Citadels
- Designer Bruno Faidutti
- Publisher Hans im Glück , 999 Games , Arclight Games , Brain Games , cutia.ro
- Illustration Cyrille Daujean , Julien Delval , Jesper Ejsing , Bruno Faidutti , Didier Graffet , Bjarne Hansen
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Citadels, players assume new character roles each round, each granting special abilities. You collect gold and build diverse buildings, aiming to be the first to erect eight structures. Action drafting and closed drafting determine your role choice, while bluffing and take-that moves disrupt opponents. The game is highly interactive, with dynamic role selection creating unique experiences every time.
Who Is This Game For?
Citadels is a medium-weight game suited for players aged 10 and up who enjoy tactical card games with strategic bluffing and deduction. With a playtime around 60 minutes, it's ideal for game nights with friends or family. Beginners should be prepared for some complexity due to the role choices and player interaction.
How It Works
Each round, players secretly choose a character card using closed and action drafting. Characters act in numeric order—like Assassin, Thief, or Warlord—performing special actions. Players gain income in gold or building cards, then construct buildings worth points. Take that mechanics allow players to disrupt opponents, creating tactical interaction throughout the game.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Bruno Faidutti, Citadels won the Fairplay À la carte Award and was nominated for Spiel des Jahres in 2000. Its innovative use of action and closed drafting for role selection offers a dynamic gameplay experience. Part of the Citadels family, it uniquely combines bluffing with city building mechanics.
Awards
2001
2001
2000
- 2000 Fairplay À la carte — Winner
- 2000 Meeples Choice Award — Winner
Pro
- Dynamic role selection through action and closed drafting
- High player interaction and bluffing
- Diverse strategies via unique character abilities
- 60-minute playtime suits game nights
Contra
- Requires understanding of complex role mechanics
- Not suitable for players preferring cooperative games
- Minimum age of 10 limits younger players
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a medieval fantasy world, players expand their city by building structures. Characters such as the Assassin, Thief, and Wizard add thematic depth to the gameplay.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on learning character abilities and observe opponents carefully to anticipate their roles.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Citadels is designed for 2 to 8 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 60 minutes, making it a medium-length game.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic card game skills and tactical thinking help due to the complex role selection and player interaction.
How does this compare to similar games?
Citadels uniquely combines action and closed drafting with bluffing and take-that mechanics in a city-building theme.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 10 and medium complexity, Citadels fits families with older children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of action drafting and closed drafting for selecting roles makes the gameplay dynamic.
Fazit
Citadels is recommended for fans of bluffing and deduction card games seeking interactive play. The variety of roles can be challenging for newcomers, but the 60-minute playtime keeps the game engaging.
