Objective of the Game
In KeyForge, two players compete to gather the resource Aember by using creatures, artifacts, and actions, aiming to forge three keys. The first player to forge three keys wins the game.
Game Materials
- Two unique card decks (each deck is unique)
- Aember tokens
- Key tokens
- Damage markers
Setup
- Each player selects a deck and draws seven cards from it.
- Place your keys with the unfoged side up in front of you.
- Place the Aember and damage markers in a shared pool in the center of the table.
- Determine the starting player.
Gameplay
The game proceeds in alternating turns, each consisting of the following phases:
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Forge a Key: At the start of a turn, a player may forge a key if they have enough Aember (typically 6 Aember). Flip a key token to its forged side.
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Choose a House: The player selects one of the three houses in their deck. They may only play and use cards from the chosen house during their turn.
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Play, Use, and Discard Cards:
- Play: Play cards from the hand of the chosen house onto the battlefield.
- Use: Ready cards already on the battlefield can be used for their abilities, such as creatures reaping to gather Aember or fighting other creatures.
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Discard: Some cards may have effects that require them to be discarded in this phase.
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Draw Cards: Replenish hand to a total of six cards by drawing from the player's deck.
Types of Cards
- Creatures: Can fight, reap for Aember, or have special abilities.
- Artifacts: Offer ongoing effects and can be activated.
- Actions: Played from the hand, then discarded after resolving effects.
Winning the Game
The first player to successfully forge three keys wins the game.
Strategic Considerations
- House Choice: Choosing the right house at the right time is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of available cards.
- Aember Management: Carefully balance generating Aember and using it to forge keys.
- Card Synergies: Exploit synergies between cards within a house or even across different houses in your deck for powerful combinations.
