Decrypto

Decrypto is a 2018 espionage-themed party game designed by Thomas Dagenais-Lespérance and published by Le Scorpion Masque in which two teams of players attempt to decode three-digit codes using clues about secret numbered words and determine the secret words of the opposing team.

Decrypto

Designers	Thomas Dagenais-Lespérance
Illustrators	Fabien Fulchiron Nicolas Rivet Manuel Sanchez
Publishers	Le Scorpion Masque
Publication	2018; 7 years ago (2018)
Genres	Party games
Players	3–8
Playing time	15–45 minutes
Age range	12+
Website	www.scorpionmasque.com/en/decrypto

Gameplay

Two teams of players each draw a set of four cards showing a selection of secret words, called "keywords", which are numbered from one to four. In each round, a member of each team assumes the role of Encryptor and attempts to help their team guess a three-digit number code without the opposing team intercepting the code by giving clues referring to their team's keywords with the corresponding numbers.^[1][2]

Before the Encryptor's team can guess the code, the opposing team has a chance to do so following the first round. If the intercepting team succeeds in guessing the other team's code, they win an Interception Token. If a team manages to win two Interception Tokens, that team wins.^[1] Following this, the Encryptor's team can attempt to guess the code. If a team isn't able to guess the code given by their own Encryptor, they receive a Miscommunication Token. If a team manages to win two Miscommunication Tokens, that team loses. Otherwise, the game continues until one of these two win conditions is met.^[2][3]

In the event of a tie, each team says the four words they think are the opposing team's keywords. The team with the most correct guesses is the winner.^[2]

Expansions and editions

The Decrypto Laser Drive expansion was released in 2019 and added a set of optional rules. In each round, a category card is called and at least one of the Encryptor's clues must match the given category. If all three clues match the category the Encryptor's team receives a Laser Token, which can be spent to guess the opposing team's keywords to receive an Interception Token.^[4]

In 2023, the Decrypto: 5th Anniversary Edition was released, which featured updated cover art and a new set of secret words.^[5]

Reception

In 2022, Polygon listed Decrypto as one of the "best party games," with contributor Charlie Theel writing that "Decrypto is a very unusual party game that promises dramatic highs and lows. It captures a light sense of espionage and the payoff is tremendous."^[6] Owen Duffy, writing for The Guardian, called the game "an addictively brainy challenge, and a brilliant light and simple game for big groups" and praised it for its innovative gameplay in the espionage-themed board game genre.^[1]

Decrypto was nominated for Best Party Game in The Dice Tower's 2018 Gaming Awards^[7] and was a finalist for Best Multiplayer General Strategy Game in the International Gamers Awards.^[8] It was the winner of the 2019 UK Games Expo Best Party Game People's Choice Award^[9] and the 2019 Årets spill Best Party Game Award.^[10]