Shadows over Camelot
- Designer Bruno Cathala , Serge Laget
- Publisher Days of Wonder
- Illustration Cyrille Daujean , Julien Delval
Track your results with Playnexi
Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.
Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Shadows over Camelot, players take on the roles of Knights of the Round Table working together to complete quests, from defeating the Black Knight to searching for the Holy Grail. Players manage their hands and take heroic actions while a possible traitor secretly undermines the group. Successes and failures are tracked with white and black swords on the Round Table, creating tension and strategic challenges. Communication limits add difficulty and a bluffing element to the gameplay.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for 3 to 7 players aged 10 and up, Shadows over Camelot suits those who enjoy cooperative and semi-cooperative games with moderate complexity. With a playing time around 90 minutes, it fits well into an extended game evening. Beginners may face a learning curve due to hand management and deduction elements, but prior experience with cooperative games is helpful though not required.
How It Works
Each turn, a player performs a heroic action like moving to a quest, building their hand, or playing cards to advance good forces. Then they must choose one of three evil actions that bring Camelot closer to defeat. The game features communication limits, dice rolling, hand management, and deduction, with a possible traitor secretly sabotaging the team. The goal is to achieve more white swords than black swords on the Round Table before Camelot falls.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Bruno Cathala and Serge Laget, Shadows over Camelot won the 2005 Japan Boardgame Prize Best Advanced Game and the Origins Awards Gamer’s Choice Best Board Game of the Year. It is noted for its unique blend of cooperative and semi-cooperative mechanics set in the Arthurian legend, featuring miniatures and special dice. It belongs to the family of Knights of the Round Table themed games and combines bluffing with deduction.
Awards
2005
2005
- 2005 Meeples Choice Award — Winner
- 2005 Origins Awards Gamer’s Choice Best Board Game of the Year — Winner
Pro
- Cooperative and semi-cooperative gameplay with traitor mechanics
- Thematic Arthurian setting with miniatures
- Balanced mix of hand management, deduction, and dice rolling
- Winner of the 2005 Japan Boardgame Prize Best Advanced Game
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Approximate 90-minute playtime requires patience
- Communication limits may frustrate new players
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in the mythical world of Camelot, inspired by Arthurian legend and medieval fantasy. Players assume the roles of Knights of the Round Table shaping the fate of Camelot.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on collaboration and closely observe other players to identify the traitor.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, the game is designed for 3 to 7 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 90 minutes, plus setup time.
What prior experience do I need?
The game targets experienced players with some familiarity with cooperative games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its unique mix of cooperative play and a potential traitor adds tension not found in many other games.
Is this suitable for families?
Suitable from age 10, but its moderate complexity and bluffing elements are better for experienced family groups.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of hand management, deduction, and semi-cooperative gameplay with communication limits stands out.
Fazit
Shadows over Camelot is recommended for players seeking cooperative games with traitor mechanics. It supports 3 to 7 players but does not include a solo mode.
