Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
The perfect deck-builder for those craving more chaos and strategy!
Highlights
- Frenetic deck evolution
- Constant player interaction
- Fun sabotage mechanics
- High strategic replayability
Keep in mind
- Requires constant attention to center cards
- Can be punishing for beginners
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About the game
What you do in a play session
If you love the adrenaline of watching your deck evolve every single turn, Ascension: Gift of the Elements is the upgrade you've been waiting for! This is the eleventh standalone title in the famous series, meaning you can play it straight out of the box or mix it with other Ascension expansions for a party of up to six players. The core concept is classic: start with a basic deck and use Runes to acquire more powerful cards, aiming to collect as many Honor Points as possible by playing cards or defeating monsters. But don't be fooled; this set brings extra layers of strategy that will keep you on your toes. The famous 'Events' are back, but with a twist: besides causing immediate impact when they appear in the center, they can now be acquired and transformed into powerful Hero cards. And if you thought this was just a 'buy and play' game, get ready for the new 'Infest' mechanic. This allows you to sabotage your opponents' decks by forcing them to draw useless cards, slowing down anyone trying to take an early lead. On the flip side, strategic players can use 'Empower' cards to banish cards and keep their engine running smoothly. It's a game of constant reaction, where the plan you made in the first turn will likely change completely by the third. It's dynamic, competitive, and perfect for anyone wanting a deck-builder that refuses to be predictable.
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
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
REC
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, Ultra PRO
Designer
Justin Gary
Artist
Aaron Nakahara, Eric Sabee
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,193owners
116wishlist
20want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Can I play solo?
Absolutely! The game includes integrated solitaire rules.
How many players can play?
1-4 players in standalone mode, or up to 6 if you combine it with other Ascension titles.
What is the average playtime?
Expect about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your group's pace.
Is it very complex?
It has moderate complexity. If you're familiar with deck-builders, you'll be fine, but the new mechanics require focus.
Do I need other games from the series?
Nope! This is a standalone game, so you can play it all by itself.
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