Stay Away! (2014) Board Game

Stay Away! is a board game that was released in 2014 by Pendragon Game Studio. It was designed by Antonio Ferrara and Sebastiano Fiorillo, with artwork by Alessia Valentina Coppola and Sebastiano Fiorillo. The game falls under multiple categories including bluffing, card game, deduction, horror, and party game, making it a versatile choice for game nights.

Game Components of Stay Away!

Player Cards: Each player receives a card, with one player getting “The Thing” card at the beginning.

Action Cards: Used for various actions and interactions during the game.

Token and Markers: For tracking player status and actions.

How To Setup Stay Away!

To set up the game, each player is dealt a card. One player will receive “The Thing” card, which remains secret. The remaining players are humans. The game starts with the knowledge that one among them is a contaminating entity, adding an element of paranoia and mistrust.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Social Deduction: Players must figure out who among them is “The Thing” and eliminate it before it spreads.

Variable Player Powers: Action cards allow players to perform different actions such as investigating, protecting, or contaminating others.

Game Objective: Humans must identify and eliminate “The Thing” before it contaminates everyone, while “The Thing” aims to spread and take over.

Player Experience

Playing **Stay Away** is a fast-paced and intense experience that combines social interaction with strategic thinking. Players must navigate the intricate web of trust and suspicion, using their action cards wisely to uncover “The Thing” without getting contaminated themselves. The game’s horror theme adds an extra layer of tension, making it thrilling and engaging.

Pros

Fast and Easy to Learn: Simple rules but deep gameplay.

High Replayability: Different outcomes each game due to random card distribution.

Interactive and Social: Encourages teamwork and deduction.

Atmospheric: Captures the horror element effectively.

Cons

Dependent on Group Dynamics: The game’s quality can vary greatly depending on the players’ willingness to engage and play their roles.

Potential for Player Elimination: Players can be eliminated early in the game, which might reduce their overall engagement.

Personal Thoughts on Stay Away!

**Stay Away** is perfect for groups who enjoy social deduction games and are looking for a thrilling, horror-themed experience. It’s ideal for larger groups, as it supports up to 12 players, making it a great option for parties or game nights. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer solo games or those who get frustrated with early elimination mechanics. If you’re into games that combine strategy, suspense, and social interaction, **Stay Away** is definitely worth a try.

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