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First Time Playing Blood on the Clocktower – Any Tips? (i.redd.it)

submitted by CloudAdventurous0010

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[–]impact_ftw 50 points51 points  (3 children)

Talk to people, ask the DM to explain the role if you dont understand it.

Try to find out which minions are ingame. For example by finding out how many outsiders are there.

Remember, just because someone is dead, they aren't out of the game. (Also depending on mode, you could have to tripple tap the demon).

[–]HopefulObject 14 points15 points  (2 children)

Even if you think you understand the role, ask for a quick sidebar. The number of times I've seen undertakers be confused why they didn't learn about people dying in the night is staggering

[–]wonderlossCthulhu Wars 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The number of times I thought an ability was once per day/night instead of once per game is a bit embarrassing.

[–]impact_ftw 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, thats a better tip.

Also OP: there are roles/ways that give someone wrong information. If something does not add up, remember this possibility.

And remember, just because you might know who the bad guys are, you won't necessarily get them voted out. We had a game this week, where i was the women in red and got killed at the first day (I didn't know any of the unused roles yet, this happened in the first 30 seconds) and the players where able to determine who i was quickly. If they'd been able to continue down that path they'd gotten us all, but we threw them off and we were able to win.

[–]scrumptiouscakesGet the ants out early 30 points31 points  (0 children)

Don't worry about understanding every character or every rule, just make sure you understand what your character does.

Don't let anyone tell you the way you are "supposed" to play the game or how you "should" use your character. Do you own thing.

[–]TangerineX 9 points10 points  (0 children)

The biggest mistake that new players of Blood on the Clocktower make is thinking that dying is the end of the game. In fact, a lot of characters WANT to die early. Don't be afraid to die for your team.

In particular:

Characters like Ravenkeeper who learn something when they die

Outsiders with negative effects that are better dead than alive

First night info characters like Librarian who's powers have been completely used up after day one. If you're useless, then you dying instead of someone more important in the later game (like Undertaker or Monk) is better for your team.

[–]omyyer 21 points22 points  (1 child)

If you can get info ahead of time what script you'll be using, it's a good idea to look it up. The easiest one is called Trouble Brewing. There are characters such as the Undertaker and the Empath that greatly benefit from players dying. And if you're a "first night" character, you get all the info at the start, so you're a great candidate for execution! Be careful who you reveal your role to, or you might be targeted. It's a hard game to be new to, because you can't rely on your friends to help you, although your storyteller will be happy to explain mechanics in private. Have fun!

[–]CloudAdventurous0010[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Will keep in mind ✌🏻

[–]The1joriss 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Start with the script Trouble Brewing. Let the storyteller take it easy, at their own pace. Don't rush anything. If mistakes happen, just run with it. First time are barely perfect but it often results in people coming back because there's just so much potential with Blood on the Clocktower.

[–]Double_Employee1645[🍰] 12 points13 points  (3 children)

Biggest thing that tripped me up in first game was treating it like Werewolf where you just vote out whoever seems suspicious, but in Clocktower the information web is so much richer so take time to actually map out what each player's claim implies before you push for execution. Dead players can still vote once, so don't check out mentally when you die, that last vote can swing whole game. Also new players tend to over-trust their own role information, but remember the Storyteller can be feeding you false info if you're poisoned or drunk, so always cross-reference with what others are claiming. Start with Trouble Brewing script if you haven't picked one yet, it's designed for beginners and the roles are balanced enough that you won't feel totally lost on your first run through

[–]ddbrown30 5 points6 points  (0 children)

but in Clocktower the information web is so much richer so take time to actually map out what each player's claim implies before you push for execution.

This is actively bad advice. Do not wait to execute. Good should be trying to execute almost every day, especially early. You want to try for "safe" executions (e.g. Washerwoman or Investigator or one of the outsiders) so you don't accidentally end up killing your Fortune Teller on day 1, but executions are an extremely important tool for the good team and should not be saved only for people who are suspicious.

[–]Dman1791 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You should definitely be using information rather than vibes, but waiting to execute is almost always good for the demon. The less you execute, the less information you get and the more control the demon gets.

[–]jnads 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For the most part you can treat it like Werewolf except:

  1. Information might be tainted

  2. Game effects might interfere your abilities (including other players which you can use to your advantage by selectively disseminating information about your character and seeing when your powers get interfered with)

  3. Dead can vote / participate

[–]ThatGuyYouWantToBe 4 points5 points  (0 children)

One of the biggest things for Blood on the Clocktower is that just because you’re dead, doesn’t mean your out of the game or useless, sometimes it’s helpful that you’ve died

[–]SquireBev 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If you're playing with a bunch of experienced players, be prepared for a load of jargon you won't initially understand. Don't be afraid to ask them to explain.

