8.0
rating
Ludopedia
7.0
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Perfect for those who love building combos and want fast, dynamic sessions. The open market makes everything more tense and fun!
Highlights
- Satisfying combo building
- Fast and fluid gameplay
- Dynamic and unpredictable market
- Visually striking artwork
Keep in mind
- Language barrier for some
- Draw luck can be frustrating
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Ever had that feeling of starting with almost nothing and ending the game feeling like you command an unbeatable army? That's exactly what Ascension delivers. Designed by Magic: The Gathering pros, this game turns deck-building into a frantic and strategic race. You start with a very modest deck, but the magic happens at the 'Center', where the available cards are constantly shifting. Unlike other deckbuilders where the pool is static, here you need quick reflexes and a keen eye to grab the right card before your opponent does.
The flow is simple yet addictive: you spend your runes to acquire powerful cards or defeat monsters, accumulating Honor Points. The real joy lies in adaptability. If the market offers attack cards, you focus on monsters; if utility cards appear, you pivot your strategy. It's a game of 'reading the board' and reacting in real-time. Eric Sabee's artwork brings that high-fantasy vibe we love, featuring imposing creatures and impactful spells.
Whether playing in solo mode to test your tactics or at a table with four friends, the tension is constant. You'll find yourself calculating every move: 'Should I spend my runes now or wait for the next card in the Center?'. This dynamic makes every session unique, as the combination of cards appearing in the market is never the same. It's the perfect choice for those looking for a fast-paced game with strategic depth that doesn't require hours of manual reading to start the fun. Prepare your deck, plan your ascension, and strive to dominate the honor of the realm!
The flow is simple yet addictive: you spend your runes to acquire powerful cards or defeat monsters, accumulating Honor Points. The real joy lies in adaptability. If the market offers attack cards, you focus on monsters; if utility cards appear, you pivot your strategy. It's a game of 'reading the board' and reacting in real-time. Eric Sabee's artwork brings that high-fantasy vibe we love, featuring imposing creatures and impactful spells.
Whether playing in solo mode to test your tactics or at a table with four friends, the tension is constant. You'll find yourself calculating every move: 'Should I spend my runes now or wait for the next card in the Center?'. This dynamic makes every session unique, as the combination of cards appearing in the market is never the same. It's the perfect choice for those looking for a fast-paced game with strategic depth that doesn't require hours of manual reading to start the fun. Prepare your deck, plan your ascension, and strive to dominate the honor of the realm!
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
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Ascension overview by designer Justin Gary
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Learn How To Setup & Play Ascension (Rules School) with the Game Boy Geek
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Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer Learn to Play
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Ascension - How to play and win
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Asc - intro
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Ascension - How to Play in 15mins
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How to play Ascension!
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Boxed Up Fun - Ascension
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ASCENSION Card Game / HOW To PLAY / DIGITAL Tutorial / Learn HOW To PLAY ASCENSION
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
OK
2
BEST
3
REC
4
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Stone Blade Entertainment, Arclight Games, FunBox Jogos, Marabunta
Designer
Brian M. Kibler, John Fiorillo, Justin Gary, Robert Dougherty
Artist
Eric Sabee
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How long does a game last?
It's quite fast! Games usually last around 30 minutes, perfect for those who don't want to spend hours at the table.
Is it hard to learn?
Not at all! The complexity is low-to-medium (around 2.1 on BGG). If you've played a deckbuilder, you'll learn it in 5 minutes; beginners will find the curve very smooth.
Can I play it solo?
Yes! The game has official solo rules, great for testing combos or playing during your free time.
How many players can join?
From 1 to 4 players. It works great with 2, but with 4, the fight for the Center cards becomes even more intense.
Is it too complex for beginners?
Not at all. It's an excellent entry point for the deck-building genre because it's intuitive and dynamic.
Do I need a translation to play?
Since there is text on the cards, if you aren't fluent in English, you might need a translation sheet to understand the effects.
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