Sorcery: Contested Realm

Erik's Curiosa Limited · Board game · 2022
9.0 Ludopedia 8.2 BGG 2 · best 2 15–90 min Weight 3.6/5
Buy
9.0 rating Ludopedia
8.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you're a fan of collectible card games and strategic duels, Sorcery: Contested Realm is a treat! It brings that classic CCG vibe with a modern twist, where deck construction and tactical decisions each turn are the key to victory. The experience is immersive, and the feeling of banishing your opponent is super rewarding.

Highlights
  • Intense and strategic duels
  • Deep deck building
  • Engaging combat mechanics
  • Captivating fantasy theme
  • High replayability
Keep in mind
  • Steep learning curve
  • Language dependency
  • Player elimination
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In Sorcery: Contested Realm, two powerful Avatars clash in an epic duel, each with their own custom deck, ready to cast elemental spells, summon minions, and manipulate the battlefield through their Atlas. The objective is clear: be the last Avatar standing. To achieve victory, you first need to reduce your opponent's Avatar's life to zero, putting them 'at Death's Door.' But it doesn't stop there! You must deliver the 'Death Blow' to seal the win. Other ways to win include your opponent attempting to draw a card from an empty deck (either from the Spellbook or Atlas) or, of course, if they simply surrender. The game unfolds over a series of turns, where each player follows three distinct phases. The Start Phase begins with the Untap Step, where your resources (Avatar, minions, and relics) become ready for use. Next, the Draw Step allows you to pull a card from your Spellbook or Atlas – except on the first player's first turn. Finally, the Start Step activates any abilities that occur 'at the start of turn.' The Main Phase is where the action truly happens! In it, you can, in any order, cast spells, activate abilities, interact with relics, move your minions, and attack your opponent. Finally, the End Phase concludes the turn with the Rest Step, removing damage from all minions, and the End Step, where 'until the end of turn' abilities end, and the turn passes to your rival. Prepare for strategic and intense combat!

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

4 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

Duel · 2 players
2 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Collectible: Collectible Card Games Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: TableTop Simulator Mod (TTS)
Publisher Erik's Curiosa Limited
Designer Erik Olofsson, Nickolas Reynolds, Rafael Novellino
Artist Adam Burke, Alan Pollack, Andrea Modesti, Anson Maddocks, Brian Smith (I), Dan Seagrave, Doug Kovacs, Drew Tucker, Elvira Shakirova, Elwira Pawlikowska, Francesca Baerald, Ian Miller, Jeff Easley, Jeff Menges, Liz Danforth, Margaret Organ-Kean, Matthew Tames, Mattias Frisk, Melissa Benson, Ossi Hiekkala, Rodney Matthews, Santiago Caruso, Séverine Pineaux, Tony Szczudlo, Vasily Ermolaev, Vincent Pompetti

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

543owners
108wishlist
22want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can play Sorcery: Contested Realm?
Sorcery: Contested Realm is exclusively a two-player game, perfect for epic duels and direct confrontations.
What is the average game duration?
A game can range from 15 to 90 minutes. The duration depends on the complexity of the decks and the players' strategies, but they are generally quick and intense duels.
What is the complexity level of the game?
With a BGG weight of 3.6/5, Sorcery is considered a medium to high complexity game. It requires dedication to master the rules and strategic nuances, ideal for those seeking a challenge.
Do I need to buy multiple card packs to play?
As a collectible card game, the full experience usually involves building custom decks, which may include acquiring different cards. However, starter decks already provide a good foundation to begin playing.
Is the game language dependent?
Yes, the game has a high language dependency, as cards contain important text for abilities and effects. A good understanding of English or a detailed translation is essential to enjoy the experience.
Who is Sorcery: Contested Realm recommended for?
It is highly recommended for fans of collectible card games (CCGs) who are looking for a deep strategic challenge, with deck-building and direct combat mechanics. If you enjoy Magic: The Gathering or similar games, you'll feel right at home!

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