Time Bomb

Time Bomb

BluffingCard GameParty GameSpies / Secret Agents
Players
4-8
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
6 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
30 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
10+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
1.1 / 5
Year
2016

About the game

Time Bomb is a tense hidden-role party game where players are secretly assigned as Agents trying to defuse a bomb or Terrorists trying to make it explode. Across up to four rounds, players draw and shuffle wire cards, then choose and reveal cards in turn to snip toward defusing -- or sabotaging -- the device. Agents win by cutting all the success wires, while Terrorists win by triggering the explosion or running out the clock. With no elimination and a huge focus on bluffing and reading body language, every round crackles with suspicion.

Hobbli's Notes

Time Bomb is a masterclass in tense, social deduction packed into a tiny box -- the shuffled-card mechanic means even honest players can accidentally sabotage the team, which keeps everyone guessing until the reveal. It scales impressively well from four up to eight players and plays fast enough for several rounds in a single sitting. A fantastic pick for party game nights that want real psychological tension without complicated rules.

What we like

  • Tense hidden-role deduction with genuine suspense every round.
  • Scales well from four to eight players.
  • Very quick to teach and play, ideal for multiple rounds.
  • No player elimination keeps everyone engaged throughout.

Keep in mind

  • Limited strategic depth beyond bluffing and social reading.
  • Requires a talkative, socially engaged group to shine.

Who it's for

Perfect for party groups of 4-8 who enjoy social deduction and bluffing games; suitable for ages 10 and up.

Mechanics

Hidden Roles / TraitorRole PlayingTeam-Based Game

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