How To Play: Ascension

Hey folks! To dominate Ascension, focus on card synergy, resource management, and smart deck building. Balance Runes and Power, adapt to your opponents, and keep your deck lean. Remember to prioritize Runes early and capitalize on combos. Master these strategies, and you'll be on your way to victory!
Ascension - Screenshot from author's instructional video. - Credit: PeterPiers

Hey folks! Ever wondered how to dominate your next game of Ascension? Look no further! This guide will not only outline the game rules for you but also dive into the best strategies for winning. Stay tuned for some solid tips to make your friends eat your cosmic dust!

Overview

What’s in the box

  • 200 Cards
  • 50 Honor Tokens
  • 1 Game Board
  • 1 Rulebook

How To Play Ascension: Rules Summary

Setup

  1. First, place the game board in the center of the table.

  2. Next, every player picks a starting deck of 10 cards: eight Apprentices and two Militia.

  3. Shuffle the main deck and place it face down. Draw six cards to form the center row.

  4. Place the Cultist card and Heavy Infantry card piles on the board.

  5. Give each player a Honor token pile.

  6. Decide who goes first. Maybe a thumb war?

Gameplay

  1. Draw five cards from your deck.

  2. Play cards from your hand to gain Runes and Power.

  3. Use Runes to acquire new cards from the center row or the Heavy Infantry card pile.

  4. Use Power to defeat monsters in the center row or the Cultist.

  5. End your turn by discarding all remaining cards and drawing a new hand of five cards.

  6. Replace empty spaces in the center row with new cards from the main deck.

Winning

  1. Keep track of Honor points as you collect them.

  2. The game ends when the last Honor token is claimed.

  3. Total all Honor points in each player’s deck and Honor token pile.

  4. The player with the most Honor points wins.

Special Rules & Conditions

  1. If you run out of cards in your deck, reshuffle your discard pile to form a new deck.

  2. Some cards have special effects that change gameplay. Pay attention to these!

  3. In case of a tie, the player with the most valuable cards in their deck wins.

  4. If both players still tie, declare a thumb war champion as the winner!

Best Ascension Strategies

Unlocking Ultimate Combos: Card Synergy in Ascension

Maximizing Faction Bonuses

Align your deck with a single faction for powerful bonuses. This leads to explosive turns.

  1. Focus on Lifebound cards for draw power.
  2. Prioritize Mechana constructs for long-term benefits.
  3. Explore Void cards for heavy hitters.

Balancing Your Deck

Keep a balance to avoid clunky draws. Mix cards for a smoother experience.

  1. Combine card draw and banishing.
  2. Add constructs and heroes evenly.
  3. Use Enlightened cards for versatility.

Chain Reactions

Create chains for maximum effect. This means more actions per turn.

  1. Use cards that synergize within the same faction.
  2. Incorporate cards that offer draw power.
  3. Stack effects for a grand finale.

Mastering Resource Management in Ascension

Winning in Ascension requires smart resource management. First, understand the key resources: Runes and Power. Use these wisely to gain the upper hand. Transitioning smoothly between these resources is crucial.

Prioritize Runes Early
  1. Focus on acquiring cards that generate Runes in the early game.
  2. Buy cheap but effective cards to maximize your Runes.
  3. Consider heroes with Rune bonuses to boost your income.
Balance Runes and Power
  1. Shift focus to Power generation as the game progresses.
  2. Take down Monsters for Honor points and additional effects.
  3. Adjust your strategy based on the game’s current state.
Invest Wisely
  1. Avoid over-investing in one resource type.
  2. Buy cards that complement each other to form a synergistic deck.
  3. Keep a flexible approach to adapt to changing situations.

Mastering Deck Building in Ascension

To win in Ascension, mastering deck building is key. You must balance your strategy and adapt as the game progresses.

1. Focus on a Core Strategy

  1. Choose whether to prioritize Runes or Power. Stick to one and optimize around it.

  2. Identify key cards that will enhance your core strategy. Then, build your deck around them.

2. Adapt to Opponents

  1. Watch other players’ strategies. If they hoard Runes, pivot to more Power.

  2. Always stay flexible. Adapt your deck to counter others’ tactics.

3. Manage Deck Size

  1. Be cautious of bloating your deck. Efficient decks cycle through cards faster.

  2. Use cards that help you draw more cards or thin out your deck.

4. Capitalize on Combos

  1. Use cards that complement each other. This boosts efficiency and impact.

  2. Identify and capitalize on combos during gameplay for a winning edge.

## Ready to Ascend?

So there you have it! Mastering Ascension isn’t just about luck; it’s a mix of great card synergy, smart resource management, and tight deck building. Trust me, after many late nights and too much pizza with my friends, I’ve learned the importance of adapting as you play. Don’t be afraid to switch tactics mid-game. Happy gaming and may your Runes be plenty! Oh, and if anyone figures out how to stop Jeff from winning every time, let me know. Seriously, I think he’s part wizard.

Want to know what we think of Ascension? Read our detailed review of Ascension here

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.