Parallel is an engaging trading card game (TCG) that offers a unique blend of strategy and gameplay mechanics. This guide aims to provide a detailed walkthrough on how to maximize your gameplay in Parallel.

1. Understanding the Basics of Parallel

When you start your Parallel journey, you're presented with a game board and a deck of 40 cards from your chosen parallel, plus Universal cards and your Paragon. Paragons are unique in that they are always in play on the side instead of being shuffled into the deck. They can be played on the field as if they were in your hand, but they cannot be banked for energy or otherwise discarded. Understanding the role of Paragons and how they influence your strategy is a crucial first step in your Parallel guide.

In the game, there are five different parallels, each with three unique Paragons. The deck you play will be influenced by the Paragon you choose, as each Paragon has a unique passive ability that is in play for the entire game. Understanding these abilities and how they interact with your deck is key to mastering Parallel.

2. Card Types and Gameplay Mechanics in Parallel

Parallel features four types of cards: units, effects, relics, and upgrades. Units are character or creature cards that stay on the field until destroyed. Effects are one-time use cards that take effect immediately once played. Relics are played on the field and have their own abilities, and upgrades are cards that need to be added directly to a unit.

Understanding how these cards interact with each other is key to mastering Parallel. For example, some cards have an "assault" status that is active once you've dealt damage to the enemy player. Knowing when to activate these abilities and how to use them effectively can significantly impact the outcome of the game.

3. Energy Management and Turn Order in Parallel

In Parallel, energy management and turn order play a significant role in your strategy. You start each game with 30 health, and your deck is 40 cards. All 40 cards must be from your chosen parallel or from the universal parallel. At the start of each turn, you draw one card. The order of play after that is up to you.

Parallel doesn't have cards specifically for energy. Instead, once per turn, any card in your hand can be banked to generate one additional energy. You start with one energy per banked card. Understanding how to manage your energy and when to bank cards for additional energy is a crucial aspect of Parallel strategy.

4. Understanding Keywords and Abilities in Parallel

Parallel features a variety of keywords and abilities that can significantly impact gameplay. Each of these keywords has a specific effect on gameplay, and understanding how they interact with your cards and strategy is key to mastering Parallel.

• Assault: This status is triggered when you deal damage to the enemy player. Some cards have assault abilities that are triggered or active only when assault status has been achieved. For example, the Unseen Commando gets plus one plus one when assault is active, so deal damage to the enemy before attacking with the Unseen Commando.
• Armed: Units with this ability deal their damage first in combat. This can be a significant advantage in combat as it allows these units to potentially destroy their opponent before they can retaliate.
• Defender: Units with this ability can block enemy attacks, protecting your other units or your health. When an opponent attacks, you will be given the opportunity to block with a defender, redirecting the attack to your defender unit.
• Muster: This is an ability that is triggered when a unit enters the field. A common example is the mercenary Gunslinger.
• Pacifist: Units with this ability cannot attack. They can still defend, however, if they have the defender ability.
• Decay: This is a status that Earthen cards can apply. At the start of your turn, any cards with Decay and any units next to the unit with Decay will each be dealt one damage. It's a form of damage over time.
• Attuned: Units with this ability switch between dormant and active at the start of the controlling player's turn. They're only active on the field every other turn. See The Dauntless axemen for example.
• Shielded: Units that are shielded are immune to the next effect card that targets it. This can be a significant advantage as it allows these units to avoid potentially harmful effects.

Understanding these keywords and how to use them effectively can give you a significant advantage in Parallel.

5. Advanced Strategies and Deck Building in Parallel

As you become more comfortable with the basics of Parallel, you can start to explore more advanced strategies and deck building techniques. This includes understanding how all of your cards and their abilities operate so that you can maximize their effectiveness.

Additionally, understanding all of the cards in the game can help you predict your opponent's moves and counter them effectively. This level of strategic depth is part of what makes Parallel such an engaging and rewarding game to play.

By following this Parallel guide, you'll be well on your way to mastering the game and developing your own unique strategies. Remember, the key to success in Parallel lies in understanding the game's mechanics, managing your energy effectively, and building a deck that complements your chosen Paragon's abilities. Good luck to everyone participating in the game's upcoming Beta.

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