Who goes first in Citadels?

Rule details

Characters are chosen clockwise: the crowned player picks one, then passes the rest to the player on their left.

Turns are not taken clockwise. The crowned player calls characters in ascending rank order, and whoever revealed that character takes their turn.

The crown moves during the game: the rank 4 character (King, Emperor or Patrician) takes or passes it, and the new crowned player chooses first next round.

If there’s a tie

The rulebook doesn’t say.

Source & edition

• Citadels — RulebookZ-Man Games · Page 3, Setup step 5 and Selection Phase; page 4, Turn Phase; page 8, Complete Setup step 7; page 12, rank 4 characters; credits on page 16 · Checked 2026-09-25

More starting rules

Games with a similar starting rule

• Copper CountryThe player with the oldest penny goes first. The rules also explicitly allow the group to choose who starts by any method they prefer.
• Lost CitiesThe oldest player begins. After that, the players alternate turns.
• Pirates vs DinosaursThe rules suggest that the player who looks most like a pirate starts. If players cannot agree who makes the most convincing pirate, the oldest player starts.
• Star Wars Villainous: Power of the Dark SideUse the game's playful criterion—whoever last used the Force—or let the oldest player start.
• TajutoThe oldest player goes first.