the disease and who the real culprit is.

The game blends the tension of a horror setting with the logic of a deduction game, requiring the team to work together to prevent the town from being consumed by the darkness. With a difficulty level of 8/10, The Pretender offers a balanced challenge for groups of 1 to 6 players, with playtime ranging from 45 to 240 minutes depending on strategy and investigative speed. The components include event cards, character tokens, and a board representing the town, plus an optional digital component that can track clues and statistics. If you enjoy games that mix investigation, suspense, and a dash of terror, The Pretender promises intense and memorable game nights.