The Tribunal is the party game that puts everyone on trial: a question is asked, and the group picks who would be most likely to do the action described. Quick to start (10 to 25 mins), no gear needed except your phone, it turns any hangout into a hilarious interrogation. Whether it's 4 or 10 of you around the table, nobody's innocent — and that's exactly what makes the night unforgettable.
No need to read a 12-page manual or prep anything beforehand. You open the app, pick your mode, and the first question drops. In less than two minutes, everyone's pointing fingers — and the laughs kick off. That's why The Tribunal is one of the most-played games on Traknard.
- What's The Tribunal?
- How Do You Play? Rules in 30 Seconds
- The 3 Game Modes on Traknard
- Which Group and Which Night?
- House Rules to Level Up Your Game
- Game Modes Breakdown
- FAQ — All Your Questions About The Tribunal
- Time to Play — Start Your First Round
⚖️ What's The Tribunal?
The Tribunal is a group voting game. The concept is simple, almost too simple: a question pops up on screen — like "Who in this group would most likely lose their keys at a party?" — and everyone votes to pick one guilty party. The person with the most votes gets declared guilty. And that's when the comments start flying.
What makes The Tribunal addictive is that nobody's safe. Even the most sensible person in the group will end up in the hot seat. The questions are designed to reveal truths that everyone thinks but nobody dares say out loud. Result: a mix of laughs, gentle roasts, and surprising revelations.
"Tonight it's interrogation time, call out the guilty party!" — The Tribunal, Traknard
Unlike other party games that need teams, equipment, or complex rules, The Tribunal runs on ultra-light mechanics: one question → one vote → one guilty party → reactions. That's it. And that simplicity is exactly why everyone can play, even those who "don't like games".
How It's Different From Other Voting Games
You might've played "Most Likely To…" before with cards or sticky notes. The Tribunal is that same vibe, but straight from your phone, with questions carefully picked based on the mood you want to create. No lost cards, no prep, no "wait, let me Google some questions". The app handles it all, you handle the energy.
The game is tagged Selective, Fast and Interactive — three words that sum it up perfectly: you pick one guilty party, it moves quick, and everyone's actively involved in every round.
📋 How Do You Play? Rules in 30 Seconds
Good news: The Tribunal's rules fit in four steps. No need to assign roles or spend ten minutes explaining. Read this once and you're good to go.
- Open the Traknard app and select "The Tribunal" from the games list.
- Pick your mode (Investigation, Custody or The Tribunal) based on the vibe and how well the group knows each other — we'll get to that in a sec.
- Read the question out loud to everyone. Example: "Who would be most likely to get lost in their own neighbourhood?"
- Everyone votes at the same time by pointing or calling out one person. The golden rule: only one guilty party per question.
- Reveal the verdict: the person with the most votes is declared guilty. They can defend themselves, explain, deny — but the jury has spoken.
- Move to the next question and keep going until everyone's had their turn in the spotlight.
The golden rule: it's important to pick only one guilty party per question. If two people tie, the group has to decide — that's usually where the funniest debates start.
How Long Does a Game Last?
A game runs 10 to 25 minutes. That's the sweet spot for a hangout or a pre-drink: long enough for everyone to loosen up, short enough to not take over the whole night. You can run two games back-to-back if the group's feeling it, or switch to another Traknard game like Truth or Dare to mix things up.
How Many Players?
The Tribunal works with as few as 3 players, but it's really best with 4 to 10 people. Below 4, the picks get repetitive. Above 10, voting can get a bit messy — but honestly, the chaos is part of the fun.
🎮 The 3 Game Modes on Traknard
This is where The Tribunal really stands out: it has three different game modes with totally different vibes. From soft mode to break the ice, to the ultimate mode for groups that know each other inside out. Pick based on what fits your crew.
Investigation Mode — Free, Perfect to Start
The Investigation mode is 100% free and doesn't need an account. It's your entry point: questions are fun but stay accessible, perfect for a group that doesn't know each other super well yet or for a first game. The vibe is light, nobody feels put on the spot too hard.
- Access: free, no sign-up
- Vibe: relaxed, fun, accessible
- Best for: breaking the ice, first night together, mixed groups
- Question style: revealing but never too personal
Custody Mode — Premium That Turns Up the Heat
The Custody mode is available as premium. Questions get more intense, more personal, more likely to get a reaction. It's for groups that know each other well and aren't scared of some gentle roasting. Expect revelations and uncontrollable laughter.
