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Mafia roles
A game of Mafia only needs four roles, but there are dozens of variants. Here are the core Mafia game roles, the most popular extras, and their Werewolf equivalents. New to the game? Start with how to play Mafia.
The core roles
Mafia (Mafioso)
Mafia team
Wakes with the other Mafia each night to choose a victim. Wins when the Mafia equal the town in number.
In Werewolf: Werewolf
Detective (Cop)
Town team
Investigates one player each night and learns whether they are Mafia.
In Werewolf: Seer
Doctor
Town team
Protects one player each night from being killed. Usually can't protect the same player twice in a row.
In Werewolf: Doctor
Civilian (Townsperson)
Town team
No night power. Votes to eliminate suspects during the day.
In Werewolf: Villager
Popular extra roles
Godfather
Mafia team
Leader of the Mafia. Appears innocent if the Detective investigates them.
Vigilante
Town team
Can kill one player at night, but risks shooting an innocent.
Avenger
Town team
When eliminated, takes another player down with them.
In Werewolf: Hunter
Lovers
Town team
Two players linked on the first night: if one dies, so does the other.
In Werewolf: Cupid
Nurse / Witch
Town team
Has one save and one kill to use once each during the game.
In Werewolf: Witch
Jester
Neutral team
Wins by getting themselves voted out, so they try to look suspicious.
Bodyguard
Town team
Protects one player at night and dies in their place if they are attacked.
Questions
What are the basic roles in Mafia?
Mafia, Detective, Doctor and Civilians. That's all you need for a great first game.
How many Mafia roles should you use?
Keep special roles to about a third of the players or fewer. Plain Civilians make claims harder to verify, which is what keeps the game tense.
Are Mafia roles the same as Werewolf roles?
Mostly. The Mafia are the werewolves, the Detective is the Seer, and both games share the Doctor. Werewolf adds roles like the Witch, Hunter and Cupid.
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