The Traitors turned an old parlor game into appointment TV: a group of "Faithfuls" tries to find the secret "Traitors" hidden among them, while the Traitors quietly pick people off. The good news is it works brilliantly in a living room. Here's how to run it.
👥 How many players?
It's best with 8 to 20. Use roughly one Traitor for every five or six players: two Traitors for 10 guests, three for 15 to 20. You also need a host who doesn't play, to run the rounds and keep secrets.
🃏 Choosing the Traitors
Hand everyone a sealed envelope or card. Most say "Faithful"; a few say "Traitor." Then do the classic reveal: everyone closes their eyes, the host walks around the circle and taps the Traitors on the shoulder, then the Traitors open their eyes briefly to see each other.
🔁 How a round works
- Murder. The Traitors secretly agree on a Faithful to "murder" (pass the host a note, or meet in another room for 30 seconds). The host announces who's out at the start of the next round.
- Challenge. A short group game earns points or a "shield" that protects one player from the next murder.
- Round table. Everyone debates, then votes to banish one person. The banished player reveals whether they were a Faithful or a Traitor.
Repeat until only a few players remain. If any Traitor is left at the end, the Traitors win.
🎯 Challenge ideas that work at home
- Trivia shield: a quick quiz; the winner gets protection from the next murder.
- Team puzzle: split into teams to finish a jigsaw or riddle against the clock.
- Hidden object hunt: hide envelopes around the house; some contain shields.
- Drawing relay: one person describes, the team draws, the host judges.
- Silent line-up: line up by birthday without talking.
Keep the prize as points or shields, not money, so the focus stays on the drama.
🗳️ Round table tips
- Give each person 30 seconds to make their case.
- Use written votes on cards and reveal them one at a time for maximum tension.
- Faithfuls should watch who goes quiet, and who pushes hard for a vote.
🕯️ Theme, food and decor
Go for a castle mood: candles (LED ones are safer), dark tablecloths, cloaks and a "throne" for the host. Hooded cloaks(paid link) and LED candles(paid link) do most of the work. Serve finger food so people can keep plotting, and name the drinks after roles. It doubles as a great Halloween party.
🎁 Skip the prep
If you'd rather not write rules and cards yourself, our Hidden Traitor Game Night Kit has printable role cards, a host script and rules for 8 to 20 players for $5. Print it, cut it and you're ready.
❓ FAQ
How do you play Traitors at home?
Secretly pick a few Traitors among the players. Each round the Traitors eliminate a Faithful, the group plays a short challenge, then everyone votes at a round table to banish a suspect. Traitors win if any survive to the end.
How many Traitors should there be?
About one Traitor for every five or six players. Use two for around 10 guests and three for 15 to 20.
How long does a Traitors game night take?
Plan for two to three hours with 4 to 6 rounds. Shorten challenges if you're tight on time.
Can kids play a Traitors-style game?
Yes. Keep the challenges simple and frame eliminations as being 'out' rather than murdered.
Do I need a host?
Yes, a host who doesn't play keeps the Traitors' secrets, announces eliminations and runs the challenges.
📚 Related guides
Updated October 22, 2026.