[–]cptgambitEverdell 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Dont be the Daemon.

[–]KidDelta 15 points16 points  (0 children)

It's a new player, they're almost guaranteed to be the demon in their first game. Murphy's BOTC Law dictates this.

[–]CloudAdventurous0010[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

🙂✌🏻

[–]QuietSolace85 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Listen to the story teller and have fun

[–]livfreeorpie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I made a new player guide here: https://linktr.ee/livfreeorpie

[–]pretzeldumpling138 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Don't follow the impuls to reveal the role of a dead player like in WW.

Explain how important the dead players are and that the dead are crucial for the win.

Encourage separating and secret conversations. This might be slow at the start. Make shure there ia space for secure conversations. At least three rooms or enough space to keep conversations secret.

This game tnrives with a good Gamemaster, who can keep the game close until the last vote.

The drunk is always fun.

Keep to the first set for the first time, there is enough to play around with for weeks in it.

[–]Novel_Counter905 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think they're going to be a player, not the storyteller

[–]Petan65 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As the demon, if you reveal your cover and have a one-time ability, say out loud that you’re going to use that ability that night (nothing will happen ofc)—and in the morning, act clueless/dumb about why it didn’t work… Someone will say that you were probably drunked, and you’ll be off the hook.

[–]LunarRai18xx 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just because someone is lying, it doesn't necessarily mean they're evil. Most players should be lying early in the game.

[–]HydraulicHog 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you're a character that doesn't want to die, pretend you're a role that wants to die and vice versa

[–]ddbrown30 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The general advice others have been giving is great but I'll add some more specific stuff. I've been playing and storytelling for six years or so and these are some of the things I've noticed over and over again with new players. (I'm going to assume you're playing Trouble Brewing but all of these tips apply to all scripts, even when I'm giving examples for Trouble Brewing.)

My most important tip is to not be afraid to execute innocent players. It's one of the biggest things new players have trouble getting past. In general, you should be executing someone every day. On the first day, try to find a volunteer but execute regardless. The Undertaker directly benefits from this and the Empath can as well, but even without them, executing is still helpful. I drill this into my new players constantly and it still always takes a few games for them to really understand it. Also, the underlying message here is it is not evil to execute innocent players. I cannot understate this. Don't point to someone who nominated an innocent player on day 1 as if that is somehow proof that they're evil.

There are plenty of reasons for good players to lie. Being caught in a lie, even if that lie is that they claimed a character that's already in play (even yours), does not automatically mean that player is evil. It should make you suspicious but don't get hung up on it. (As a quick example, the Ravenkeeper might lie about being the Fortune Teller in order to bait the demon to kill them but there are plenty of other reasons.)

Get up and walk around. Have private conversations. If your group allows it, take notes. Most importantly, trust someone. You can't win this game without sharing information. Sometimes you'll pick the wrong person but it's worth the risk. Conversely, don't share your information publicly until later in the game.

Figure out how many outsiders you have. This can help you figure out if there is a Drunk in the game. The Baron can cause this number to change so you can never be 100% sure but if there are supposed to be 2 outsiders and you can only find 1, that's a strong indicator that you have a Drunk in the game. Likewise, if you are yourself an outsider, try to get that information out. You don't even have to out yourself and can instead just say something like, "I've heard of at least one outsider claim."

Speaking of the Drunk, assume all information is true by default. Don't get stuck in the trap of constantly questioning if someone is Drunk/Poisoned. Instead, assume everything is true until it contradicts something, then start trying to figure out why that is the case.

Lastly, for specific strategies for playing a role, check out the official wiki. I allow players in my games to use it during the game if they want. It's super helpful when you're learning the game or even a new script.

I could go on and on but this about sums up the basics for new players.

[–]SnooCats5701 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Enjoy yourself.

[–]JohnnyMcKormack 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Dead players can actively talk and participate in the game, and have one dead vote. Private conversations between players are commonplace and add an extra layer to social deduction proceedings.

[–]CustardFromCthulhu 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Some veterans, especially those who play a lot online, will obsess to the point of getting upset about players following the meta. Tell them to fuck off.

[–]_Nashable_ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don’t eat the tokens.

[–]joeycasmate 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you're evil, don't tell anybody. Even if they pry, its a trick and they will execute you.

[–]2ofdeeGuards Of Atlantis II 3 points4 points  (7 children)

most people are afraid of dying in this game. If you are blue - it' s SUPER useful to stand up and nominate yourself. Death is an infroamtion -> information leads to deduction -> deduction leads to wins

[–]Novel_Counter905 2 points3 points  (6 children)

I wouldn't actually recommend nominating yourself. You never want to deliberately execute good players in TB.

