Shadowrun: Crossfire

Catalyst Game Labs, Black Book Éditions, Editora New Order · Board game · 2014
1–4 · best 4 Solo 30–60 min Weight 2.8/5
7.8 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Buy
7.8 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love action, strategy, and a cyberpunk world full of mages and dragons, this game will hook you.

Highlights
  • Engaging deck building
  • Deep cooperative gameplay
  • Fun legacy mechanic
  • Variable player powers
Keep in mind
  • Short playtime (30‑60 min)
  • Requires understanding of legacy mechanics
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
Shadowrun: Crossfire drops you and your shadowrunner squad into the gritty streets of the Sixth World, where violent gangs, toxic‑waste mages, and even dragons can pop up out of nowhere. The game blends deck‑building with bag and pool mechanics, letting each player tailor their cards and gear to their play style. You start with a basic action deck that you’ll upgrade throughout the game, adding hack skills, spells, weapons, and cyber‑augmentations. The goal is to complete tough missions – from protecting a marked client to escaping a rogue attack or even facing a dragon – while the team works together to overcome obstacles. Each mission brings a set of obstacle cards that simulate challenges like security cameras, patrol drones, and energy traps. Plus, there’s a black‑market deck where you can buy secret items and a Crossfire event deck that throws unexpected twists, like explosions or chases. The game is cooperative, but each player has variable powers, letting a hacker focus on hacking the Matrix while a mage casts protective spells. The legacy mechanic adds extra depth: at the end of each session you can permanently mark cards in your deck, changing the dynamics for future games. This creates an evolving experience where the squad can grow ever stronger. The average playtime is 30‑60 minutes, ideal for 1‑4 players who enjoy fast action, strategy, and RPG‑style storytelling. The vibrant artwork and cyber‑punk‑fantasy setting make Shadowrun: Crossfire a game that mixes action, deck building, and narrative RPG in a compact, accessible format.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 REC
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
WHERE TO BUY
Finding best prices...
Game details

Families

Mechanism: Campaign Games Mechanism: Legacy Mechanism: Pure Deckbuilding Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Setting: Shadowrun Theme: Cyberpunk Versions & Editions: Board Game Versions of Role-Playing Games
Publisher Catalyst Game Labs, Black Book Éditions, Editora New Order
Designer Gregory Marques, Jay Schneider, Jim Lin, Mike Elliott, Rob Heinsoo, Rob Watkins (Board Game) (I), Sean McCarthy
Artist Víctor Pérez Corbella
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play?
Shadowrun: Crossfire is designed for 1 to 4 players, but it works best with at least two.
What is the average playtime?
Each game lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the chosen missions.
Is the game suitable for beginners?
Yes, the deck‑building and cooperative rules are accessible, though the legacy mechanic may require a bit of patience.
What components does the game include?
The game includes obstacle decks, a black‑market deck, a Crossfire event deck, mission cards, character cards, runner cards, and upgrade stickers.
How difficult is the game?
Difficulty varies by mission; harder missions may require advanced strategies and close teamwork.
Does the game have a legacy mechanic?
Yes, at the end of each session you can permanently mark cards in your deck, altering the game for future playthroughs.
How does the variable player powers mechanic work?
Each player receives a unique set of abilities that can be used to tailor their team's strategy.