Ascension: Deckbuilding Game

Stone Blade Entertainment, Arclight Games, FunBox Jogos · Board game · 2010
1–4 · best 2 Solo 30 min Weight 2.1/5
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Buy
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

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
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
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!
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 OK
2 BEST
3 REC
4 REC
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Game details

Categories

Families

Components: Gems/Crystals Digital Implementations: Apple App Store Digital Implementations: Google Play Digital Implementations: Steam Digital Implementations: VASSAL Game: Ascension Deck Building Mechanism: Pure Deckbuilding Players: Games with Solitaire Rules
Publisher Stone Blade Entertainment, Arclight Games, FunBox Jogos, Marabunta
Designer Brian M. Kibler, John Fiorillo, Justin Gary, Robert Dougherty
Artist Eric Sabee
Frequently Asked Questions
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.