Blood on the Clocktower Board Game Review
Blood on the Clocktower, designed by Steven Medway and published by The Pandemonium Institute in 2022, brings social deduction gaming to new heights. This murder mystery party game accommodates 6-21 players, runs 30-120 minutes, and carries a 15+ age recommendation. With an 8.4 rating on BoardGameGeek, it stands among the highest-rated party games ever released.
Blood on the Clocktower Overview
Set in the fictional village of Ravenswood Bluff, players take on roles as either good townsfolk or evil minions serving a hidden demon. The good team works to identify and execute the demon before the village falls. The evil team spreads lies and confusion to protect their demonic master.
A designated Storyteller runs the game, managing night phases, tracking abilities, and making key narrative decisions. This separates Blood on the Clocktower from traditional Werewolf-style games where a simple moderator handles basic duties.
| Designer | Steven Medway |
|---|---|
| Publisher | The Pandemonium Institute |
| Year Released | 2022 |
| Players | 6-21 |
| Age Range | 15+ |
| Playing Time | 30-120 Minutes |
| Game Type | Social Deduction, Party Game |
| Complexity Rating | 3.04 / 5 |
What’s in the Blood on the Clocktower Box
The game arrives in a unique Grimoire box that functions as the Storyteller’s game management tool. Component quality reflects the premium price point, with thick cardboard tokens and fabric pouches.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Grimoire | Magnetic book-style box with felt interior for token placement |
| Character Tokens | Over 100 illustrated character tokens across multiple editions |
| Reminder Tokens | Small markers tracking abilities, poisoning, and game states |
| Vote Tokens | Tokens for each player to track voting rights |
| Character Sheets | Reference cards explaining each role’s abilities |
| Rules | Comprehensive rulebook covering three base editions |
Blood on the Clocktower Pros and Cons
Pros
- Dead players remain engaged as ghosts with one final vote
- Storyteller role adds dynamic game balancing and narrative depth
- Scales remarkably well from 6 to 21 players
- Three included editions offer varied complexity levels
- Late arrivals can join mid-game as Traveller characters
- Character variety prevents repetitive gameplay sessions
Cons
- Premium price point exceeds most deduction games
- Requires dedicated Storyteller who cannot play as participant
- Learning curve steepens significantly with advanced editions
- Needs minimum six players for proper gameplay experience
- Games can extend beyond two hours with larger groups
How to Play Blood on the Clocktower
The game alternates between day and night phases until either team achieves victory. Good wins by executing the demon. Evil wins when only two players remain alive.
Setup Phase
The Storyteller selects a script (character combination) appropriate for player count. Each participant draws a character token secretly. Evil players learn their teammates during the first night while good players receive only their own role information.
Night Phase
Players close their eyes. The Storyteller wakes individuals one by one based on character abilities. Some gather information, others protect allies, and the demon selects a victim. The Storyteller tracks everything using the Grimoire.
Day Phase
Players discuss openly or whisper privately in pairs. Anyone can nominate a player for execution. Nominations require a second, then all players vote. A majority sends the accused to their death. Only one execution happens per day.
Victory Conditions
Good players win immediately upon executing the demon. Evil wins when the demon kills enough townsfolk to reduce living players to just two. Ghost players retain one vote they can use at any point, keeping eliminated players invested.
Where to Buy Blood on the Clocktower
| Retailer | Notes |
|---|---|
| Official Website (bloodontheclocktower.com) | Direct from publisher, retail edition |
| Elevated Board Games | Specialty retailer |
| eBay | New and secondhand listings available |
| BoardGameGeek Marketplace | Community sellers, various editions |
| Local Game Stores | Availability varies by region |
Blood on the Clocktower Game Mechanics
Hidden role assignment forms the foundation. Each character possesses unique abilities that create asymmetric information across players. The Empath knows how many evil neighbours sit beside them. The Undertaker learns the role of executed players.
Bluffing drives player interaction. Evil players claim false identities while good players must determine who speaks truth. The nomination and voting system forces public commitments that reveal patterns over multiple rounds.
The Storyteller’s discretion separates this from rigid mystery games. They can adjust information given to certain characters, helping balance lopsided games without players knowing intervention occurred.
Who Should Play Blood on the Clocktower
Groups that enjoy Werewolf, Mafia, or Secret Hitler will find familiar territory with substantial improvements. The ghost mechanic solves player elimination frustration common in social deduction titles.
Theatrical players thrive here. Dramatic accusations, emotional defenses, and elaborate bluffs receive encouragement rather than restriction. Quieter participants can contribute through observation and strategic voting.
Skip this if your group dislikes confrontational games or struggles with deception mechanics. The price also makes casual purchase difficult to justify for occasional play. Consider strategy games with lower player requirements for smaller groups.
FAQ
Is Blood on the Clocktower good for beginners?
The Trouble Brewing edition provides an accessible entry point with straightforward character abilities. New players grasp core mechanics within one game. However, the Storyteller should have experience running sessions to ensure smooth gameplay and proper pacing.
How long does Blood on the Clocktower take to play?
Games typically run 60-90 minutes with 8-12 players. Smaller groups finish faster around 30-45 minutes. Larger groups approaching 20 players should expect sessions exceeding two hours. Experience level also affects duration significantly.
What’s the best player count for Blood on the Clocktower?
Most players consider 10-14 the sweet spot. This range provides enough information distribution for meaningful deduction while keeping game length manageable. The game functions at 6-8 players but feels constrained compared to larger sessions.
Is Blood on the Clocktower worth the price?
For groups meeting regularly and enjoying social deduction, the investment pays off through replayability. Component quality justifies the premium. Occasional players should try the free online version or attend community events before committing to purchase.
What games are similar to Blood on the Clocktower?
Werewolf and Mafia share the core day-night elimination structure. Secret Hitler offers team-based deduction with hidden roles. The Resistance provides faster games without player elimination. Captain Sonar delivers real-time team competition for similar group sizes.
