23 Knives
23 Knives at your next game night?
Add 23 Knives 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 Tyler J. Brown
- Publisher Play to Z , Ediciones MasQueOca , Studio Supernova
- Illustration Danny Brown
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 Roman citizen in 44 BCE with one of three allegiances: loyalist to Caesar, liberator, or opportunist. Over the course of the game you move through Rome, sway other citizens and manipulate votes and events. The game revolves around social deduction and negotiation as players attempt to influence whether 23 or more knives end up in the Curia.
Who Is This Game For?
This fits groups who enjoy social interaction, bluffing and deduction; a party/enthusiast hybrid. With 3–8 players and about 60 minutes per session, it suits mid-length game nights. Experience with hidden-role or deduction games helps but isn't mandatory.
How It Works
23 Knives uses Hidden Roles and Deduction as core mechanics, combined with Voting, Bribery and Action/Event resolution. Players secretly hold allegiances and use actions to influence others, bribe or trigger events that shift support. At the end the number of knives in the Curia determines which faction wins.
What Makes It Special
Designer Tyler J. Brown places social deduction in a specific historical moment (44 BCE Rome) and pairs it with bribery and voting mechanics. The game is linked to the Ancient: Rome family and was developed as a Kickstarter project, giving it a distinctive political-party-game blend.
Pro
- Strong social, discussion-driven gameplay through Hidden Roles and Voting
- Clear historical theme in ancient Rome (44 BCE)
- Suitable for larger groups: 3–8 players and about 60 minutes
- Mechanic mix of Deduction, Bribery and Action/Event adds variety
Contra
- Not aimed at players who prefer pure tactical, non-social games
- Relies on players willing to bluff, discuss and negotiate
Setting & atmosphere
The theme is late Republican Rome, around 44 BCE, directly after Caesar's civil war. Players act as citizens across Roman locations and in political factions centered on the Curia.
Tips for beginners
Engage in discussion, observe behavior and use bribery/voting mechanics to gather information; avoid purely mechanical play disconnected from the table dynamic.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No. Minimum player count is 3, so there is no solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
Listed duration is about 60 minutes; playtime can increase with larger or less experienced groups.
What prior experience do I need?
Familiarity with hidden-role or deduction games helps, but newcomers can learn during play.
How does this compare to similar games?
It combines Hidden Roles and Deduction with Bribery and Voting in a historical setting, rather than being a straight mafia-style title.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 14, it's better suited to older teens and adults.
What mechanic makes it special?
The interplay of Hidden Roles, Deduction, Bribery and Voting defines the game's identity.
Fazit
Recommended for groups that enjoy political bluffing and social deduction; less suitable for players preferring pure strategy. Works well for larger groups given its 3–8 player range and ~60 minute playtime.
23 Knives at your next game night?
Add 23 Knives to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add 23 Knives to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
