Secret Hitler (2016) Board Game

Secret Hitler is a social deduction game that was released in in 2016. It was designed by Mike Boxleiter, Tommy Maranges, and Max Temkin, who are also known for creating the popular card game, Cards Against Humanity. The game is set in pre-World War II Germany and has players taking on the roles of either Liberals or Fascists, with one player secretly being Hitler.

Game Components of Secret Hitler

Roles: Players are assigned secret roles as liberals, fascists, or Hitler.

Policy Cards: A deck of liberal and fascist policies.

Government Boards: Multiple boards to accommodate varying player numbers.

Player Boards: For tracking roles and policies.

Wooden Tokens: Representing policies and other game elements.

How To Setup Secret Hitler

To set up the game, each player draws a role card, which assigns them as a liberal, fascist, or Hitler. In smaller games, fascists and Hitler know each other’s identities, while in larger games, fascists know who Hitler is, but Hitler does not know the fascists. The game starts with the election of a President and a Chancellor, who work together to enact policies from a random deck.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Social Deduction: Players must deduce each other’s roles through interactions and policy enactments.

Policy Enactment: The President draws three policies, passes two to the Chancellor, who then discards one and enacts the other.

Government Powers: As fascism advances, new powers are unlocked, allowing for more information gathering or assassination of players.

Objective: Liberals must prevent Hitler from becoming Chancellor and stop the enactment of three fascist policies. Fascists aim to achieve the opposite.

Player Experience

Secret Hitler creates a tense and engaging atmosphere where trust is constantly tested. Players form alliances, suspect each other, and engage in intense debates. The game is praised for its simplicity in learning but depth in strategy, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and experienced players. It is particularly fun with larger groups, such as 8-10 players.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The game’s theme is captivating and immersive, set in a historical context.

Clever Mechanics: The mechanics are well-designed, balancing simplicity and complexity.

High Replayability: The game remains fresh and exciting even after multiple plays.

Educational: It provides insights into political systems and the mechanisms of power.

Interactive Gameplay: Encourages social interaction, debate, and strategic thinking.

Cons

Sensitivity: The game’s topic can be sensitive for some players, especially those with personal connections to the Holocaust.

Initial Investment: Some players find the initial cost slightly high, though it is justified by the hours of entertainment provided.

Age Recommendation: Not recommended for players under 18 due to the complex and sensitive nature of the game.

Personal Thoughts on Secret Hitler

Secret Hitler is an exceptional board game that combines a captivating theme with clever mechanics. It is ideal for fans of social deduction games and those interested in historical and political themes. While it may not be suitable for everyone due to its sensitive subject matter, it offers a unique and insightful gaming experience that sparks lively discussions and strategic thinking. It is best enjoyed with larger groups and is a great addition to any board game collection for those who appreciate complex, interactive gameplay.

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