Decrypto board game is a team game in which strategy meets suspense to redefine your game nights. For players 12 and up, this adventure invites you to send secret codes, outsmart opponents, and enjoy every mysterious moment. The game’s concept is to convey information to your team without the other team’s awareness. Your messages should be clear for your teammates to grasp and unclear to confuse your competitors!

Decrypto board game was designed by the ingenious Thomas Dagenais-Lespérance. Decrypto took the gaming world by storm in 2018. It became a sensation when Le Scorpion Masque published it. Within a year, Decrypto Laser Drive was released in 2019.

At every turn, one team coder plays the role of Encryptor to send a secret code of 3 digits. But it should be kept in mind that the other team wouldn’t understand that code. If your team successfully guesses the code of the opposite team, you win an interception token. If you manage to get 2 Interception Tokens, your team wins!”

Word-Based Code-Breaking Game

In this game, participants get a code screen and four cards numbered 1 through 4, each with a single word. The goal is to convey a 3-digit code using the words on the cards, visible only to teammates. Success in decoding the code avoids the Miscommunication token. 

At the start of each round, a player from each team selects a card with a three-digit code. Then, that player provides clues to teammates before a time limit expires. The challenge is to guide the team to guess the code using words related to the numbers on the cards. For instance, if the words are ‘dream,’ ‘flower,’ ‘car,’ and ‘country’ (corresponding to numbers 1-4), the player might say ‘Kia,’ ‘daffodil,’ ‘Mexico’ to convey the code 324. Successful teams proceed to the opposing side. Players keep their keywords secret from the opposing team throughout the game.

 

work based codes
Image Source: Amazon

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Specifications

Decrypto Board Game has the following specifications:

  • Theme: Adventure 
  • Material: Cardboard
  • Players: 3-8
  • Time: 15-45 minutes
  • Age: 12+
  • Dimensions: 1.97 x 6.3 x 9.06 inches
  • Weight: 15.9 ounces

Game Rules

Decrypt Board Game includes:

  • 2 Screens
  • 110 Keyword cards (440 words)
  • 48 Code cards
  • 50 Note Sheets
  • 4 Interception Tokens 
  • 4 Miscommunication Tokens
  • 1 Sand Timer 
  • 1 Rulebook

Keyword cards in the game are color-coded to distinguish between the card’s front and back. This will help you use all the blue keywords before cards flip to avoid repeating the same keyword. The confusion in guessing the words ensures that no one can read other words on the cards while setting up the screen. This feature of the game makes it more exciting.

Decrypto Board Game Rules
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Setup

Instructions to set up the decryptor board game are as follows:

  • Divide the participants into two teams as evenly as possible.
  • Each team sits on one side of the table, and the opposing team sits on the opposite.
  • Each team takes a screen and draws four keyword cards, placing them on the screen without showing them to the other team.
  • Each team takes the code deck that matches their screen color (black or white).
  • Each team takes a note sheet and chooses a name for their team, writing it in the space provided.
  • The note sheet is double-sided, with one side for your team and the other for the opposing team. The edges of the note sheet match the colors of the screens.
  • Place the sand timer, interception tokens, and miscommunication tokens in the center of the table.

If you collect 2 interception tokens, your team wins; by collecting one intercept token each time, you can intercept the code of the opposite team. After collecting two miscommunication tokens, your team lost the game. If you receive 1 miscommunication token each time, it means you aren’t able to recode your Encryptor’s code.

Clues for Game

In each round, the Encryptor must come up with unique clues. You can create clues in the following ways:

Clues for Game
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  • You can make clues through a single word or a whole sentence. You can even mimic, dance, and show gestures.
  • To avoid confusion, make sure each of your 3 clues is different.
  • To make clues, refer to what you ate for lunch or your favorite movie.
  • Avoid using the same clues more than once.

Game Play

The game involves a series of rounds, normally 4-6 rounds. At the start of every round of each team, appoint an encryptor; according to the game rule, that team encryptor keeps changing. Encryptors of both teams provide clues for their code in each round, and each team will try to guess it. It starts from the white team code, leading to the black team code.

The steps involved in each round are:

  1. Encryptors from each team draw a code card from the deck of his team and read it silently to keep it secret.
  2. Then, the encryptors write three clues on three lines using a note sheet in the current round.
  3. Before giving the sheet to his teammate, the white team, the Encryptor, read 3 codes aloud. In the same way, the black team will write three clues on the white side of the sheet.
  4. Both teams talk about clues and try to decode them. Each team will write the number corresponding to each column on the note sheet when they think they have cracked the clues.
  5. Both teams write down their number, and the black team will try to guess it by reading the 3 digits they have written on the sheet to match the white team code.
  6. After that, the white team will try to decode the clues by reading the 3-digit code on the sheet to match with their encryptor code.
  7. Now it’s time for the white team Encryptor to tell the team code card.

Teams are rewarded with an interception token without penalty for mismatch decoding the numbers in sequence. Black teams will receive these interception tokens. The white team will receive a miscommunication token for incorrectly interpreting the code.

Decrypto Board Game Play
Image Source: Amazon

Both teams will switch rules and characters for encryptors, reading clues, and trying to decode clues. Record the results on a sheet for reference and repeat the sequence. As both teams revealed their codes, the round ended. Check out which team won and which one lost the game.

  • The team with 2 Interception tokens is the winner.
  • The team with 2 Miscommunication tokens lost the game.

Start the next round by returning both code cards to their respective decks. You can draw the same codes for the next round, too. The game is tied if a team has 2 miscommunication tokens and 2 interception tokens when the round is ended. In that case, count the points; a miscommunication token means -1, and an interception token means +1. The team with the most points is the winner in that case. 

Why Consider Decrypto Board Game?

Decrypto board games is a party game with exciting features offers:

  • Delightful Gameplay: Imagine you and your friends on two teams, decoding messages and finding each other’s secrets. It’s a strategic showdown that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
  • Dynamic Turns: With eight parts in each round, Decrypto keeps you guessing. Enjoy the adventure of Code Cards, crafting clues, and the thrill of revealing white and black codes.
  • Intellectual Challenge: Exercise your brain with every round. Decrypto board game isn’t just about luck. It’s about decoding, strategy, and the satisfaction of outsmarting your opponents.
  • Replayability: No two games are the same. The reshuffled Code Cards ensure that every session is a unique challenge. Will you crack the codes or create the perfect decoy?
  • Intellectual Stimulation: It’s more than a game; it’s a brainy challenge that keeps your mind sharp.
  • Social Connection: Encourage teamwork, communication, and friendly rivalry. No doubt, it’s the essence of unforgettable game nights.
  • Creativity Boost: Craft clues that confuse your opponents, setting the stage for epic moments and laughter.

Decrypto isn’t just a board game; it’s a mind-blowing adventure. Improve your gatherings, challenge your friends, and involve yourself in mystery and strategy. Decrypto board game–because every game night deserves a touch of spying and much fun!

Randy Russell
Randy Russell

Hi, I am the editor and founder of STEMGames, an expert in STEM education with a background in developing online courses, climate science education, and professional development workshops. He is passionate about using simulations and games for kids.

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