Two Players. One City. Endless Rivalry. Citadels Duel is coming.
Calling all two-player households, friendly rivals, fierce competitors, and date-night strategists! Coming this Fall, Citadels Duel is a brand-new reimagining of our award-winning game of intrigue and deduction, designed exclusively for head-to-head play.
Citadels Duel delivers a focused, competitive experience that sharpens every decision, while staying true to the heart of the original game fans know and love. This is not simply a smaller version, it’s a redesign built from the ground up for two players who thrive on tension, strategy, and rivalry.
A classic, reforged for two
Strategically built for two players, Citadels Duel refines the core mechanics of the original game to create a tighter, faster-paced experience where every move matters. With gameplay carefully rebalanced, players can expect meaningful choices, consistent tension, and a smooth flow from the opening turn to the final, decisive moment.
This new edition has been thoughtfully designed by Guillaume Montiage and Manuel Rozoy, and developed with Z-Man Games’ own Waleed Ma’arouf to ensure the two-player experience is not only balanced, but uniquely its own. Every system and interaction has been purposefully crafted to shine in a head-to-head setting.
In this duel for dominance, there are no alliances to hide behind, and no extra players to absorb the consequences of a misstep. Every action is personal, and every decision can tip the balance of power.
Scheme, build, and outsmart your favorite rival
In Citadels Duel, players vie for control of a living, breathing city. You’ll work to sway the council, build new districts, and utilize unique character powers to stay one step ahead of your opponent. Each character brings distinct abilities, encouraging clever timing, adaptation, and long-term planning.
“The original Citadels’ interaction came mainly from the drafting. In this new version, there are many more ways to upend your opponent’s plans. Sway the newly added council board, strategically place the King’s Guard to protect your districts, or steal resources. A lot of the game’s tension comes not only from planning your own moves, but trying to predict your opponent’s,” says Waleed Ma’arouf, Game Designer at Z-Man Games and lead developer of Citadels Duel.
Fresh artwork brings new energy
And it wouldn’t be a new edition without a new look! Citadels Duel features all-new artwork by Aldrey de Godoy, with a modern fantasy aesthetic and bringing added color, depth, and emotional resonance to the table.
“With Citadels Duel, we had the opportunity to refresh the game with entirely new character and building artwork. Like the Citadel itself, a living, evolving city; we re-envisioned the game with a fresh visual identity. The new cast of characters is expressive, diverse, and representative, brought to life by the incredible Aldrey de Godoy,” says Bree Woodward, Creative Director of Z-Man Games.
The refreshed visual style enhances the atmosphere of rivalry and ambition, immersing players more fully in the struggle for control of the city, while honoring the identity of the original game.
Level up with Hobby Next
Citadels Duel is getting an exclusive Hobby Next treasure. Pre-order your copy of Citadels Duel at a participating Hobby Next store to secure a neoprene playmat to upgrade your duel. This Hobby Next upgrade is designed to enhance your playing experience and will only be available while supplies last at participating Hobby Next Stores.
Visit the Hobby Next website [linked] to find your local store and claim your treasure.
Coming Fall 2026
Citadels Duel will be available in Fall 2026, with its first public release at Essen Spiel on October 25th. Gen Con attendees will also have the opportunity to sign up for an exclusive first look play experience when registration opens in May. Seats will be limited, so be sure to add it to your wish list ASAP.
More details, previews, and updates will be shared in the months ahead. Make sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date with all things Z-Man Games.
See you at the table!