- Access: premium
- Vibe: more intense, questions with bite (in a good way)
- Best for: close mates, flatmates, uni groups that've been together a while
- Question style: more personal, more focused on actual group behaviour
The Tribunal Mode — The Ultimate for Tight-Knit Groups
The Tribunal mode (yeah, the mode has the same name as the game — it's the final level), is the most intense premium version. Questions are built for groups that are really tight, the kind that tell each other home truths and laugh about it. It's the "own the consequences" mode — and that says everything.
- Access: premium
- Vibe: intense, no filter, for the real ones
- Best for: super close mates, late-night session, group that's played before
- Question style: most direct, most likely to spark epic debates
👥 Which Group and Which Night?
The Tribunal works in lots of situations — but not all of them. Here's where it really shines, and where you might want to pick a different Traknard game instead.
Where The Tribunal Is Perfect
- Hangout with mates who know each other well: this is its natural home. Everyone's got stories about everyone, the picks are spot-on, and the comments flow.
- Pre-drink before going out: 15-20 minutes to warm up the mood before you head out, that's exactly what you need. The Tribunal is perfect for it — quick, fun, and it builds group energy.
- Flatmate night: when you see each other every day, you've definitely got things to call each other out on (in a good way). The Tribunal is the perfect game to settle scores while laughing.
- Small birthday gathering: 6-8 people around a table, a few drinks, and a Tribunal session — it's a recipe that always works.
- Weekend with mates: when you've got time, you can run multiple modes and really dig deep.
Where You Might Want to Switch It Up
- Group that doesn't know each other yet: if you're bringing together people meeting for the first time, start with Investigation mode (free, soft). Skip the premium modes — they might make strangers uncomfortable.
- Really large group (15+ people): group voting gets tricky to manage. Try a game like Would You Rather that works better with big groups.
- Formal party: if you're with colleagues you barely know or a slightly stiff family gathering, Investigation mode might work, but premium modes could create awkwardness.
Age and Group Mindset
The Tribunal works best when everyone's in the same headspace: ready to laugh at themselves, cool with being called out, and not taking accusations seriously. If someone in the group is sensitive or having a rough night, give them a heads-up before you start — or stick to a lighter mode.
🎲 House Rules to Level Up Your Game
You've played The Tribunal a few times with the same crew and want to switch things up? Here are some DIY variations that change everything without breaking the basic rules.
Drinking Game Version (Optional, 18+)
The most popular variation: the guilty party takes a sip. Simple, effective, adds a bit of extra pressure to the vote. But heads up — this variation is 100% optional and works just as well with soft drinks, juice, or homemade mocktails. The point is the gesture, not what's in the glass.
- Classic version: the guilty party takes a sip of their drink
- Soft/mocktail version: the guilty party finishes their drink (sparkling water, juice, homemade mocktail)
- Double trouble: if the guilty party contests the verdict and loses the debate, they take two sips
Speed Round — Tribunal Under Pressure
To add some good stress (the kind that makes you laugh): you've got 10 seconds to vote after the question's read. No time to think, no time to negotiate — you point at the first person that comes to mind. Gut-reaction picks are often the most revealing. You can use The Timer from Traknard to manage the countdown.
Defendant's Defence
The guilty party gets 30 seconds to make their case and convince the group they're not the most guilty — by calling out someone else instead. If the group buys it, the verdict changes. If not, it stands. This variation makes games a bit longer but creates epic moments.
Reverse Tribunal
Instead of picking the "most guilty", everyone votes for who would be least likely to do the action described. It's often more surprising than you'd think, and it totally changes the game's dynamic.
Scoreboard Version
Keep a tally of accusations: every time someone gets called out as guilty, they get a point. At the end of the game, whoever has the most points is crowned "Biggest Guilty Party of the Night" and has to do a dare the group decides on together. Keep it reasonable though — we're here to laugh, not to humiliate.
📊 Game Modes Breakdown
| Mode | Access | Vibe | Best For | Intensity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investigation | Free | Light, fun, accessible | Breaking the ice, first game | ⭐ |
| Custody | Premium | More intense, questions with bite | Close mates, flatmates, uni groups | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| The Tribunal | Premium | Intense, no filter, ultimate mode | Super tight group, late-night session | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Investigation + Speed Round | Free | Fun and high-pressure | Dynamic group, pre-drink | ⭐⭐ |
| Custody + Scoreboard | Premium | Competitive and hilarious | Group that loves a challenge | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| The Tribunal + Defendant's Defence | Premium | Epic, debates guaranteed | Super close mates | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Investigation + Drinking Game (soft) | Free | Relaxed, friendly | Mixed hangout, all comfort levels | ⭐⭐ |
| Reverse Tribunal | All modes | Surprising, quirky | Group that's played before | ⭐⭐⭐ |
❓ FAQ — All Your Questions About The Tribunal
What's The Tribunal party game?
