# Beasts of Balance: Battle Cards

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2018
- **BGG Rating**: 7.1
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2-3
- **Duration**: —
- **Weight**: —
- **Designers**: Alex Fleetwood, George Buckenham, Tim Burrell-Saward
- **Artists**: Chris Shaw, Lyall McCarthy, Tim Burrell-Saward
- **Publishers**: Modern Games, Sensible Object
- **Categories**: Action / Dexterity, Animals, Collectible Components, Electronic, Expansion for Base-game, Party Game
- **Mechanics**: Hexagon Grid, Take That

## Verdict
If you love stacking, messing with opponents, and a dash of app‑driven chaos, Battle Cards serves it up thick.Unique physical‑digital blendSurprising Battle Card effectsStrategic legendary dragonApp and NFC requiredTower instability can be harshLearning curve with the appRECOMMENDED

## Description
Beasts of Balance: Battle Cards takes the tower‑building charm of the base game and throws it into a high‑octane showdown. Each player becomes a Divine Creator of Land, Sea or Sky, and by scanning NFC tags on the physical beasts an app creates a parallel digital realm that mirrors the tower. The goal is to fill your region with powerful creatures, steal from opponents, and keep your stack from collapsing. When the tower wobbles, the volcano spirit Alberick rains lava only on your own beasts, making every stacking move a tense strategic decision. 

The twist comes from a 16‑card NFC Battle deck that lets you wield a range of effects: lightning attacks, tidal shields, or completely random surprises. Every Divine Creator selects a digital Guardian avatar that can be customized with special powers, adding another layer of tactical depth. The legendary dragon MAGMAAARGH is worth a huge point haul, but you must feed it Star Energy and protect it from damage; neglect it and its temper will sabotage you. 

Play takes place on a hexagonal grid, and the Take‑That mechanic ensures constant opportunities to mess with your rivals. Games run about 30‑45 minutes, support 2‑3 players, and blend physical dexterity (stacking) with fast digital decisions. If you love hybrid games, tactile action, and heavy player interaction, Battle Cards is a worthwhile upgrade.

## FAQ
### How many players can join?
2 to 3 players.

### What’s the typical playing time?
About 30–45 minutes, depending on player experience.

### Do I need extra hardware?
Yes, a smartphone or tablet with the official app and NFC capability to scan the pieces.

### What are the main components?
Animal figures with NFC tags, a 16‑card NFC Battle deck, hexagonal board, mobile app, and digital markers.

### Is it beginner‑friendly?
Stacking is straightforward, but the app and cards add strategic depth that may take a game or two to get comfortable with.

### Do I need the base game?
No, this expansion is standalone but uses the physical pieces from the base game.

### Who will enjoy this the most?
Players who love hybrid tabletop‑digital experiences, tactile action, quick strategy and competitive interaction.