—
rating
Ludopedia
—
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
Perfect for TCG lovers looking for something fast with a stylish urban dystopian theme.
Highlights
- Quick access via single booster
- Dynamic and tactical combat
- Immersive post-apocalyptic theme
- Progression curve via levels
Keep in mind
- Reliance on booster luck
- Initial learning curve
Rules manual not indexed yet
Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
What you do in a play session
Imagine the world has ended, the surface is a wasteland, and the only option was to retreat into the New York City subway tunnels. Forty years later, the subterranean dwellers have created the most dangerous form of entertainment: Cataclysm Arcade. This TCG (Trading Card Game) offers a dynamic experience where you don't need a mountain of cards to start; a single booster pack is enough to get your Boss into the arena and start the fight.
In the game, each player takes control of a Boss, who serves as their central figure. To win, you'll need a varied arsenal: Fighters to strike, Weapons to deal damage, Tactics to manipulate the field, and Responses to avoid being caught off guard. The gameplay revolves around spending tokens to activate abilities and perform attacks, but there's a key detail: 'Levels'. These act as progression gates, determining when certain Fighters and Weapons can be played. In other words, you don't just dump your hand; there's a power curve that makes the match strategic.
The goal is simple yet brutal: take down the opposing Bosses. Whether through direct combat or using ability combos, the fight continues until only one Boss remains standing. It's the kind of fast-paced game ideal for those who love the adrenaline of deck building and testing luck and strategy in matches lasting between 20 and 60 minutes. If you enjoy dystopian vibes, tactical combat, and the thrill of opening packs to find that rare card, Cataclysm Arcade is right up your alley.
In the game, each player takes control of a Boss, who serves as their central figure. To win, you'll need a varied arsenal: Fighters to strike, Weapons to deal damage, Tactics to manipulate the field, and Responses to avoid being caught off guard. The gameplay revolves around spending tokens to activate abilities and perform attacks, but there's a key detail: 'Levels'. These act as progression gates, determining when certain Fighters and Weapons can be played. In other words, you don't just dump your hand; there's a power curve that makes the match strategic.
The goal is simple yet brutal: take down the opposing Bosses. Whether through direct combat or using ability combos, the fight continues until only one Boss remains standing. It's the kind of fast-paced game ideal for those who love the adrenaline of deck building and testing luck and strategy in matches lasting between 20 and 60 minutes. If you enjoy dystopian vibes, tactical combat, and the thrill of opening packs to find that rare card, Cataclysm Arcade is right up your alley.
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
OK
3
OK
4
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
Loading playlist...
Where to Buy
Prices monitored daily
Finding best prices...
Prices unavailable at this time.
Price history — last 6 months (lowest new offer)
Alert enabled!
Join the BoardGamesBot deals group
Get the best board game deals every day — without message spam.
Join the WhatsApp groupGame details
Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Mothership Games
Designer
Pete Ingram
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Do I need to buy hundreds of cards to start playing?
Nope! The game is designed to be playable right out of the gate with just a single booster pack.
How long does a match last?
Fights are fast, usually lasting between 20 and 60 minutes.
How many people can play?
The game supports 2 to 4 players, making it great for duels or free-for-alls.
Is the game too complex?
It's accessible, but token management and the 'Levels' gate require some thought to build the best strategy.
What is the final goal of the match?
To be the last Boss standing after defeating all other players.
Other Games You'll Like
Based on mechanics and theme