By Leo Cunha, Lead Game Designer

In the realm of tabletop gaming, innovation is the key to captivating players and delivering unforgettable experiences. Relics Untold, our very own Miniature and Card Game (MCG), was born from a passion for miniature wargaming and the desire to elevate the genre to new heights. In this Developer’s Journal, we’d like to delve into the reasons behind our decision to merge two distinct gaming genres – wargames and collectible card games (CCGs) – to create a unique and immersive gaming experience.

The Genesis of MCG

Our journey began with a profound passion for miniature gaming. Miniatures, with their intricate details and immersive possibilities, have always captivated us. The strategic depth that comes with movement and positioning on the tabletop battlefield pushed our creative boundaries. It was only natural for us to start our venture this way since Loot is a miniature company.

But we knew we wouldn’t stop there. We knew that gaming was about evolving and offering something new to our community. We were drawn to CCGs for their excitement, unpredictability, and the endless possibilities they offered. It was the perfect marriage of strategy and chance, and we couldn’t resist exploring how these elements could enhance our miniature gaming experience.

So, why did we decide to bring these two seemingly disparate worlds together? The answer lies in the synergy between miniatures and cards, and the unique gameplay experiences they offer.

Synergy and the Fusion of Miniatures and Cards

The connection between miniatures and cards in MCG is notable. The majority of cards in your deck represents a Unit, acting like a character sheet with statblocks and lore, which comes to life in the form of miniatures. They bring a level of immersion to the gaming table, and the act of physically moving your Units, visualizing the battlefield, and strategizing each move is an experience like no other. The miniatures themselves become tangible representations of your army, forging a connection between you and your deck. 

Deckbuilding isn’t just about what Units you bring to the battlefield, but how you use them, allowing players to customize their armies to best fit their playstyle. This customization is at the heart of MCG, giving players the freedom to experiment, strategize, and fine-tune their decks to perfection.

Due to cards and deckbuilding, Relics Untold is full of elements of surprise, and we ensure that no two matches are the same. The ability to draw different cards in each game introduces variability and keeps players on their toes. It’s a testament to the strategic depth of MCG, where adaptability and thinking ahead are essential for victory.

Elevating Strategy through Deckbuilding

At the core of Relics Untold is the concept of deckbuilding. Traditionally associated with collectible card games (CCGs), we’ve seamlessly integrated this mechanic into our wargame to offer players a unique and engaging way to create their armies. Here’s how deckbuilding enhances the wargaming experience:

Customized Armies: Deckbuilding empowers players to craft a deck that aligns with their strategic preferences. Rather than selecting a fixed army through points, you assemble your deck by selecting Units, Spell, and Items. This level of customization ensures that every presence on the battlefield is a reflection of your strategy.

Resource Management: Deckbuilding also introduces resource management as a core aspect of the game. Each card in your deck has a resource cost, and deciding when to deploy these Units or manifest a Spell becomes a critical strategic decision. Balancing the number of each type of card on your deck adds a layer of depth to the gameplay that goes beyond traditional wargaming.

Adaptability: In Relics Untold, adaptability is a key to victory. As the game progresses, your deck evolves reflecting the actions of your army on the battlefield. Since you don’t know what you will draw, this encourages dynamic decision-making, ensuring that no two games play out the same way.

Replayability: The ever-evolving nature of decks in Relics Untold also ensures high replayability. With a vast array of cards to choose from, each game offers a fresh experience. Players are encouraged to experiment with different deck compositions, leading to countless hours of enjoyable gameplay. And that is before even mentioning all the other variables that can change in each game, like the Terrains that compose the battlefield or the Relics that act as game objectives and vastly improve your Units.

Surprises and Bluffs: Deckbuilding introduces elements of surprise and psychological gameplay. Your opponent can never be entirely sure of the cards in your deck or in your hand, creating opportunities for bluffs and strategic feints. With lots of spells and abilities that add unpredictability, your strategic decisions directly impact the battlefield, increasing the excitement and tension of each match, making every move a potential game-changer.

Strategic Depth: Deckbuilding deepens the strategic aspects of the game. Players must not only consider the immediate tactical situation on the board but also plan for the long game. Managing your deck effectively and making strategic decisions about card and resource usage can make the difference between victory and defeat. Here’s a tip: make sure to add low and high-cost cards to your deck, especially Units, to always have board presence. Numeric advantage matters a lot in Relics Untold.

Narrative and Flavor: Beyond the mechanics, deckbuilding also adds depth to the narrative and flavor of Relics Untold. Each card represents a character or a piece of lore, contributing to the immersive storytelling aspect of the game. This fusion of narrative and strategy enhances the overall gaming experience and opens room for thematic decks.

Deckbuilding is the backbone of Relics Untold and it has breathed new life into the skirmish wargaming. This innovative approach offers players unprecedented levels of customization, strategy, and replayability while adding elements of surprise, adaptability, and resource management to the battlefield. With Relics Untold, we’ve pushed the boundaries of what a wargame can be, and we invite players to explore the endless possibilities that deckbuilding brings to the genre. It’s a journey of strategic discovery, where every deck is a story waiting to be told, and every battle is an epic mark to the world. Join us in this exciting new chapter of tabletop gaming, where Relics are unveiled, untold stories are written, and your deck is the key to helping your Seeker fulfill its destiny.