The Villagers
Black Forest Studio · Board game · 2018
7–23
15–90 min
Weight 1.5/5
—
rating
Ludopedia
7.5
rating
BGG
—
rating
Ludopedia
7.5
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
If you love a good social deduction game where trust is a rare currency and bluffing is the rule, The Villagers will win you over! It's perfect for livening up parties and gatherings with plenty of laughter and suspicion.
Highlights
- Engaging social deduction
- Lots of twists and bluffs
- Large group, high interaction
Keep in mind
- Player elimination can be a downer
- Requires an active moderator
- Rules can be confusing initially
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready for a good dose of suspicion and bluffing in The Villagers! This party game throws you into the middle of a medieval village plagued by the Bubonic Plague. Here's the deal: you're part of one of two teams. On one side, we have the Plague Doctors, secretly trying to spread the disease and eliminate the villagers. On the other, the Villagers, who need to figure out who these disguised doctors are before it's too late. With 23 different roles, fun and confusion are guaranteed! A moderator is essential to guide everyone, as players take turns trying to infect and trying to deduce. Each day, a suspect is exiled, but beware, as the plague doesn't take breaks and new infections can emerge each night. It's a game of temporary alliances, accusations, and a lot, a lot of smooth-talking. If you enjoy games that test your ability to read people and convince others, The Villagers is a sure bet to liven up any gathering with friends, especially if the group enjoys a good social deduction game with a touch of dark humor.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
7
OK
8
OK
9
OK
10
REC
11
REC
12
REC
13
OK
14
OK
15
OK
16
OK
17
OK
18
OK
19
OK
20
OK
21
OK
22
OK
23
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Black Forest Studio
Designer
Bryan Sloan
Artist
Artur Jag
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players does The Villagers support?
The Villagers is designed for large groups, accommodating 7 to 23 players. The more people, the more chaotic and fun it gets!
How long does a game of The Villagers take?
A game of The Villagers can vary significantly, lasting anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes. It largely depends on how quickly the group can deduce and exile the plague doctors.
Do I need a moderator to play?
Yes, the game requires a moderator to guide the night and day phases, announce events, and ensure the rules are followed. They are essential for the game's flow.
Is the game very complicated to learn?
The complexity is considered low (1.5/5 on BGG). The core mechanics are easy to grasp, but the social dynamics and bluffing might take a few rounds to master.
What happens if my character is eliminated?
In The Villagers, eliminated players are out of the game and must wait for it to conclude. This is a common mechanic in games of this style.
Who is The Villagers recommended for?
It's ideal for those who enjoy social deduction, bluffing, and group interaction games. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or with friends who like an atmosphere of mystery and suspicion.
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