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Should I Play Citadels?

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Hate Rulebooks? Check out our condensed How to Play Citadels Rules Guide

What is Citadels about?

Citadels’ is a strategy card game that involves bluffing, and city-building. 2 to 8 players can play the game and usually lasts about 45 to 60 minutes.

What’s the game about?

You compete to build a city made up of 8 different district cards with the highest values. The player with the city the highest total value of 8 district cards wius.
Roles: Each round, you secretly choose a role (like the Assassin, Thief, Magician, King, etc.) from a rotating set of characters. Each role has unique abilities that can change gameplay, such as stealing gold, swapping cards, or even assassinating another character.
Gold & Districts: Gold is collected and used to build district cards. Districts have varying costs and contribute to the player’s overall score. There are different types (like military, religious, or trade) of districts and they can interact with certain character abilities.
Endgame: The game ends when a player constructs their eighth district. At this point, the game continues until the round concludes, and then scores are tallied based on district values, bonuses, and special abilities.

Game Mechanics

Roles play an important part and you will have to anticipate your opponents’ role choices. This can give rise to players bluffing.
Resource Management: Balancing gold acquisition and spending on districts is key. Players need to decide whether to invest in cheaper districts early or save for more valuable ones later.
Character Abilities: Each character has a unique ability that can significantly impact the game. Knowing when and how to use these abilities adds depth to the strategy.
Interaction & Bluffing: The game is highly interactive, with opportunities to thwart opponents through role abilities, creating tension and excitement.

Who is likely to like Citadels?

Board gamers who enjoy a mix of planning, bluffing, and deduction will likely find this game enjoyable.

What are Citadel players saying about the game?

Great for Larger Groups: The game is ideal for 4-8 players, offering a strategic alternative to typical party games.
High Replay Value: The variety of characters and districts ensures each game feels different, keeping it fresh and engaging.
Slower with More Players: While fun, the game can become slow and lengthy with more than four players.
New Edition Improvements: The updated version has better artwork, sturdier components, and new gameplay options, enhancing the overall experience.
Family-Friendly: Easy to learn for both kids and adults, making it a hit for family game nights.
Component Quality: Some reviewers noted that the coins are of low quality, which detracts slightly from the overall experience.