Guilty as Sock Rules

Everything you need to know to play Guilty as Sock, from setup to solving the mystery.

Game Overview

Guilty as Sock is a social deduction game where players take on the roles of sock characters trying to solve a mystery. One player is secretly the "Guilty Sock" who committed the crime, while others work to uncover the truth.

3-8
Players
20-40
Minutes
10+
Age

Game Components

  • Character Cards: One per player, created using our Character Generator
  • Role Cards: Detective, Witness, Suspect, and Guilty Sock
  • Evidence Cards: Clues related to the mystery
  • Mystery Cards: Different crimes to solve
  • Timer: Optional, to limit investigation rounds

Game Setup

  1. 1

    Create Characters

    Each player creates or is assigned a sock character using the Character Generator. Players should keep their character sheets visible to all.

  2. 2

    Select Mystery

    Choose a mystery card and read it aloud. This describes the crime that has been committed.

  3. 3

    Assign Roles

    Shuffle the role cards according to player count and distribute one to each player:

    • - One Guilty Sock (always)
    • - One Lead Detective (always)
    • - Remaining players are a mix of Witnesses and Suspects

    Players keep their roles secret, except for the Lead Detective who reveals their role.

  4. 4

    Distribute Evidence

    Deal evidence cards to each player based on their role:

    • - Guilty Sock: 3 cards (one is the key evidence)
    • - Lead Detective: 2 cards
    • - All others: 1-2 cards each (depending on player count)

    Players may look at their own evidence but should not show it to others until they choose to share during the game.

Gameplay

Game Phases

1. Investigation Phase (15-20 minutes)

  • • The Lead Detective facilitates the investigation
  • • Players can move freely around the room to talk privately or in groups
  • • Players may share evidence cards at their discretion
  • • The Guilty Sock tries to mislead others without being too obvious
  • • All players should use their character's special abilities in appropriate ways

2. Accusation Phase (5-10 minutes)

  • • Players gather to make their accusations
  • • Each player has 30 seconds to present their case about who they think is guilty
  • • The Lead Detective speaks last
  • • Players may present evidence during their accusation

3. Voting Phase

  • • Each player votes on who they believe is the Guilty Sock
  • • Players cannot vote for themselves
  • • The Lead Detective's vote counts as 1.5 votes
  • • The player with the most votes is declared the group's guess

4. Revelation Phase

  • • The Guilty Sock reveals themselves
  • • All players reveal their roles
  • • The key evidence is explained
  • • Points are scored based on the outcome

Winning & Scoring

Detective Team Wins If:

The group correctly identifies the Guilty Sock in the voting phase.

Points:

  • • Lead Detective: 5 points
  • • Other Detectives/Witnesses: 3 points
  • • Suspects: 1 point
  • • Guilty Sock: 0 points

Guilty Sock Wins If:

The group identifies the wrong person as the Guilty Sock.

Points:

  • • Guilty Sock: 8 points
  • • Wrongly Accused Player: 2 points
  • • All Others: 0 points

Bonus Points:

  • • Best Character Portrayal: +2 points (voted by players)
  • • Most Helpful Evidence Sharing: +1 point (voted by players)
  • • Best Deception (if Guilty Sock): +2 points (if no one voted for you)

Tips & Strategies

For Detectives & Witnesses

  • Share evidence strategically, not all at once
  • Watch for inconsistencies in stories
  • Form small investigation teams
  • Pay attention to who's reluctant to share evidence
  • Use your character's special ability actively

For the Guilty Sock

  • Don't be too quiet or too loud
  • Share some truthful evidence to build trust
  • Subtly cast suspicion on others
  • Find an ally and work with them
  • Hide the key evidence for as long as possible

Ready to Find the Guilty Sock?

Start creating sock characters, learn the rules, and host your first Guilty as Sock game night today!

Create Your First Character Read the Rules