Mystic Vale

Alderac Entertainment Group, Arclight Games, Atalia · Board game · 2016
2–4 · best 2 45 min Weight 2.3/5
7.7 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
7.7 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy a card game with a brilliant twist on deck-building, Mystic Vale is an excellent choice! The innovation of 'Card Crafting' is its main highlight.

Highlights
  • Innovative 'Card Crafting' mechanic
  • High replayability
  • Creative transparent components
  • Push-your-luck strategy
  • Immersive fantasy art
Keep in mind
  • Significant language dependency
  • Can have downtime with 4 players
  • Initial learning curve
RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our interactive rules guide and exclusive illustrated infographic.
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About the game
In the heart of Mystic Vale, a dark curse plagues the Valley of Life, and the spirits of nature cry out for help. That's where you and your friends come in, taking on the role of fearless druidic clans, ready to use your blessings and powers to heal the land and rescue these spirits. But beware, oh beware! The curse is treacherous and can overwhelm those who risk too much. Prepare for a journey that demands both courage and a good dose of caution.

Mystic Vale's big draw is its innovative 'Card Crafting System'. Forget the idea of just building a deck; here, you build the *individual cards* in your deck! That's right: you customize each card's abilities individually, adapting them perfectly to your strategy. Each turn, you play cards into your field to unlock powerful advancements and collect super useful vale cards. But managing your power is crucial: if you're careless and try to push your luck too much, decay can end your turn prematurely. The goal is simple yet challenging: accumulate the most victory points to prove your clan is the wisest and most powerful in the Vale.
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Mystic Vale English · PDF
Download PDF
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
3 REC
4 REC
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Game details

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Families

Components: PVC Cards Components: Transparent Elements Digital Implementations: Google Play Digital Implementations: Steam Digital Implementations: Yucata Game: Mystic Vale
Publisher Alderac Entertainment Group, Arclight Games, Atalia, Kilogames, Pegasus Spiele, Raven Distribution
Designer John D. Clair
Artist Andrew Gaia, Heather Kreiter, Katherine Guevara, Kiri Østergaard Leonard, Ralf Berszuck, Storn Cook
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players does Mystic Vale support, and what's the average game duration?
Mystic Vale is designed for 2 to 4 players, and a game typically lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. It's perfect for a shorter, but decision-packed, gaming session!
What is the complexity level of Mystic Vale?
The game has a medium complexity (BGG weight of 2.26/5). The basic rules are easy to grasp, but mastering the 'Card Crafting' and 'Push Your Luck' strategy offers depth for those seeking a challenge.
What are these 'transparent components' the game uses?
Ah, that's the coolest part! Mystic Vale uses transparent cards that you overlay on your base cards to 'craft' and customize your abilities. It's a visually very interesting and tactile system!
Who is Mystic Vale for? Beginners or experienced players?
It's a great entry point for those who want to try a deck-building game with a twist, but it also appeals to experienced players looking for something innovative. The complexity is scalable, so everyone can enjoy it.
Do I need to know English to play Mystic Vale?
Yes, the game has significant language dependency. The cards have important texts for abilities, so having a good understanding of English or a translation on hand is essential to fully enjoy it.
Is there much player interaction?
Interaction is more indirect. You're focused on optimizing your own deck, but you need to keep an eye on what opponents are doing, especially during the card drafting phase, to avoid leaving the best options for them.