Cryptid
- Designer Hal Duncan , Ruth Veevers
- Publisher Osprey Games , 17wanzy (Yihu BG) , Doit Games , Fabrika Igr , JELLY JELLY GAMES
- Illustration Kwanchai Moriya
Track your results with Playnexi
Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.
Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Cryptid, players are cryptozoologists racing to locate a mysterious creature hidden on a modular hex grid. Each player holds a unique clue and must deduce the creature's location by asking questions and interpreting opponents' answers without revealing too much. The game blends deduction, pattern recognition, and bluffing as players try to outsmart each other and claim discovery glory.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for players aged 10 and up, Cryptid is a medium-complexity game ideal for groups who enjoy deduction and strategic thinking. With an average playtime around 50 minutes, it's suited for gamers comfortable with logic puzzles and social interaction. Prior experience with deduction games helps but isn't required.
How It Works
Each player receives a clue about the cryptid's location on a modular hexagonal board. Through deduction and pattern recognition, players ask questions to gather information from others while hiding their own clues. The game mechanics include Deduction, Pattern Recognition, Modular Board, Hexagon Grid, and Race, as players compete to be the first to pinpoint the creature's exact spot without giving away too much.
What Makes It Special
Cryptid was nominated for the 2018 Golden Geek Most Innovative Board Game and won the 2020 Palme d'Or for Best Family Game. Designed by Hal Duncan and Ruth Veevers, it stands out by combining modular board design with social deduction and pattern recognition. It's part of the 'Creatures: Monsters' family and offers a unique twist on classic deduction games.
Awards
2018
- 2020 Palme d'Or for Best Family Game — Nominated
- 2019 American Tabletop Strategy Games — Recommended
- 2019 Dragon Awards Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Board Game — Nominated
- 2019 Juego del Año — Finalist
- 2019 Origins Awards Best Board Game — Nominated
Pro
- Innovative mix of deduction and bluffing
- High replayability with modular board and many setups
- Suitable for 3-5 players aged 10 and up
- Optional digital companion speeds up setup
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Requires focus and patience to analyze clues
- May be too complex for younger children or casual players
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game centers on the search for a cryptid, a mysterious creature hidden in remote locations. Players act as cryptozoologists trying to uncover its whereabouts without revealing too much to their rivals.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on systematically analyzing patterns and clues while carefully managing how much information you reveal.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Cryptid requires 3 to 5 players and does not have a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 50 minutes, fitting a medium-length gaming session.
What prior experience do I need?
Some familiarity with deduction games is helpful but not necessary.
How does this compare to similar games?
Cryptid uniquely combines deduction with pattern recognition on a modular hex board.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, suitable for ages 10+, it's a medium-complexity game appealing to families with older children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Deduction, Pattern Recognition, and Modular Board mechanics creates a distinctive experience.
Fazit
Cryptid offers a challenging deduction experience best enjoyed by groups of three to five players who appreciate bluffing and logic. With a moderate playtime, it balances accessibility and strategic depth effectively.
