Citadels Revised Edition Board Game - Compact Medieval Strategy

In this review of Citadels Revised Edition the bottom line is simple: this is a compact, travel-friendly version of Bruno Faidutti's classic that delivers the same bluffing and city-building tension in a smaller package. Suited to families, casual gamers and groups who like interaction, the revised edition condenses all published content into a neat set that is easy to teach and quick to play, making it the best pick when portability and replayability matter most.

Key Features

• Revised edition: Includes a condensed, travel-friendly presentation that gathers all published Citadels content into one accessible box for on-the-go play.
• Character-driven play: Features 27 distinct characters whose unique abilities create shifting power dynamics and encourage bluffing and tactical choices each round.
• Wide player range: Supports 2-8 players so it works as a two-player duel or a larger party game without changing the core experience.
• Short playtime: With sessions around 30-60 minutes, games fit into an evening or a travel day and allow for multiple quick rematches.
• Replayability: All published content and preset scenarios are included, enabling varied setups and homebrew combinations for long-term variety.
• Attractive components: Stunning illustrations and solid build quality make the cards and reference pieces pleasant to handle during repeated plays.

Who It's For

Citadels Revised Edition is ideal for families with older children (recommended ages 10+), gaming groups that value social interaction, and travelers who want a strategic game that does not dominate luggage space. Its approachable ruleset and visual cues make it easy to teach to newcomers while still offering tactical depth to experienced players.

Players looking for heavy eurogame-style engine building or very long campaign play should look elsewhere; this is a light-to-medium weight social strategy game focused on bluffing, role selection and tactical city building rather than complex resource optimization.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Fun, social gameplay with strong replayability driven by 27 characters and varied scenarios.
• Easy to learn rules and useful turn/scoring reference cards speed up new-player onboarding.
• Compact, travel-friendly design and good component quality make it easy to take on trips.
• Wide player count from 2-8 offers flexibility for duos or larger gatherings.

Cons

• Some players may find the social bluffing and backstabbing less appealing than purely strategic solo planning.
• The condensed format reduces table presence compared with larger deluxe editions if component size matters to collectors.

Specifications

Title	Citadels Revised Edition
Designer	Bruno Faidutti (original)
Players	2-8 players
Recommended age	Ages 10+
Playtime	30-60 minutes
Contents	All published Citadels content, 27 characters, preset scenarios

Our Verdict

Citadels Revised Edition is a smart, economical way to get the classic bluffing and city-building experience in a compact box. It suits mixed groups, travel and casual-to-competitive play, offering strong replay value through many characters and scenarios, making it a good value for players who want a portable social strategy game.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many characters are included?
There are 27 diverse characters included in this revised edition, each with its own illustrated ability.

Is this edition suitable for travel?
Yes, the revised edition is condensed and travel-friendly, designed specifically to be more portable than larger versions.

What player counts work best?
It works well across 2-8 players, offering flexible sessions for two-player duels or larger party games.