Saboteur
- Players
- 3-10
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 7 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 30 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 8+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 1.3 / 5
- Year
- 2004
About the game
Saboteur casts players as dwarves mining for gold, secretly assigned as either loyal miners or treacherous saboteurs. On a turn, players place path cards to build a route from the start to a hidden goal card, play action cards to help or hinder others, or pass, all while trying not to reveal their true allegiance. If the miners connect a path to the gold, they win the round; if the saboteurs stall them out, the gold goes to the saboteurs instead. After three rounds, the player with the most gold wins.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli finds Saboteur a reliable, inexpensive hidden-role classic that plays fast and scales up to a big group of ten. The bluffing is light enough for casual players but still creates fun tension around who's secretly working against you. A great budget pick for parties and mixed-experience tables.
What we like
- Simple hidden-role bluffing accessible to large groups of up to ten.
- Quick rounds with immediate hidden-role payoff.
- Light card-based path-building puzzle layered onto social deduction.
- Low cost of entry and easy to teach.
Keep in mind
- Downtime increases with larger player counts.
- Social deduction can be swingy if players are too obvious or too quiet.
- Action cards can feel "take that" and frustrate sensitive players.
Who it's for
Great for larger casual groups of 3-10, ages 8+, who enjoy light hidden-role bluffing games.
