If you’ve ever shouted at the TV, “It’s obviously her, why won’t they banish her?!”, this one’s for you.
The Traitors has turned the nation into a country of amateur detectives. We’ve all got a theory, a favourite liar and a friend who would absolutely be banished first. So why not stop watching and play it yourself?
At The Archertype in Manchester, you can. Welcome to The Deceivers, our Traitors-inspired live murder mystery experience for big groups.
What Is The Deceivers?
The Deceivers is a Traitors-style live experience that takes the tension of the TV show and puts YOU in the middle of it. Instead of watching strangers in a castle, it’s you, your mates, your colleagues or your family, all trying to work out who’s telling the truth.
It’s a social deduction game, in the same family as Mafia, Werewolf and murder mystery party games.
How Does The Deceivers Work?
Up to 16 players are split into two sides:
The Seekers are the majority. They don’t know who the enemy is, and they must find and banish the Deceivers.
The Deceivers are a secret minority chosen by our host. They must blend in, lie convincingly and get through the game without being caught.
Each round follows a simple, addictive pattern:
1. Mission. Everyone takes part in a hands-on group challenge to build the prize points. Expect chaos, teamwork and a lot of laughing. Hidden shields are up for grabs, and the Deceivers have sneaky secret missions of their own to build their own prize points.
2. Banishment. The group gathers at the round table to share suspicions, defend themselves and vote someone out. The banished player reveals whether they were Faithful or a Deceiver.
3. Murder. When night falls, blindfolds go on and the Deceivers choose their next victim in secret.
Players who are murdered or banished don’t sit out. They become ghosts, who keep joining the missions and get their own final round table. Ghosts will continue to impact the game so nobody is left on the sidelines.
The game ends with a nerve racking choice: End Game or Banish Again? If a Deceiver survives to the end, the Deceivers win. If the Faithful have rooted them all out, they take the victory. And if the Deceivers raise enough points along the way, they win a free session of Combat Archery at The Archertype. The Seekers can end up on our leaderboard with the best achieving Seeker team winning free future events at The Archertype! When there’s real prizes at stakes the game is more tense!
Why Choose a Live Murder Mystery like the Deceivers Over a Night Out?
Plenty of venues offer fun, but The Deceivers offers you a Traitors-style game that gives you something rarer: a story your group will keep telling.
It’s brilliant for large groups. Lots of activities struggle once you get past eight or ten people. The Deceivers is built for it.
It gets everyone talking. Quiet colleagues and chatty aunties all get pulled into the drama.
No experience needed. You don’t need to be a great actor or have watched every series. Our host guides you through the whole thing.
It’s genuinely funny. There’s nothing like the look on someone’s face when they’re accused by their best friend/ colleague.
Perfect for Hen Dos, Stag Dos, Birthdays and Team Days
The Deceivers is one of the most unique group activities in Manchester, and it suits almost any occasion:
Hen and stag dos: a laugh-out-loud alternative to the usual routine
Birthday parties: ideal for adults who want something more fun than dinner and drinks
Corporate events: a great way to get teams interacting outside the office
Team building days: communication, trust, persuasion and a little healthy suspicion
Friend and family get-togethers: big-group fun everyone can join in with
Want more action? Combine The Deceivers with Combat Archery (archery dodgeball) or Outplayed the Gameshow and make it a full day out. Our combo packages save you up to 20%.
Love Social Deduction Games? You’ll Fit Right In
If you’re a fan of Mafia, Werewolf, Among Us, Blood on the Clocktower or murder mystery nights, The Deceivers will feel instantly familiar, just bigger, louder and far more dramatic. Our castle-style setting, missions, props and host turn a classic tabletop game into a full live experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Deceivers the same as The Traitors?
It’s inspired by the same style of game, with a hidden minority, round table votes and betrayal, but it’s our own original live experience with unique missions, ghost mechanic and twists.
Do I need to have watched The Traitors to play?
Not at all. Our host explains everything, and you’ll be accusing people within minutes.
How many people can play?
The Deceivers is designed for large groups of 10 - 16 players.
Can I combine it with other activities?
Yes. Add Combat Archery or Outplayed the Gameshow to your booking and save up to 20%.
Where can I play it?
At The Archertype, Unit 10A, Universal Building, 37-49 Devonshire Street North, Ardwick, Manchester, M12 6JR.
Ready to Find Out Who You Can Trust?
Gather your group, pick your side and see who cracks first. The Deceivers is the Traitors live experience in Manchester that your friends, colleagues and family will be talking about for months.
