# 9-Card Ultima

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2022
- **BGG Rating**: 9.0
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 1
- **Duration**: 45-120 min
- **Weight**: —
- **Designers**: Joseph Propati
- **Artists**: Joseph Propati
- **Publishers**: (Web published)
- **Categories**: Adventure, Card Game, Dice, Fantasy, Print & Play, Video Game Theme
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Grid Movement, Paper-and-Pencil, Solo / Solitaire Game

## Verdict
If you love solo fantasy quests and low‑component games, 9‑Card Ultima serves up intense adventure with simple mechanics.Engaging grid explorationDice‑driven combatCheap printable componentsRequires paper and pencilSteep difficulty in dungeonsHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
In 9‑Card Ultima, you take on the role of a hero summoned by the king of Sosaria to purge the realm of evil creatures that have overrun the land, the seas, and the depths of three dungeons. The goal is to complete three distinct quests: locate the blue, green, and red gems, each guarded by a legendary monster—a Beholder, a Minotaur, and a Balrog. To achieve this, the solo player explores a grid‑based map, rolls dice to determine movement and combat outcomes, and uses paper‑and‑pencil to track health, resources, and clues. Whenever a magical signpost is discovered, the hero returns to the king, who deciphers the gem’s message and reveals the corresponding dungeon’s location. Inside the dungeons, the challenge intensifies: the board becomes a maze of traps, and battling the guardian requires tactical decisions based on dice results. Health acts as a failure meter—if it drops to zero, the mission ends in defeat. Designed for a single player, the game blends the feel of a classic dungeon‑crawler with the simplicity of a printable card game, allowing the adventurer to play at home with just paper and a pen. Dice‑rolling and grid movement provide pace and unpredictability, while manual record‑keeping adds a nostalgic tabletop‑RPG flavor. With a playing time of 45‑120 minutes, 9‑Card Ultima delivers an immersive solo experience for fans of fantasy exploration, strategic calculation, and low‑component games.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
It is a solo game, designed for a single player.

### What is the typical playtime?
Between 45 and 120 minutes, depending on player experience and chosen difficulty.

### How complex is the game?
Medium to high; the core rules are simple, but dungeon strategy can be demanding.

### What components are required?
Printed cards and map, dice, plus paper and pencil for health and resource tracking.

### Is it suitable for beginners?
Players familiar with dice rolling and basic record‑keeping will have an easier time.

### Are there expansions or variants?
No official expansions yet; the designer encourages players to design their own dungeons.

### Can I play with a group?
The game is built for solo play, though friends can take turns or race for the best score.