Codex: Card-Time Strategy – Core Set (2016) Board Game

Codex: Card-Time Strategy – Core Set is a card game released in 2016, designed by David Sirlin. It combines elements of deck-building, hand management, and variable player powers in a fantasy fighting theme. The game is best played with 2 players and has a runtime of approximately 45 minutes.

Game Components of Codex: Card-Time Strategy – Core Set

Cards: 6 colored factions (Red, Green, Black, White, Purple, Blue) and a neutral faction, each with starter decks and hero-specific cards.

Heroes: Each colored faction has 3 heroes, and the neutral faction has 2 heroes. Each hero comes with 12 unique cards.

Worker Cards: Used for resource management.

Tech Tree: Allows players to upgrade and expand their deck during gameplay.

Rulebook: Detailed instructions for setup and gameplay.

How To Setup Codex: Card-Time Strategy – Core Set

To set up the game, players select a faction (or factions for advanced rules) and choose three heroes. Each player starts with a 10-card starter deck from their chosen faction, along with the hero-specific cards. Players set aside their worker card, which determines their starting resources. The first player starts with four workers, while the second player starts with five. Players draw five cards to begin their turn.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Phases: Ready, Upkeep, Main Phase, Discard/Draw Phase, and Tech Phase.

Ready Phase: Reactivate cards from the previous turn.

Upkeep Phase: Activate special abilities and collect resources.

Main Phase: Play cards, initiate combat, and execute strategies.

Discard/Draw Phase: Discard the entire hand and draw new cards.

Tech Phase: Add cards to the deck from the codex (card binder).

Resource Management: Workers generate resources, which are used to play cards and build the deck.

Tech Tree: Players can upgrade and expand their deck during the game.

Game Objective: Destroy the opponent’s base by reducing their life total to zero.

Player Experience

**Codex: Card-Time Strategy** offers a dynamic and strategic experience, blending the immediate action of RTS games with the strategic depth of card games. Players can adjust their strategy mid-game by adding new cards to their deck, making each game highly adaptive and replayable. The game is designed to minimize luck and maximize strategic play, making it appealing to fans of competitive card games and RTS enthusiasts alike.

Pros

Customizable Decks: Players can build and adjust their decks during the game.

Adaptive Strategy: Allows for real-time adjustments to counter opponents’ moves.

Balanced Gameplay: Designed to reduce bad matchups and luck-based outcomes.

Rich RTS Theme: Incorporates RTS elements like resource management and tech trees.

High Replayability: Thousands of possible deck combinations.

Cons

Complexity: Multiple phases and mechanics can be overwhelming for new players.

Steep Learning Curve: Requires understanding of various game components and phases.

Cleanup: Can be time-consuming due to the complexity of the game state.

Personal Thoughts on Codex: Card-Time Strategy – Core Set

**Codex: Card-Time Strategy** is ideal for players who enjoy both competitive card games and real-time strategy games. It offers a unique blend of immediate action and long-term strategy, making it a great choice for those looking for a game with deep mechanics and high replayability. While it may be challenging for new players, the game’s depth and adaptability make it highly rewarding for those willing to invest the time to learn it.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.