Frequently Asked Questions
Everything groups ask before their first game night.
How many players does Deceptor support?
Deceptor plays with 4 to 10 people. The deck scales with the group — four of each weapon, room, and motive are in play for 4–5 players, five of each for 6–9, and six of each for 10 — so the deduction stays sharp at every size.
Do we all need to be in the same room?
Deceptor is built for playing in person — the discussion, accusations, and bluffing happen out loud while your phone handles the cards, votes, and duels. It works just as well over a voice or video call, as long as everyone can talk.
What do I need to play?
Just a browser. Each player uses their own phone (or laptop), opens deceptor.nidlystudios.com, and joins with the room code the host shares. There is nothing to download and no account to create.
How do I start a game?
One player hosts: they open the game, create a room, and read out the short room code on their screen. Everyone else enters the code to join the lobby. When the group is in, the host starts the game and a briefing walks everyone through the story and their secret role.
Is Deceptor free?
Yes — the browser version is free to play, including the full Murder at the Manor setting. iOS and Android apps are coming, and additional settings are planned as optional extras.
Can bots fill empty seats?
Yes. The host can add bots in the lobby. Bots take simple turns, which makes them handy for rounding out a small group or learning the flow of a game night before the real one.
How is Deceptor different from Clue or Werewolf?
It borrows the best of both. Like a classic whodunit, you eliminate weapons, rooms, and motives with logic. Like a hidden-role game, one player is secretly working against the table. Unlike either, there are no teams — every detective plays to win alone, ties are settled with real-time tap duels, and the killer sits at the table taking turns like everyone else.
When are the mobile apps coming?
The iOS App Store version is in preparation now, with Android to follow. Until then, the browser version is the full game — add it to your home screen and it plays like an app.
I found a bug or have feedback — where do I send it?
Email nidlyapp@gmail.com or visit the support page. Tell us your device, browser, and what happened, and we will get back to you.
Still curious?
The complete rules cover every phase in detail, the Manor introduces the case file, and the strategy guide is there when your group gets competitive. Or skip the reading and start a game — the briefing teaches as you play.