Fatal Core

Fatal Core is a trading card game set in a dystopian future of strange magic and alien technology. You build an 18-card deck and play against AI opponents or other players. Its six Lead Characters each have their own strengths, weaknesses and special cards.

Simultaneous turns

Both players take their turns at the same time, playing one card per turn from a mostly open hand. Seeing much of your opponent’s hand gives you insight into their strategy and creates opportunities for counterplay. Deck-building limits the number of powerful cards each player can include, so a large card collection is not needed for competitive play.

Creatures go onto a 3x2 board of bonuses and penalties, which give them flexibility. They stay on the board and attack the opponent directly each turn. Spells instead have a powerful one-time effect.

Game modes

You can play against powerful AI, take on other players, compete in ranked play and enter monthly tournaments. Raids pit players cooperating against massive, boss-style AI opponents that bend the rules of the game. Draft Mode lets you include six custom cards in your deck; you manage a special currency to buy card components and create cards to use against other players.

Cards and progression

The game has over 200 cards, with new cards added every two months. Cards, cosmetic items and in-game currency are earned through play, and the game aims to be supported entirely through crowdfunding, with rewards for every player when goals are met. Cosmetic items include foil cards, playmats and alternate art; some can also be found in packs. You can sell and trade cards on a player-run market, and save, rewatch and share match replays, as well as import and export decks.

Story and alliances

The six Lead Characters form three alliances. Fatal Core’s setting also has a weekly comic, Fatal Core Chronicles, which tells more of its lore.