Spartacus: A Game of Blood and Treachery
- Players
- 3-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 180 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 17+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.7 / 5
- Year
- 2012
About the game
Spartacus: A Game of Blood and Treachery casts players as rival Roman houses scheming, betting, and battling for Influence in ancient Capua, inspired by the STARZ television series. Each round blends political intrigue, an auction-driven market for gladiators and assets, and brutal miniature combat in the arena. Players bribe, poison, and betray one another through Scheme cards while betting gold on the outcome of gladiatorial duels. Managing guards, slaves, and gladiators as resources adds a layer of engine-building beneath the cutthroat negotiation. It's an intensely social, take-that game best suited to players who relish backstabbing and drama.
Hobbli's Notes
Spartacus thrives on table talk and betrayal: half the fun is watching alliances shift mid-round as players bribe each other into betraying someone else. The arena combat gives a satisfying dice-driven payoff to all that scheming, though the 180-minute runtime and heavy negotiation mean it's best with a group that enjoys confrontation. Not for the faint of heart, but a blast with the right crowd.
What we like
- Deep negotiation and scheming create constant social drama.
- Auction-driven market rewards clever resource management.
- Dice-based arena combat delivers satisfying payoff moments.
- Strong licensed theme resonates with fans of the show.
Keep in mind
- Long 180-minute playtime demands a committed group.
- Heavy negotiation can sideline quieter players.
- Player elimination-style setbacks can frustrate newcomers.
Who it's for
Best for ages 17 and up, groups of 3-4 who enjoy negotiation, betrayal, and dice-driven combat over a long session.
