Quick answer

Hero Realms is a fantasy deckbuilding game where you start with a personal deck of 10 cards and use trade to buy more powerful cards. On your turn, you play cards to generate gold and combat, buy new cards, and attack your opponents. The first to reduce an opponent to 0 health wins.

Welcome to the world of Hero Realms, a fast-paced deckbuilding game from the creators of Star Realms. Whether you're new to deckbuilders or just new to this game, this guide will walk you through the rules and get you playing in no time.

We'll cover setup, turn structure, and key strategies, plus common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you'll be ready to battle your friends or dive into cooperative play.

Understanding the Goal

In Hero Realms, each player starts with a personal deck of 10 cards and 50 health. Your goal is to reduce your opponent's health to zero. You do this by playing cards that generate combat (attack) and using that combat to damage your opponent.

You also generate gold (called 'trade' in some versions) which lets you buy more powerful cards from the central trade row. As your deck grows, you'll be able to unleash devastating combos and turn the tide of battle.

  • First to reduce opponent to 0 health wins.
  • You can play solo or cooperatively with campaign decks.

Setting Up the Game

Setup is quick. Shuffle the main deck and deal five cards face-up to form the trade row. Each player shuffles their personal deck and draws five cards. Place your health dial or track your health on a scorecard.

If you're using character packs, like the Hero Realms Character Packs: Fighter Display of 12, each player replaces their personal deck with the included 10-card deck and takes the character card and ability cards. This adds unique powers and strategies.

Hero Realms Character Packs: Fighter Display of 12

Hero Realms Character Packs: Fighter Display of 12

  • Ensure the trade row has five cards.
  • Each player draws five cards from their personal deck.

Your Turn Step-by-Step

On your turn, you play cards from your hand. Each card has effects: some generate gold (used to buy cards), some generate combat (used to attack), and some have special abilities. After playing all desired cards, you may buy one card from the trade row, paying its gold cost. Then you may attack with your combat.

After your actions, discard your hand and any played cards, then draw a new hand of five cards. If your deck runs out, shuffle your discard pile to form a new deck.

  • Play cards, buy, attack, then discard and draw.
  • You can play cards in any order.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

New players often forget to use all their gold or combat each turn. Gold doesn't carry over, so spend it or lose it. Similarly, combat not used is wasted.

Another mistake is neglecting to thin your deck. As you buy better cards, you'll want to remove weaker starting cards to increase consistency. Some cards allow you to scrap (remove) cards from your deck.

  • Always use your gold and combat.
  • Look for opportunities to scrap weak cards.

Step-by-Step Gameplay Walkthrough

  1. Start with Setup: Shuffle the main deck and deal five cards to the trade row. Each player shuffles their personal deck and draws five cards. Set your health to 50. Make sure the trade row is full and your hand is five cards.
  2. Play Your Turn: On your turn, play cards from your hand to generate gold and combat. Use gold to buy a card from the trade row. Use combat to attack your opponent. Spend all your gold and combat before ending your turn.
  3. Discard and Draw: After your actions, discard your hand and played cards, then draw five new cards. If your deck is empty, shuffle your discard pile to form a new deck. This keeps the game flowing; always end with a full hand.
  4. Watch Your Health: Track your health and your opponent's. The game ends when one player's health reaches zero. Don't forget to update health dials after each attack.

Enhance Your Hero Realms Experience

  • https://wisewizardgamestn.com/products/hero-realms-base-game-display-of-6-ac532a1c3422733194169f4e-932257Hero Realms Base Game Display of 6: Hero Realms is a fantasy-themed expandable deckbuilding game from the creators of Star Realms. Battle with your friends one-on-one or in groups. Add custom starting decks to play as a Cleric, Fighter, Ranger, Thief, Wizard or even a mighty Dragon! Bring in a campaign deck for cooperative adventures with your friends. The base game includes everything you need to start playing. Having a display of 6 is great for groups or as a gift.
  • Hero Realms Character Packs: Fighter Display of 12: Play Hero Realms as a powerful Fighter. Shrug off attacks as you slash and bash your way through enemies. Bring down even the greatest foe with a single mighty blow. This Character Pack replaces a player's personal deck in the Hero Realms Deckbuilding Game. Included are 15 cards: a Fighter character card, the Crushing Blow and Shoulder Bash ability cards, 2 unique scorecards, and a new 10-card personal deck. Character packs add variety and let you specialize your playstyle. The Fighter is perfect for aggressive players who like direct combat.
  • Hero Realms Sleeves (Pack of 60) Each: Protect your Hero Realms cards with these awesome Hero Realms sleeves! Featuring the Hero Realms card back as the art. 60 count pack of plastic sleeves with a matte finish on front and back. PVC and Acid Free. 67mm x 92mm. Sleeves keep your cards in great condition, especially if you play frequently. The matte finish reduces glare and makes shuffling easier.

Now you know the basics of Hero Realms. The game is easy to learn but offers deep strategy. Grab the Hero Realms Base Game, pick a character pack that suits your style, and protect your investment with sleeves. Start playing today and enjoy countless battles!