The goal is to kill the demon, and you have limited chances to do so (usually 3 or 4).

You should aim to kill the demon in each nomination, or at least an evil player.

Don't nominate yourself.

[–]Leadstripes 3 points4 points  (3 children)

Absolutely not true. If you're a good player and you're being suspected, it's a fantastic play to get yourself executed. You don't want to be the sus good player in the final three that makes your team lose.

Also, if there's an undertaker that can confirm your role, that's a bonus.

[–]Novel_Counter905 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you're under heavy suspicion, then yes, I agree. But that's a different case from the original comment.

You should never nominate yourself out of the blue.

[–]Extention_Campaign28 0 points1 point  (1 child)

IF

[–]Leadstripes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, so not never

[–]FoxOnTheRocks 1 point2 points  (1 child)

That is not true and the Virgin role proves it. Confirmation is incredibly important in solving the game.

[–]Novel_Counter905 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well yes, the role designed specifically to confirm players can confirm players.

Still - a virgin should not nominate themselves. My point stands.

Nominating yourself and dying isn't confirmation, you're not confirming anything.

[–]EmergencyEntrance28 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ask the ST questions. Anything you even have a slight doubt on your understanding, ask them. Even if it's something seemingly standard and it doesn't fit with your worldview, ask. Even if your understanding is perfect, there's still the off chance that they've got the rule wrong - your game will play by that rule and can be corrected after.

And the most important extension of this, if you're Evil, ask exactly how your chosen bluff role would work. I've seen new players bluffs fail because they claim they made a slayer shot in private, because they forgot to pick a second person to have been "shown" in in a WW/Librarian/Investigator, or because they claim to be an Chef or Empath with a Yes/No, or a FT with a number. No one will find a new player asking private ST questions suspicious, but they will latch on to you claiming information that isn't in the right format.

[–]UnderChromey 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a player there is less stress on you for getting things wrong as the storyteller should be helping you along a bit if you need any help. So don't hesitate to ask them for clarifications, rules interactions or such. Just make sure to think if your question reveals anything about you before asking it publicly, you may want to ask in private.

I'd say the main thing is just make sure you understand your role, as a claim that is inaccurate may end up getting you executed due to being sus. With that I'd also say if you're one of the bad guys (especially the demon) then also make sure you understand the role you're bluffing as. I've seen newbies make claims that just couldn't have happened because they misunderstood their bluff role.

Don't necessarily reveal your role just because you died. Unlike in werewolf or such, dead players' identities can still be part of the puzzle of working out who's who. Conversely don't necessarily outright refuse to reveal either, consider if it's worth others knowing or not, and you might want to still lie about it perhaps. For example, usually an evil player might not want to reveal themselves, but if there's a lot of suspicion on them it could be good to lean into that and then contradict things - anything you support as an outed evil player might look evil by association, anything you resist could get supported as good.

[–]Each57 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you are a minion and were not able to get the three good characters that are not in play just stick with something and pretend you are that character. Even if someone else is claiming that, don’t worry, simply say they are lying or back off into a different character and explain you were lying.

It’s better to do this than be suspicious and not claim anything. People will quickly realize you are evil.

[–]Alien_Roaming 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Focus on your ability. Try not to give it away too quickly so you can fact check it and decode if it gives you true information.

[–]InterneticMdA 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tip: the only way to get consistent players is to kidnap people. So, buy duct tape!

[–]Farts_McGeeis the Dominant Species 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Embrace the chaos, ask the game master lots of questions, and be prepared for someone to mess something up.

[–]CaperSteelRed49 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Read the entire roster description and be familiar with each characters abilitiy. And Don’t stress if you screw up the first few games. Try to have fun!

[–]axw3555 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mostly “think about what your role should be doing”.

The first time I did it, I didn’t and I had a really powerful effect for the demon side and I didnt provide anything like the value I could have.

[–]Miss_Behaviour_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZD-RluQdao&t=22s

[–]ghostmoon 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Remember it's just a game, it doesn't really matter if you don't play perfectly. The fun is in the game. In any game of BotC there will be at least one person who dominates every conversation and takes it too seriously and will tell you what you should do and when. You are under no obligation to listen to this person. And you will have a better time if you don't.

[–]blueyelieArkham Horror 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pick one person - could be totally random and before the game even starts but decide to trust them explicit. No matter what.

Also realize how much this game is a social game than a game. Lot of friends and outside relationships will effect the game internally as well. Say a husband and wife are playing and one always think the other is bluffing - they may just called them out because "Thats what they do" type idea.

Really killed the game for me.

But it can be fun. Just lean into the bizarreness of it.

