Shardbound, the anticipated multiplayer collectible tactics game, is set to launch its limited beta on June 27th, accessible to all via the Epic Games Store. Following a positive community response to its recent tweet, developers have committed to bringing their web3 title to a broader audience.

The limited beta promises to deliver an enhanced gaming experience with updated features and gameplay improvements. Players can expect upgraded art for Characters, Spells, Relics, and Equipment, along with refined gameplay mechanics, matchmaking enhancements, and an improved user interface.

Shardbound New Cover Banner on X

More About Shardbound

Shardbound is a free-to-play strategic card-based game that unfolds on hexagonal maps, where players engage in 1v1 turn-based battles. The gameplay involves placing cards that transform into 3D units, and strategically maneuvering them across the battlefield.

Bazooka Tango is the indie game studio building Shardbound - founded by former Vainglory creators Bo Daly and Stephan Sherman - and published by Immutable. To achieve victory in Shardbound, players must either defeat the opposing movable commander positioned on the opposite side of the board or accumulate 10 Victory Points.

Shardbound New Character Art

Victory Crystals and Points

Each match features three Victory Crystals, which are critical for scoring Victory Points. Players earn 1 Victory Point for hitting a Victory Crystal while destroying one reward 2 points and 2 bonus Mana Gems. These Mana Gems are essential for summoning units, casting spells, and executing other strategic actions.

It's important to note that players must wait for a full turn cycle to secure Victory Points accumulated by their units or commanders. If an opponent eliminates the unit holding Victory Points, they can seize those points for themselves, adding a tactical challenge to gameplay.

Shardbound Gameplay Example

Deck and Card Types

Decks in Shardbound are structured around 5 distinct card types: Commander, Relic, Minion, Spell, and Equipment. Each deck must include a Commander and a Relic, with the latter enhancing the Commander's abilities.

Commanders and Minions belong to one of 5 factions, each represented by a unique color. Commanders are positioned on opposite sides of the board at the start of the match, while Minions must be summoned strategically onto the battlefield. The positioning of units becomes crucial as battles unfold across diverse environments, offering tactical advantages based on terrain.

Deck and Card Types

Relics are equipped by Commanders, granting them specialized abilities and enabling the creation of Dual Faction Decks. This allows players to mix factions by equipping a Relic that differs in color from the other cards in the deck. Spells in Shardbound encompass a wide range of effects, from healing to altering terrain, while Equipment typically consists of weapons and armor that strengthen summoned Minions.

What’s New in the Beta Release

Shardbound's beta release includes several exciting features aimed at enhancing gameplay and user experience. Players can expect strategic battles on hexagonal fields, previously available only to select users during the Exclusive Beta phase. New updates introduce expanded card and pack options, upgraded art for Characters, Spells, Relics, and Equipment, along with improvements to gameplay mechanics, matchmaking, and UI/UX design.

Shardbound Limited Beta

Faction Battle Passes and Quests

Additionally, players can participate in Faction Battle Passes, offering a variety of quests for earning faction cards through daily, weekly, and periodic challenges. Progressing through these passes rewards XP, unlocking new levels and cards, as well as Royal Marks for purchasing items in the in-game shop. The update also introduces Card Upgrades, allowing players to enhance card stats using duplicate copies obtained over time.

Shardbound Card Upgrades

Pre-registration Benefits

Players can pre-register on Shardbound's official website using either email or Immutable Passport for instant access upon release. Early registrants will receive an exclusive playable card during the first week of the limited beta, offering a head start in their tactical adventures.

As the countdown begins to its limited beta launch on June 27th, Shardbound promises an engaging experience for both new players and existing fans alike, setting the stage for competitive strategic gameplay on the Epic Games Store platform.