Summary
- Release Year: 2018
- Genres: Card & Board Game, Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy
- Platforms: Android, iOS, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Developers: CD Projekt RED
- Publishers: CD Projekt RED
Gwent: The Witcher Card Game – A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Gwent: The Witcher Card Game is a free-to-play collectible card game set in the Witcher universe. It was developed by CD Projekt Red and released in 2018 for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. Gwent blends elements of collectible card games (CCGs) and trading card games (TCGs) to create a unique and engaging experience.
Gameplay
Gwent is played between two players on a battlefield divided into two rows: the melee row and the ranged row. Each player has a deck of 25 cards, and the goal of the game is to win two out of three rounds.
Rounds
Each round is played in three phases:
- Mulligan: Players can replace up to three cards in their hand.
- Deployment: Players take turns placing cards on the battlefield. Melee units can only be placed in the melee row, while ranged units can be placed in either row.
- Combat: Units attack each other based on their power. The player with the highest total power on the battlefield at the end of the round wins the round.
Cards
There are six types of cards in Gwent:
- Units: Units are the backbone of your deck. They have power, provisions (which limit how many units you can play in a round), and abilities.
- Special cards: Special cards can be used to affect the battlefield in various ways, such as boosting the power of your units, damaging your opponent’s units, or drawing cards.
- Artifacts: Artifacts are cards that provide passive bonuses to your units.
- Leaders: Leaders are special cards that give you a unique ability that can be used once per game.
- Tactics: Tactics are cards that can be used to manipulate the battlefield in your favor.
- Trebuchets: Trebuchets are cards that can be used to damage your opponent’s units from a distance.
Factions
There are six factions in Gwent:
- Northern Realms: The Northern Realms faction is based on the human kingdoms of the North. Their units are well-rounded and have a variety of abilities.
- Scoia’tael: The Scoia’tael faction is based on the non-human races of the North. Their units are agile and have a variety of abilities that allow them to control the battlefield.
- Nilfgaard: The Nilfgaard faction is based on the empire of Nilfgaard. Their units are disciplined and have a variety of abilities that allow them to manipulate the battlefield.
- Monsters: The Monsters faction is based on the creatures that inhabit the world of the Witcher. Their units are powerful and have a variety of abilities that allow them to overwhelm their opponents.
- Skellige: The Skellige faction is based on the warrior clans of the Skellige Islands. Their units are hardy and have a variety of abilities that allow them to control the battlefield.
- Syndicate: The Syndicate faction is based on the criminal underworld of the Witcher world. Their units are cunning and have a variety of abilities that allow them to manipulate the battlefield.
Deckbuilding
Deckbuilding is an important part of Gwent. There are many different strategies that you can use to build a deck, and the best deck for you will depend on your playstyle.
Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to Gwent, here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Learn the basics: Take some time to learn the basic rules of the game. This will help you understand how to play and how to build a deck.
- Start with a budget deck: Don’t worry about collecting all of the best cards right away. There are many budget decks that can be competitive.
- Experiment with different factions: Each faction has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Experiment with different factions to find one that you like.
- Don’t be afraid to lose: Losing is a part of the learning process. Don’t get discouraged if you lose a few games. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually get better.
Conclusion
Gwent: The Witcher Card Game is a deep and rewarding game that offers a lot of strategic depth. Whether you’re a fan of the Witcher universe or just looking for a new CCG to play, Gwent is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
8.5/10