Saboteur

What to Expect

In Saboteur, you take on the role of dwarves mining for gold, with secret roles as miners or saboteurs. Players lay path cards to build routes to hidden goal cards, play action cards to help or hinder, and try to deduce who the saboteurs are. After three rounds, the player with the most gold wins. The game blends bluffing, deduction, and team dynamics in an engaging card-based setting.

Who Is This Game For?

Saboteur is a family-friendly game suitable for players aged 8 and up. Its 30-minute playtime fits well for casual groups or family game nights. No prior experience is needed due to simple rules. It supports 3 to 10 players, making it great for larger groups.

How It Works

Players receive hidden roles as miners or saboteurs, revealed only at round end. The core mechanics include Hand Management—playing path cards that must connect properly—and Hidden Roles with Hidden Victory Points. Players build routes to goal cards or try to block the path. Action cards allow players to assist or obstruct others. The goal is to create an uninterrupted path to the gold or prevent it, depending on your role.

What Makes It Special

Saboteur was nominated for the 2004 Japan Boardgame Prize Best Foreign Game for Beginners. Designed by Fréderic Moyersoen, it uniquely combines hidden roles with network and route building. This blend of bluff, deduction, and card play makes it stand out in the mining-themed game family.

Awards

Setting & Atmosphäre

The game is set in a fantasy mining world where dwarves dig for gold. The mining theme is central, reflected in path and goal cards representing the underground tunnels.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Focus on concealing your role well and observe other players’ moves carefully to spot saboteurs or avoid detection.

Häufige Fragen

Fazit

Saboteur offers accessible party gameplay for larger groups, relying on secret roles and player interaction. It’s ideal for those seeking quick, tactical bluffing rounds.