Secret Hitler review: Still the best social deduction game?

Short summary: Secret Hitler is a social deduction game for 5 to 10 players where liberals and fascists vie for power. The fascists know each other, the liberals know nothing — and from this arise delightful discussions, false accusations, and unexpected twists. With an accompanying app by Wil Wheaton. Our favorite party game, without a doubt.

What is Secret Hitler and how does it work?

Secret Hitler is a social deduction game in which each player secretly receives a role: liberal, fascist, or Hitler. The role distribution is simple but brilliant: the fascists know each other AND know who Hitler is. Hitler himself and all liberals know nothing. Welcome to the trust problem.

Each round, players elect a President and a Chancellor using simple "Ja!" and "Nein!" cards. Once elected, the two must work together to enact a policy. The President draws three policy cards and passes two to the Chancellor; the Chancellor chooses one to play. And here's where it gets interesting: even an honest President can be unlucky and receive two fascist policies. No choice then. And that's when the discussions begin.

Because how do you explain that at the table? "I had no other option!" — but does anyone believe you? That's precisely the genius of this game.

How does a game of Secret Hitler begin?

The game opens fantastically: there's an atmospheric app that guides the game introduction, narrated by none other than Wil Wheaton — known from Star Trek: The Next Generation and The Big Bang Theory. He explains how the Nazi party slowly awakens, how the fascists recognize each other in the dark, and you are immediately drawn into the atmosphere before the actual game begins.

That intro is more than a gimmick: it sets the tone, ensures everyone is quiet for a moment, and makes new players immediately comfortable with the rules. A masterstroke by the publisher.

What happens as the game progresses?

The more policies are enacted, the more special powers come into play. The President can shoot someone. Or view someone's party affiliation. With each fascist policy placed on the table, the tension escalates.

And then there's the ultimate victory condition for the fascists: if Hitler is elected President or Chancellor after three fascist policies have been enacted, they win the game. That keeps everyone constantly on the edge of their seat — and leads to accusations that are sometimes hilarious, sometimes intensely personal.

Which groups is Secret Hitler suitable for?

Secret Hitler is ideal for:

• Groups of 5 to 10 players who enjoy sitting around a table for a long evening
• Fans of social deduction games like Werewolf or The Resistance
• Friend groups who love lively discussions and are not afraid of fierce debate
• Players who enjoy bluffing and reading fellow players

Not suitable for: small groups under 5 players, or people who find the name on the box too loaded to enjoy it casually. But give it a chance — usually, the latter is short-lived.

Final verdict: is Secret Hitler worth it?

Why this is my favorite party game (and why that always gets strange looks)

It's been a few years since I was able to add Secret Hitler to my personal collection, and when I started Bove Bove, I couldn't wait to put it in the shop too. No discussion possible.

If I went to a meeting and hobbies came up — "I like playing board games" — a second question always promptly followed: "And what's your favorite?" A terribly difficult question if you love the hobby. But as for party games? Then I don't have to think long. Secret Hitler. That answer has already earned me many strange looks. Quite rightly so, by the way.

But if someone gives you a sideways glance because of the name on the box? Just let them play along. They'll understand.

Order Secret Hitler at Bove Bove →

Similar games you might be interested in

• Prefer a faster variant of a social deduction game? → Check out One Night Ultimate Werewolf
• Looking for another hilarious party game? → Check out Monikers
• Prefer a social deduction game with a horror twist? → Check out Psycho Killer