Ascension: Eternal

Hey board game enthusiasts! If you're looking for the perfect entry point into the world of deck-builders or are a fan of the Ascension series wanting a more focused duel experience, Ascension: Eternal is exactly what you need. Released in 2020, this game was designed to be a super accessible introduction, packing all the essential rules of the franchise into a complete package for two players. Unlike most Ascension titles, which typically support up to four, here the experience is more intimate and direct, ideal for a strategic confrontation or a relaxed game for two.

At the heart of Ascension: Eternal is the classic deck-building mechanic. Your mission is simple (but challenging!): spend Runes to acquire more powerful cards and supercharge your deck, while using Power to defeat monsters and accumulate Honor. The gameplay is what we already know and love from other deck-builders: you buy cards from a central deck, where the top six are always visible and available for purchase. Each time a card is taken, a new one emerges to fill the space, keeping the market dynamic and full of interesting decisions.

Victory points, which lead you to glory, can be earned in three different ways. First, each card you purchase is already worth some points. Second, defeating monsters with the Power resource also earns you precious points. And to top it off, some special cards give you victory points directly each time they are played. It's a strategic dance between strengthening your deck, eliminating threats, and optimizing your plays to secure the highest score. With a duration of 30 to 40 minutes, it's the ideal choice for those seeking a quick game with plenty of tactical depth.