Secret Hitler

Welcome to the shadowy world of Secret Hitler, where trust is a luxury and deception is the name of the game. Imagine yourself in pre-World War II Germany, where you and your fellow players must navigate a treacherous political landscape. Some of you are loyal Liberals, fighting to preserve democracy, while others are hidden Fascists, working to undermine it. And then there’s Secret Hitler, lurking in the shadows, waiting to seize power. Are you ready to uncover the truth and save your country, or will you fall victim to the ultimate betrayal?

Country of Origin: United States
Date of Origin: 2016
Regions popular in: Worldwide
Family: Social Deduction Games, Party Games
Also Known As: N/A

Variants:

N/A

Game Rules

Objective of the Game

Liberals win by enacting five Liberal policies or assassinating Secret Hitler. Fascists win by enacting six Fascist policies or electing Secret Hitler as Chancellor after three Fascist policies have been enacted.

Number of Players

5-10 players

Board Information

A game board with tracks for Liberal and Fascist policies, and spaces for the Presidential and Chancellor placards.

Setup

1. Distribute role cards to each player, including Liberal, Fascist, and Secret Hitler roles.
2. Players close their eyes, and Fascists reveal themselves to each other while Secret Hitler keeps their eyes closed.
3. Place the game board in the center and shuffle the policy deck.
4. Determine the first Presidential candidate.

Basic Gameplay

1. The President nominates a Chancellor candidate.
2. Players vote on the proposed government. If the vote passes, the President and Chancellor enact a policy.
3. The President draws three policy cards, discards one, and passes the remaining two to the Chancellor.
4. The Chancellor discards one policy card and enacts the remaining policy.
5. If a Fascist policy is enacted, the President gains special powers, such as investigating a player’s loyalty or calling a special election.
6. The game continues with the next round of nominations and policy enactments.

Winning Conditions

Liberals win by enacting five Liberal policies or assassinating Secret Hitler. Fascists win by enacting six Fascist policies or electing Secret Hitler as Chancellor after three Fascist policies have been enacted.

Key Terms

• President: The player who nominates a Chancellor and enacts policies.
• Chancellor: The player nominated by the President to help enact policies.
• Policy Deck: A deck of Liberal and Fascist policy cards.
• Special Powers: Abilities granted to the President after enacting Fascist policies, such as investigating loyalty or calling special elections.
• Secret Hitler: The hidden role that Fascists must protect and Liberals must uncover and eliminate.

Strategy and Tips

Alright, political masterminds, it’s time to master the art of deception and deduction. As a Liberal, your goal is to identify and trust your fellow Liberals while exposing the hidden Fascists. Pay close attention to voting patterns and policy enactments to gather clues about players’ loyalties. As a Fascist, your mission is to sow doubt and confusion among the Liberals while protecting Secret Hitler. Use your special powers wisely and coordinate with your fellow Fascists to manipulate the game in your favor. And remember, in Secret Hitler, trust is a double-edged sword—use it carefully.

Advanced Strategies

For those looking to dominate the political landscape, here are some expert tips:

1. Voting Analysis: Keep track of how players vote on government proposals to identify potential alliances and hidden agendas.
2. Policy Bluffing: As a Fascist, consider enacting a Liberal policy early on to gain the trust of the Liberals and avoid suspicion.
3. Role Coordination: Fascists should communicate subtly to coordinate their actions and protect Secret Hitler.
4. Special Powers: Use the President’s special powers strategically to investigate players’ loyalties and influence the game’s outcome.
5. Deception and Trust: Both sides should use deception and trust-building tactics to manipulate the game’s dynamics and achieve their objectives.

Historical Background

Secret Hitler was designed by Max Temkin, Mike Boxleiter, Tommy Maranges, and illustrated by Mackenzie Schubert. Released in 2016, the game quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of social deduction, strategy, and historical context. Inspired by the political intrigue of pre-World War II Germany, Secret Hitler challenges players to navigate a complex web of alliances and betrayals. The game’s creators aimed to create an engaging and thought-provoking experience that encourages players to think critically about trust and deception.

Popularity and Cultural Impact

Since its release, Secret Hitler has become a favorite among board gamers and social deduction enthusiasts. Its engaging gameplay, historical theme, and striking artwork have made it a standout in the genre. The game’s popularity has led to numerous fan-made expansions, adaptations, and even educational uses, as it provides a unique way to explore themes of trust, power, and political maneuvering.

Secret Hitler in Pop Culture

Secret Hitler has made appearances in various media, from online gaming communities to educational settings. Its thought-provoking gameplay and historical context have sparked discussions about the nature of power and deception. The game’s creators have also been involved in various charitable initiatives, using the game’s success to support causes related to education and social justice.

Legends and Funny Stories

Every Secret Hitler game is filled with memorable moments of deception and revelation. There’s the tale of the player who masterfully convinced the table of their loyalty, only to reveal themselves as Secret Hitler in the final moments, securing a dramatic victory for the Fascists. And then there are the countless games where players’ suspicions and accusations led to hilarious misunderstandings and unexpected alliances. Secret Hitler is a game of highs and lows, where every decision counts and every game tells a unique story.

Conclusion

Secret Hitler is more than just a board game—it’s a thrilling journey into the world of political intrigue, trust, and deception. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a newcomer to social deduction games, Secret Hitler promises an experience filled with tension, strategy, and unforgettable moments. So gather your fellow players, shuffle those role cards, and prepare to navigate the treacherous waters of political power. Will you uncover the truth and save democracy, or will you fall victim to the ultimate betrayal? The fate of the nation is in your hands.