Avalon rules: how to play The Resistance: Avalon
The Resistance: Avalon, by Don Eskridge, is a social deduction game where nobody gets eliminated. Good players try to complete quests while hidden evil players sabotage them, and Merlin knows who's evil but can't say so openly.
It's a great step up from Mafia for groups who don't want anyone sitting out.
Teams and roles in Avalon
Arthur's knights against Mordred's spies, with no player eliminations.
Loyal Servants of Arthur (good)
The majority. They don't know who's evil.
Merlin (good)
Knows the evil players, but if evil identifies Merlin at the end, evil wins.
Minions of Mordred (evil)
Know each other and try to fail quests.
Assassin (evil)
Gets one guess at Merlin if good completes three quests.
How to play Avalon
Deal roles. Evil players open their eyes to see each other; then Merlin is shown who is evil.
The leader proposes a team for the quest. Everyone votes openly to approve or reject.
If approved, the team members secretly play Success or Fail cards. Good players must play Success; evil players may play Fail. One Fail usually fails the quest.
Leadership passes to the left. There are five quests in total.
Optional roles like Percival, Morgana, Mordred and Oberon add more bluffing once the group is comfortable.
How to win
- Good wins after three successful quests, unless the Assassin then correctly names Merlin.
- Evil wins after three failed quests, or if five team proposals in a row are rejected.
Tips for your first game
Merlin: guide the table gently. If you're too obvious, the Assassin will find you.
Watch the team votes as closely as the quest results.
Play Avalon with people near you
Upcoming SyncTrip board-game and social deduction nights. Most people come alone.
Game cafés and game nights by city
Avalon: questions people ask
What's the difference between Avalon and The Resistance?
Avalon is a version of The Resistance with an Arthurian theme and special characters like Merlin and the Assassin.
How many players do you need for Avalon?
Five to ten, and it's best with seven or more.
If you like Avalon, try
Secret Hitler5–10 players · ~45 minA tense game of elections, policies and a hidden leader, set in 1930s Germany.
Coup2–6 players · ~15 minA 15-minute bluffing game where anyone might be lying.
Blood on the Clocktower5–20 players · 60–120 minThe deepest social deduction game there is, run by a Storyteller.