Answer: The Tribunal is a group voting game where a question is asked to everyone and each player votes to pick who'd be most likely to do the action described. The concept is straightforward: one question → group vote → one guilty party → reactions and laughs. It's a game of friendly revelations that lets you discover (or confirm) what everyone thinks about everyone, in a fun, no-stress vibe.
How Do You Play The Tribunal on Traknard?
Answer: It's super easy. Open the Traknard app, pick "The Tribunal" from the games list, choose your mode (Investigation to start, or a premium mode if the group's keen), and read the first question out loud. Everyone votes at the same time to pick one guilty party — by pointing or calling them out. Reveal the verdict, chat about it, move to the next question. A game lasts 10 to 25 minutes depending on how many questions you play.
How Many Players Do You Need for The Tribunal?
Answer: The game works with as few as 3 players, but it's really best with 4 to 10 people. With at least 4 players, the picks vary and the debates have substance. Above 10, voting gets a bit tricky to manage, but nothing stops you from playing in a bigger group if everyone's up for it — the chaos is part of the fun. Below 3, there's not much choice so it gets boring fast.
What's the Difference Between Investigation and Custody Mode?
Answer: Investigation mode is free and has fun but accessible questions, perfect for breaking the ice or a group that doesn't know each other that well yet. Custody mode is premium and turns up the heat: questions are more personal, more likely to get strong reactions and surprising revelations. In short: Investigation to ease in, Custody for close mates who aren't scared to tell each other the truth.
Can You Play The Tribunal Without Alcohol?
Answer: Absolutely, and that's actually how the game works by default! The Tribunal is a voting game that has nothing to do with alcohol in its basic rules. The "drinking game" variations are optional DIY tweaks that players add if they want — and they work just as well with soft drinks, juice, or homemade mocktails. The core of the game is the vote and the reactions, not what's in your glass. Anyone can play, regardless of what they're drinking.
How Long Does a Game of The Tribunal Last?
Answer: A game runs 10 to 25 minutes depending on how many questions you play and how long the group spends chatting about each verdict (and trust me, sometimes that can go on for ages). It's the perfect length for a hangout or pre-drink: long enough to build real energy and get everyone in the hot seat, short enough to not take over the whole night. You can easily run two games back-to-back or switch to another Traknard game after.
Is The Tribunal Free on Traknard?
Answer: Investigation mode is completely free and doesn't need an account — download the app, launch The Tribunal, and you're off. Custody and The Tribunal modes (the ultimate one) are available as premium. If you're trying the game for the first time or playing with a group that doesn't know each other super well, the free mode is more than enough for a great night.
What Games Are Similar to The Tribunal?
Answer: The Tribunal is part of the "Most Likely To…" family of games — a popular concept that exists as physical card games, but Traknard has digitised and expanded with progressive modes. On Traknard, if you dig The Tribunal's energy, you'll love Truth or Dare for dares and confessions, Would You Rather for tricky dilemmas that reveal a lot about people, and Never Have I Ever for group revelations. They all share the same group energy and the same ability to create unforgettable moments.
🚀 Time to Play — Start Your First Round
You've now got everything you need to run a Tribunal game tonight. The rules are simple, the modes fit your group, and the house rules let you keep things fresh forever. All that's left is to hit "Start Game".
And if you're looking for other ways to keep the night going after The Tribunal, check out the other Traknard games. Truth or Dare is perfect for following up with dares and confessions. Beer Pong or Caps in the Interactions section if you want something more physical. And if you want to bring music into the mix, Blind Test is always a winner.
You've just brought 3 mates round last-minute and nobody knows what to do? The Tribunal is ready in under 2 minutes. Grab your phone.
Quick Recap
To break the ice with a group that doesn't know each other yet:
→ Launch Investigation mode (free), soft questions, relaxed vibe.
For a night with close mates:
→ Go straight to Custody or The Tribunal mode (premium) for questions that really hit.
To keep things fresh:
→ Add a house rule (speed round, defendant's defence, scoreboard) to change up the dynamic.
To play without alcohol:
→ The basic rules don't mention alcohol — play with whatever's in your glass, it works the same.
For a full night:
→ Start with The Tribunal to warm things up, then move to Truth or Dare or Would You Rather to mix it up.
The real question isn't "will this game work with my group". It's "who's getting called out first?" 🔥⚖️
Traknard is 18+. Drinking game variations should be enjoyed responsibly — and remember to sort out a designated driver or taxi home.
