Habemus Papam
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- Designer Francisco Gradaille
- Publisher Salt & Pepper Games
- Illustration Jasper Rietman
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
You play as a Cardinal faction in the Conclave, balancing public positions with a secret agenda. Influence is both currency and victory points: spend it to play powerful cards and sway votes, or conserve it for scoring. Negotiation, betting and bluffing drive interactions as players form alliances and deduce hidden motives. The game lasts up to five rounds, with possible Fumata Blanca or Fumata Negra outcomes affecting the endgame.
Who Is This Game For?
For groups who enjoy negotiation, bluffing and social deduction: Habemus Papam is a mid-weight, interactive game. With a 60-minute duration it suits game-night sessions and favors players familiar with Hidden Roles and negotiation-heavy mechanics. New players may need a few games to grasp strategic subtleties.
How It Works
Core mechanics are Area Majority / Influence, Hand Management and Hidden Roles combined with Negotiation and Betting & Bluffing. You gather and spend influence to support candidates and play cards, while influence also contributes to final scoring. Much of the game is social: promises, bargains and betrayals change the balance. End-of-round conclave results determine whether a Pope is elected early or the intrigue continues, influencing End Game Bonuses and final scoring.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Francisco Gradaille, the game merges religious theme and political negotiation in a hidden-role setting. The interplay of Area Majority / Influence and Negotiation creates tense social dynamics. Its placement in 'Political: Elections' and 'Religious: Pope' highlights the thematic focus on papal selection and factional maneuvering.
Pro
- Strong emphasis on negotiation and bluff (Negotiation, Betting and Bluffing).
- Social deduction through Hidden Roles.
- Influence serving as both resource and victory points creates meaningful trade-offs.
- Compact playtime (~60 minutes) for focused sessions.
Contra
- Requires negotiation experience; beginners may need several plays.
- Religious theme may be sensitive for some groups.
Setting & atmosphere
The game is set in the papal Conclave; players represent Cardinal factions with public profiles and secret agendas. All setting details are taken from the publisher's game description.
Tips for beginners
Learn how influence functions as both currency and scoring; use discussion to gather information before committing resources.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No. The game is designed for 3–6 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
Listed duration is about 60 minutes; negotiation-heavy groups may extend that, but the design centers on a one-hour session.
What prior experience do I need?
Familiarity with negotiation and Hidden Role games helps; the game favors social and deductive skills.
How does this compare to similar games?
Habemus Papam pairs Area Majority / Influence mechanics with heavy negotiation and Hidden Roles, stressing social interaction more than pure majority-tactics.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 12 and focus on negotiation, it's better suited to families with older children or adult groups.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Area Majority / Influence with Hidden Roles and Negotiation defines the game's distinctive feel.
Fazit
Habemus Papam is recommended for players who like negotiation and deduction within a 60-minute game; it's less suited for groups seeking purely tactical, low-interaction games.
Habemus Papam at your next game night?
Add Habemus Papam to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Habemus Papam to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
