Snake Charmers
Snake Charmers at your next game night?
Add Snake Charmers to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Emely Brand , Inka Brand , Markus Brand , Lukas Brand
- Publisher Edition Spielwiese , Blackrock Games , Hachette Boardgames UK , Oxygame
- Illustration Florian Biege , Tina Kraus
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
Expect quick, social sessions where trust erodes under time pressure: players must work together to 'drive away the night' while hidden snake charmers may betray them. The game frames situations of shifting alliances and tense, brief decisions. Victory requires uncovering who genuinely supports the group and who undermines it before it's too late.
Who Is This Game For?
For players who like party deduction games; complexity sits between family and gamer levels. With ~20 minute plays it's ideal as a filler or group warm-up. Some familiarity with hidden-role mechanics helps but isn't mandatory.
How It Works
Snake Charmers mixes Deduction, Hidden Roles and Semi-Cooperative play: players have secret identities, with some aligned with the group and others acting as traitors. Through discussion, observation and Hot-Potato-like pressure, players try to identify the traitors. The game emphasizes social deduction and timing rather than long-term engine-building.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Emely Brand, Inka Brand, Markus Brand and Lukas Brand, Snake Charmers fuses Bluffing and Traitor mechanics in compact rounds. Its short duration and focus on social interaction distinguish it within Deduction/Hidden-Roles games.
Pro
- Short playtime (~20 minutes) — easy to fit into game nights
- Strong social interaction through bluffing and discussion
- Hidden Roles + Traitor elements create tension
- Supports 3–6 players, flexible group sizes
Contra
- No solo mode — minimum players is 3
- Limited strategic depth for players who prefer long games
- Relies on player discussion; passive groups may find it dull
Setting & atmosphere
Theme: a nocturnal threat by 'snake charmers' — players must cooperate to fend off the night while hidden foes may be among them. The Animals: Snakes family tag reflects this motif.
Tips for beginners
Focus on observing behavior and communicating clearly; the game rewards timely decisions rather than perfect deductions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No. The minimum player count is 3; there is no solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
About 20 minutes per session, making it a short party/filler game.
What prior experience do I need?
Some familiarity with hidden-role or bluff games helps but isn't required.
How does this compare to similar games?
It combines Hidden Roles with Hot-Potato and Semi-Cooperative mechanics and focuses on very short rounds.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes from age 8; suitable for families if younger players engage with bluffing and discussion.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Deduction, Hidden Roles and Hot Potato drives the social dynamics.
Fazit
A fast, socially driven deduction party game that works well as an opener or filler. Not aimed at players seeking deep, long strategic play.
Snake Charmers at your next game night?
Add Snake Charmers to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Snake Charmers to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in