Mysticana: Arcane Artifacts

Button Shy · Board game · 2024
2–6 15–30 min
rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Arcane Artifacts is the perfect expansion for Mysticana fans craving quick, engaging gameplay.

Highlights
  • Fast and fun
  • Quick strategic choices
  • Artifacts that shift the game
Keep in mind
  • Requires base deck
  • Minimal print‑and‑play components
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
In 2024, Mysticana continues to delight card‑game enthusiasts with its latest expansion, Arcane Artifacts. This lightweight addition brings only six cards, yet transforms the base deck into a stage for a fun blend of luck, strategy, and a touch of fantasy. Each game starts with two cards dealt to every player; soon after, there’s an opportunity to discard one in pursuit of a replacement, allowing a small tactical tweak before deciding whether to stay in the round or opt out. Once all players have made their choice, a new card is flipped, altering the round’s scoring and also changing the value of the Avatars, which represent character classes. The reveal of hands happens simultaneously, and the player with the highest combination wins the round. But the fun doesn’t stop there: each round features one of twelve Artifacts, granting bonuses to the hand that best meets its specific criteria. These artifacts add a strategic layer, as players must balance the pursuit of powerful cards with the chance to earn extra points. The game is cumulative; the first person to win a round and accumulate 30 or more points is declared the ultimate champion. Arcane Artifacts functions as a flexible complement to Mysticana’s base deck, which already includes 18 cards distributed across three elements with a “rock, paper, scissors” hierarchy. The expansion keeps the game simple and fast, with rounds lasting 15 to 30 minutes, ideal for groups of 2 to 6 players seeking a quick, engaging experience. If you enjoy card games that mix luck and strategy in a light format, this expansion is a must‑have for your collection.
BEST PLAYER COUNT
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6 OK
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Game details

Mechanics

Families

Game: Mysticana Series: Wallet & Box Micro Games (Button Shy)
Publisher Button Shy
Designer Dustin Dobson, Jamie Thul
Artist Filip Popovic
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play?
2 to 6 players, great for small or large groups.
How long does a game last?
Between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the players’ pace.
What is the complexity level?
Very light; just remember the basic rules and decide when to take a risk.
What components come with the expansion?
Six additional cards; the base deck already includes 18 cards.
Who is this recommended for?
Fans of Mysticana, quick card games, and those who enjoy mixing luck with strategy.
How does scoring work?
The flipped card sets the round’s score; artifacts give bonus points to the best matching hand.
Is there any language dependency?
No, the game works in any language; cards can be printed in Portuguese or English.