Last Updated on January 20, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team

Werewolf is a classic social deduction party game built around deception, persuasion, and hidden identities. Players are divided into secret roles—innocent Villagers and dangerous Werewolves—and must work together (or against one another) to survive. By day, the group debates, accuses, and votes. By night, the Werewolves strike in secret while special characters quietly influence the outcome.

This guide explains Werewolf rules, setup, roles, night and day phases, strategies for each role, FAQs, and optional variations.

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How to Play Werewolf: A Party Game for Devious People

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How Many Players Do You Need?

Werewolf requires at least 7 players, though the game becomes more exciting with 10–15 players or more. An odd number of players is recommended to avoid voting ties, but it is not required.

One player must act as the Moderator, who does not participate as a character and instead runs the game.

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Building the Werewolf Deck

Each player (except the Moderator) receives one role card. A standard setup includes:

• 2 Werewolves
• 1 Seer
• 1 Doctor
• Remaining players: Villagers

For larger groups:

• Add 1 additional Werewolf for every 4 players above 15

The Moderator should secretly verify the deck before dealing.

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Shuffling and Dealing Roles

Shuffle the role cards thoroughly and deal one face-down card to each player. Players may look at their own card but must keep it hidden for the entire game.

Once roles are distributed, the Moderator begins the first Night phase.

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Game Structure Overview

Werewolf alternates between Night and Day rounds:

• Night: Special roles secretly act while everyone else sleeps
• Day: Players discuss, accuse, and vote to eliminate a suspect

The game continues until one team meets its win condition.

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Night Phase: Step-by-Step

At the start of every night, the Moderator instructs all players to close their eyes. To mask sound, players lightly tap the table or their knees.

Werewolves Awaken

The Moderator says:
“Werewolves, open your eyes.”

The Werewolves silently identify each other. The Moderator notes who they are.

Werewolves Choose a Victim

The Moderator says:
“Werewolves, choose someone to kill.”

Without speaking, the Werewolves agree on one target by pointing. Once the Moderator understands the choice, the Werewolves close their eyes.

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Doctor Awakens

The Moderator says:
“Doctor, open your eyes. Who would you like to heal?”

The Doctor silently points to one player (including themselves). If the Doctor selects the same player targeted by the Werewolves, that player survives the night.

The Doctor then closes their eyes.

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Seer Awakens

The Moderator says:
“Seer, open your eyes. Choose someone to learn about.”

The Seer points to one player. The Moderator responds silently:

• Thumbs up = Werewolf
• Thumbs down = Not a Werewolf

The Seer closes their eyes.

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Night Ends

The Moderator announces:
“Everyone, open your eyes. It is now daytime.”

If someone was killed, they are eliminated immediately and do not reveal their role.
If the Doctor saved someone, the Moderator may say:
“Someone was saved last night.”

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Day Phase: Discussion and Accusations

Introductions (First Day Only)

On the first day, players briefly introduce themselves in character. This is optional but helps break the ice.

Open Discussion

Players debate who they believe the Werewolves are. Lying, misdirection, silence, and overconfidence are all part of the game. Special roles may choose to reveal information—or stay hidden.

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Accusations and Defense

If one player accuses another and a second player supports the accusation:

• The accused gets 30 seconds to defend themselves
• The Moderator then calls for a vote

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Voting

All players vote simultaneously. A majority vote eliminates the accused player. If no majority is reached, discussion continues until time runs out.

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Optional Time Limit

To keep the game moving, many groups limit daytime discussion to 5 minutes. If time expires without a vote, no one is eliminated and night begins again.

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Returning to Night

After a player is eliminated—or time expires—the game returns to Night.
Even if certain roles have been eliminated, the Moderator still calls them in order to conceal information.

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Winning the Game

Villagers Win If:

• All Werewolves are eliminated

Werewolves Win If:

• The number of Werewolves equals the number of Villagers remaining

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Character Roles Explained

The Moderator

The Moderator controls the game flow, calls night actions, manages votes, and tracks roles. A good Moderator keeps the pace steady and maintains secrecy.

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Villagers

Villagers have no special abilities. Their strength lies in observation, discussion, and logic. Anyone can be a Werewolf—talkative players and quiet players alike.

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Werewolves

Werewolves eliminate one player per night and pretend to be Villagers during the day. Their challenge is consistency—one slip in logic or behavior can expose them.

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Seer

The Seer gains powerful information but must decide when—or if—to reveal it. Revealing too early makes the Seer a target; waiting too long risks losing credibility.

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Doctor

The Doctor prevents deaths. Healing strategically—rather than predictably—is key. Self-healing can protect the Doctor but may expose them.

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Special Roles and Wild Cards

Village Drunk

Acts as a Villager but cannot speak. If they speak, they die the next night. This role introduces chaos and misdirection.

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Witch

The Witch has:

• One healing potion
• One poison

Each can be used once, on separate nights. The Witch is awakened nightly to preserve secrecy, even if no action is taken.

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Alpha Werewolf

The Alpha Werewolf must say the word “Werewolf” aloud at least once during the day. If they fail, they die the next night. This creates paranoia and verbal traps.

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Werewolf Strategy Tips

For Villagers

• Track contradictions across multiple days
• Watch voting patterns, not just speeches
• Be cautious of late-game accusations

For Werewolves

• Blend in early; don’t over-direct discussion
• Sacrifice a fellow Werewolf if needed to gain trust
• Avoid voting together consistently

For Seer and Doctor

• Don’t reveal immediately unless forced
• Coordinate indirectly through logic
• Accept that secrecy is often stronger than proof

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Video Tutorial

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Why Werewolf Is a Party Game Classic

Werewolf remains one of the most popular party games ever created because it scales effortlessly, requires no board, and creates unforgettable moments through conversation alone. Every group develops its own meta, inside jokes, and betrayals, making each game unique.

If you enjoy Werewolf, you may also like Secret Hitler and The Resistance—both games built around deception, discussion, and social strategy.