If you love social deduction games but want something with more depth, drama, and intrigue than Werewolf or The Resistance, then Blood on the Clocktower is an absolute must. This game takes everything you think you know about hidden role games and turns it into a rich, interactive experience full of bluffing, deception, and intense discussions. My First game of “BOTC” was at games expo and i was rubbish, but i was hooked.
Quick Facts About Blood on the Clocktower
- Publisher: The Pandemonium Institute
- Designer: Steven Medway
- Player Count: 5–20 players
- Playtime: 30–120 minutes
- Game Type: Social deduction, bluffing, hidden roles
- Recommended Age: 15+
What Is Blood on the Clocktower?
At its core, Blood on the Clocktower is a social deduction game, but it offers so much more than the classics. One player takes on the role of the Storyteller, who manages the game, hands out secret roles, and ensures the chaos stays balanced. Players are divided into two factions: the good team (Townsfolk and Outsiders) and the evil team (Demons and Minions).
The goal is simple—good wants to identify and execute the Demon, while evil wants to deceive and eliminate the good players. But with misinformation, game-changing abilities, and players who can still contribute after death, every session is a unique psychological battleground.
How to Play Blood on the Clocktower
- Setup: The Storyteller assigns secret roles, explaining any special rules in play.
- Day Phase: Players discuss suspicions, share (or fabricate) information, and nominate someone for execution.
- Voting: Players vote on whether to execute the nominated player. Majority rules.
- Night Phase: The Storyteller secretly enacts character abilities, including the Demon’s attack.
- Repeat Until Victory: The game continues until good kills the Demon or evil outnumbers good.
Unlike other social deduction games, dead players still have a voice. They can participate in discussions and cast a single ‘ghost vote’ for the remainder of the game. This keeps players engaged until the very end, preventing early eliminations from feeling like a punishment.
Components That Bring the Game to Life
- Grimoire: A sturdy book where the Storyteller tracks the game’s state.
- Character Tokens: Beautifully designed character tokens with unique abilities.
- Vote Tokens & Life Tokens: Used for nominations and tracking players’ status.
- Townsquare Board: A handy reference for player roles and positioning.
- Custom Cloth Bag: Adds a touch of elegance to drawing tokens.
Everything in Blood on the Clocktower is designed with replayability in mind, making each session feel fresh and unpredictable.
Playing at Different Player Counts
One of the best things about Blood on the Clocktower is how flexible it is.
- 5–7 Players: More intimate and strategic. Every discussion matters.
- 8–12 Players: Balanced and lively, the sweet spot for many.
- 13+ Players: Absolute chaos in the best way possible—more deception, more misdirection, and more drama.
Unlike some games where a larger player count slows things down, Blood on the Clocktower remains smooth due to the Storyteller’s ability to control the pace.
Expansions and Variants
The game comes with three core scripts:
- Trouble Brewing (Beginner-friendly, straightforward roles)
- Bad Moon Rising (High chaos, more player interaction)
- Sects & Violets (More complex, powerful abilities)
Each script introduces new characters and dynamics, and many players create their own custom setups to keep things unpredictable.
Playing Blood on the Clocktower Online
Not able to meet in person? No problem. Blood on the Clocktower is playable online via Tabletop Simulator, and there are fan-run sessions on Discord and Board Game Arena. While nothing quite beats playing in person, the digital versions are surprisingly immersive.
Final Thoughts
Blood on the Clocktower isn’t just another party game—it’s an event. The mix of hidden roles, player-driven storytelling, and the ability to stay involved even after death makes it one of the most engaging social deduction experiences out there. If you love bluffing, strategy, and a bit of friendly deception, this game belongs in your collection.