Staked! (2025)

Overview

In the depths of Victorian Europe, circa 1898, a chilling presence looms — vampires are on the prowl! You and up to 9 friends play as members of a legendary vampire hunter's guild, forming the last line of defense against the encroaching undead menace. But as the night creeps on, can you determine which of your fellow guild members can be trusted, and which are actually vampires themselves? Investigate and assassinate as you stake your way to the top in this fast-paced evening of betrayal and deception. Last team at the table wins!

Staked! is a social deduction game for 6-10 players, with most players acting as vampire hunters, while a few others are acting as secret vampires. The hunters have superior numbers, but no information. The vampires are fewer, but know each other, and can coordinate attacks.

Each game consists of multiple rounds, with each round consisting of two phases: the Mingling Phase, followed by the Dining Phase. In the Mingling Phase, players discuss suspicions and cast votes for other players, using a series of voting tiles, which keep their vote obscured. Once the votes have all been cast, play moves to the Dining Phase, where votes are revealed. Depending on the votes, 1 player is eliminated, becoming a Ghost, and 1 player is elected Alpha Hunter, granting them special abilities in the next round.

Staked! was designed specifically in an attempt to improve upon traditional social deduction game shortcomings. Eliminated players have much more agency through Ghost actions. There is no narrator required, so everyone plays. Rounds keep moving, and maintain tension, through the use of timed discussion phases. And players can choose between the simpler base game, or a more advanced and engaging play mode, featuring character abilities.

—description from the designer