[–]LogicBalm Spirit Island 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I played once with a local group that plays on a very regular basis. I got a role that only had utility while alive and was killed before I could use it on the first night. I hadn't said a word so maybe that's why they focused me. I was still getting accustomed to all the info overload from this very experienced group playing off each other while I constantly referenced the role definition card to keep up with the conversation.

I know I technically wasn't completely out of the game but it sure felt like it. I'd love to play again sometime but that group is my only way to do so and they felt very insular especially for a public local social deduction group.

[–]figarojones -5 points-4 points  (8 children)

Manage your expectations. After all the buzz, and especially because of the price tag, I expected something unique or surprising. It's literally just a shiny version of Werewolf. It includes scenarios (which are just setups that limit available roles), an app (that felt on par with any of the Beizer Werewolf apps), and a very fancy box. That's it.

It's one of the biggest letdowns I've ever had with boardgaming.

[–]ddbrown30 1 point2 points  (2 children)

If you didn't find BotC to be unique and saw it only as a shiny version of Werewolf, you either had an abysmal group and/or storyteller or you just don't like this genre of game.

[–]figarojones 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Honestly, all variants of the Mafia/Werewolf model are basically the same game: X number of people are against the rest, there's some version of overnight elimination, a voting elimination, and special roles that modify gameplay.

People point out that the dead can still participate, which has been around for decades as the Ghost rules. The last release I saw of Ultimate Werewolf had something like 85 different roles, some of which allowed the GM to lie to the players. I've played games where players would talk independently. Most games I've played with expanded roles have included decisions about what the mix of roles will be. I've even played games run by GMs who spiced it up with flavor text.

My point is that I got absolutely nothing that I hadn't gotten before. I have yet to see anything that differentiates BOTC from a gussied up Ultimate Werewolf run by a dedicated GM. You'll also notice I didn't crap on the game, I just said to manage expectations and shared my own experience; yet I've actually gotten more downvoted than someone who just said, " Don't play it."

If it's your jam, awesome! If this is the most engaging, in-depth hidden traitor game you've ever played, bully for you! Maybe it's the fact that I'm 45, but it's old hat and overpriced for me.

[–]danger-cat 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve actually found that the provided scenarios for BOTC give it a huge advantage over Werewolf. The first time I played Werewolf there was a character in the game whose description was something to the effect of “you hate your life and want to die. If you get executed the game is over and you win.” Sure enough the game ended abruptly when they died, which would be fine I guess if I knew it was a possibility? It felt like a weakness in the game that I had no idea such a character might be in play. 85 is a lot of characters for new players to deal with, and BOTC provides curated lists of characters that go well together.

[–]Novel_Counter905 0 points1 point  (1 child)

An app...? There is no app.

And the brilliance of BOTC is the interesting roles that interact with eachother. It's nowhere near werewolf.

I can understand someone not liking BOTC, it's not for everyone, but what you just wrote simply isn't true.

[–]figarojones 0 points1 point  (0 children)

https://botc.app/login

The person running it was using it. There's also a bunch of unofficial apps that do the same thing (track who's power activates when).

[–]penguin62Blood on the Clocktower doesn't have a flair -1 points0 points  (2 children)

What scenarios? The ST can pick any characters on the script to be handed out.

[–]figarojones 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Is it really that hard to figure out that when I used the term 'scenario', I was talking about the scripts being handed out? Especially when I talked about limitations on available roles?

[–]penguin62Blood on the Clocktower doesn't have a flair -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Aye. Board games usually use scenarios to mean specific setups of characters.

The scripts are deliberately designed to be balanced with those specific characters. Having played games where every character is available, it's not balanced and not fun. The curated list of ~25 is much more fun.

[–]Extention_Campaign28 -2 points-1 points  (1 child)

Someone will dominate the game, just follow. It's not really a game where you "do" something. If there's no one who dominates, the demon wins. If the demon is smart enough to dominate, s/he also wins. That's really all. It's not a game, it's more for enjoying the vibe while it lasts - which isn't for everyone. Don't try to deduce data and information, the game master actively sabotages information so the game lasts a long time. The little information you get is unreliable on 4+ levels (drunk, poisoned, player lying, no confirmation after death, information advantage of the demons...) so you don't stand a chance to play it as a detective game.

[–]PoliceAlarm 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very true! If someone on the good team solves the game, the game is solved and good team wins! If someone doesn't solve the game, the evil team wins! Very astute!

Also saying this:

It's not really a game where you "do" something.

and then going on to explain how people "do" things is brilliant. Good work, man.

Also:

no confirmation after death

Ravenkeeper.

[–]zabaci -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Don’t play it

[–]SerhumXen21 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Always hard claim Mayor. Nothing can go wrong doing that. It won't even be suspicious.