Hidden Leaders
- Designer Andreas Müller , Markus Müller (II) , Raphael Stocker
- Publisher BFF Games , Board Game Circus , Bumble3ee Interactive , Galakta , Galápagos Jogos
- Illustration Satoshi Matsuura
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Hidden Leaders, you take on the role of a secret leader on the island of Oshra, where conflict escalates after the emperor's death. You play heroes openly or secretly into your tableau to influence four factions competing for power. Players aligned with the winning faction who have the most heroes win. The game combines tableau building with deduction and direct player interaction in fast-paced rounds without downtime.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for 2 to 6 players aged 10 and up, Hidden Leaders is a family-friendly game with light complexity. Its 40-minute playtime suits short to medium game sessions. Prior experience with bluffing or deduction games helps but is not required.
How It Works
Hidden Leaders uses mechanics like Betting and Bluffing, Deduction, and Hand Management. Players deploy hero cards either openly or secretly in their tableau to sway four factions. The faction with the strongest presence determines the winner, with only players holding the most heroes of that faction claiming victory. Hidden Roles and Secret Unit Deployment add tension and surprises throughout the game.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Andreas Müller, Markus Müller (II), and Raphael Stocker, Hidden Leaders was nominated for the 2022 Gioco dell’Anno and Gouden Ludo Best Family Game. It stands out by blending bluffing and deduction in a quick card game with a unique victory condition and a fantasy setting.
Awards
- 2022 Gioco dell’Anno — Nominated
- 2022 Gouden Ludo Best Family Game — Nominated
Pro
- Exciting mix of bluffing, deduction, and tableau building
- Short playtime around 40 minutes
- Suitable for 2–6 players, family-friendly
- Nominated for Gioco dell’Anno 2022
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Some learning curve due to bluff and deduction elements
- May feel too long for very quick game sessions
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set on the fictional island of Oshra, caught in a power struggle after the emperor's death. Four factions—the Hill Tribes, Imperial Army, Water People, and Undead—vie for dominance, with six secret leaders, the emperor's children, influencing the outcome.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on observing factions and use bluffing to conceal your true intentions.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Hidden Leaders is designed for 2 to 6 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 40 minutes, enabling fast and dynamic play.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic familiarity with bluffing and deduction games helps but is not necessary.
How does this compare to similar games?
Hidden Leaders combines tableau building with hidden roles and a unique winning mechanism, differentiating it from classic bluff or deduction games.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it is suitable for ages 10 and up and accessible for family play.
What mechanic makes it special?
Its blend of Betting and Bluffing, Deduction, and Hidden Roles makes Hidden Leaders unique.
Fazit
Hidden Leaders is recommended for players who enjoy fast, interactive card games with bluff and deduction elements. It works best with 3 to 6 players and offers varied strategies through its unique mechanics.
