BETRAYAL AT HOUSE ON THE HILL

Recommended ages: 12 and older

Number of players: 3 - 6

Average playing time: 60 - 90 minutes

Introduction to Betrayal at House on the Hill

Betrayal at House on the Hill is a thrilling horror-themed board game that combines exploration, mystery, and spine-tingling suspense. Perfect for families who enjoy a good scare and strategic gameplay, this unique game transforms your living room into a haunted mansion filled with supernatural terrors. What makes Betrayal truly special is that no two games are ever the same – with 50 different horror movie scenarios built into the game, each playthrough offers a completely new and unpredictable experience.

The game brilliantly captures the essence of classic horror films, where a group of friends explores a creepy old house, only to discover that one among them harbors dark intentions. It's an excellent choice for Halloween gatherings, late-night family game sessions, or any time you want to add some excitement to your game night.

How to Play

Betrayal at House on the Hill is played in two distinct phases. The game begins with all players working together as explorers investigating a mysterious three-story house. Each player chooses a character with unique abilities in four traits: Might (physical strength), Speed (agility), Knowledge (mental acuity), and Sanity (psychological stability).

During the exploration phase, players move through the house, laying down room tiles as they discover new areas. Each room contains various events, items, or omens that affect your character's abilities or advance the story. As you explore, you'll encounter creepy phenomena, find useful items like weapons or magical artifacts, and experience events that might help or hinder your progress.

The tension builds as players collect omen cards – mysterious objects like a crystal ball, ancient tome, or bloody dagger. After drawing an omen, players must make a "haunt roll" by rolling dice equal to the number of omens in play. If the roll is less than the number of omens, the haunt begins, triggering the second phase of the game.

When the haunt starts, one player typically becomes the traitor (determined by the specific scenario), while the remaining players become heroes working together to stop them. The traitor receives a separate rulebook with their secret objectives, while the heroes get their own instructions. From this point forward, it becomes a battle of wits, strategy, and survival.

Popular Variations

While the base game offers tremendous replay value with its 50 scenarios, several expansions add even more variety. "Widow's Walk" introduces an additional floor to the house and 50 new scenarios. For families seeking a different experience, "Betrayal Legacy" offers a campaign-style format where decisions in previous games affect future sessions, creating a personalized haunted house that evolves over time.

Some families create house rules to adjust difficulty or accommodate different group dynamics. A popular variation involves allowing players to trade items more freely during the exploration phase, while others prefer limiting communication once the haunt begins to increase tension and uncertainty.

Tips for Success

The best Betrayal players understand that the exploration phase is crucial for positioning and preparation. Focus on building a balanced party where different characters cover various skill areas. Don't neglect any single trait – you never know which abilities the upcoming scenario will demand.

During exploration, experienced players spread out efficiently to discover rooms quickly while staying close enough to help each other when dangerous events occur. Collect items strategically, but remember that some items might benefit the traitor once the haunt begins, so consider who should carry what.

Communication is key during the hero phase. Work together, share information about your abilities and items, and develop coordinated strategies. The traitor often has powerful advantages, but heroes can overcome them through teamwork and clever tactics.

Most importantly, embrace the narrative! Betrayal shines when players get into character and enjoy the horror movie atmosphere. Don't worry too much about winning or losing – focus on creating memorable, spine-chilling moments that your family will talk about long after game night ends.