Should I Play Betrayal at House on the Hill 3rd Edition?
Players: 3 – 6 players | Game Duration 50 – 70 mins |
Min. Age 12+ | Game complexity: MEDIUM Genre: Horror
Solo game mode: No | Co-op: Yes |
Online Version: No
Buy on Amazon
Hate Rulebooks? Check out our condensed How to Play Betrayal at House on the Hill 3rd Edition Rules Guide
What is Betrayal at House on the Hill 3rd Edition about?
“Betrayal at House on the Hill” is a semi-cooperative horror-themed board game for 3-6 players, lasting about 60-90 minutes. Players explore a haunted house, revealing new rooms, collecting items, and encountering spooky events. Midway through the game, a “haunt” is triggered, where one player becomes the traitor and faces off against the rest in a scenario-driven finale.
Gameplay Mechanics:
- Exploration Phase: Players take turns uncovering rooms in a haunted house, finding items, and encountering omens. These omens trigger dice rolls (haunt rolls) that may start the second phase.
- Haunt Phase: If a haunt is triggered, a scenario is revealed where one player becomes the traitor with a hidden goal. The rest of the players work together to stop them. The game features 50 different possible haunts, providing a variety of win conditions.
- Player Stats & Actions: Players have four stats—might, speed, sanity, and knowledge—used for movement, attacks, and resolving events. When stats reach zero, the character dies.
- Thematic Immersion: The game embraces a horror movie vibe, with characters like an 11-year-old detective or high school athletes exploring a spooky mansion.
Pros:
- Improved Components: The third edition boasts brighter, more detailed tiles, better miniatures, and a cleaner design for the rulebooks and haunts.
- Streamlined Rules: Rules are clearer, with better organization and more concise instructions. The game now includes player aids and improved haunt booklets to reduce confusion.
- Balanced Haunts: The timing for haunts triggering has been adjusted, making the gameplay more consistent. New mechanics prevent haunts from happening too early or late.
- Reduced Complexity: Simplified mechanics make the game more accessible, with fewer confusing or overpowered abilities.
Cons:
- Some Rules Still Confusing: Despite improvements, some haunts remain unclear, and vague wording can lead to misinterpretations.
- Component Issues: Thin tiles, unclear text on certain components, and generic monster tokens detract from the production quality.
- Streamlined but Less Flavorful: The game’s simplifications result in less thematic depth and fewer quirky, chaotic moments that players enjoyed in the second edition.
Who Would Enjoy It?
- Fans of thematic horror games and social interaction will enjoy the game’s immersive experience and unpredictable twists.
- New players will appreciate the streamlined rules and quicker setup compared to previous editions.
- Players who like semi-cooperative games with hidden traitor mechanics and light role-playing will find this fun.
Rules
Condensed How to Play Betrayal at House on the Hill 3rd Edition Rules Guide for rulebook haters
Betrayal at House on the Hill 3rd Edition Videos