Res Arcana: Lux et Tenebrae

Sand Castle Games, 17wanzy (Yihu BG), ADC Blackfire Entertainment · Board game · 2019
2–5 · best 2 30–60 min Weight 2.7/5
8.5 rating Ludopedia
8.2 rating BGG
How to Play Buy · from US$ 15.99
8.5 rating Ludopedia
8.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict

A must-have for those who have mastered the base game and want more depth and combo variety. The bump to 5 players is the highlight!

Highlights
  • More mages and varied combos
  • Support for up to 5 players
  • New demon and scroll mechanics
  • High-quality components
Keep in mind
  • Requires base game to play
  • Increases analysis complexity
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game
If you already enjoy the optimization loop of Res Arcana, the Lux et Tenebrae expansion is here to give your mystical library a much-needed upgrade. Picture this: while one mage harnesses the dark energy of demons in a gothic cathedral to boost their spells, another is tucked away in an alchemical lab inscribing scrolls of massive destruction. To balance the scales, bards and beastmasters summon legendary creatures, like the golden lion and the prismatic dragon, to keep the darkness at bay. It's essentially more power, more options, and more tension at the table.

In terms of content, this expansion is quite generous. It introduces 4 new Places of Power (shifting the dynamics of how you acquire resources), 12 artifacts for creating insane combos, 4 new mages with unique abilities, and 4 monuments for those who aim for grand objectives. On top of that, there are 2 magic items that add an extra spice to your tactical plays.

But the real game-changer isn't just the cards. Lux et Tenebrae solves a common issue: player count. Now the group can play with up to 5 people, and the expansion includes scaling rules to ensure the experience remains fluid even with fewer players. For those craving new mechanics, the introduction of scrolls and demons adds strategic layers that force you to rethink how you manage your hand and your turns. It's the perfect choice for players who feel they've 'solved' the base game and are looking for fresh ways to win the mystical race.
Expansion for
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Res Arcana: Lux et Tenebrae English · PDF
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BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
3 REC
4 REC
5 REC
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Game details

Families

Admin: Better Description Needed! Components: Wooden pieces & boards Creatures: Dragons Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Game: Res Arcana Mechanism: Tableau Building Players: Expansions Changing Player Count Theme: Wizards
Publisher Sand Castle Games, 17wanzy (Yihu BG), ADC Blackfire Entertainment, GaGa Games, Galápagos Jogos, Rebel Sp. z o.o., sternenschimmermeer
Designer Thomas Lehmann
Artist Julien Delval
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the base game to play?
Yes, this is an expansion. You cannot play it without the original Res Arcana base game.
Does the game slow down significantly with 5 players?
Not necessarily, as the expansion includes scaling rules to keep the pace, though player interaction increases.
Is it hard to learn if I already know the base game?
Very easy! The new scroll and demon mechanics are intuitive for anyone already familiar with the game's logic.
What actually changed in the gameplay?
Besides new characters and locations, the introduction of demons and scrolls creates new ways to generate resources and score.
Is it worth it for casual players?
Yes, the new cards bring a fresh feel to the game, even if you don't want to dive deep into 'hardcore' strategy.