If you're on the hunt for your next strategy obsession, look no further than Dfiance. A compelling card-based game with rich tactical layers and a battlefield-inspired twist, Dfiance takes everything we love about this well-worn genre and turns it up a notch, offering an exciting new way to do battle. Build decks, form alliances, and fight across multiple lanes in 100 unique battlegrounds, unlocking abilities as you go.
Dfiance has a number of unique gameplay mechanics that sets it apart from its contemporaries, so you'll want to start playing ASAP. Fortunately, getting started in Dfiance is easy, fun, and free. There are no purchases required, no special cards sold for cash, just straightforward randomized starter decks for a fairer game.
How to play
When you first sign up, you'll have a chance to compile a deck of up to 39 cards (of different factions – more on those later). You'll then enter turn-based combat with other players in order to win resources, valuable loot that you can use within the game's economy system later on. The battleground is split into rows, where you can place and play cards as Brawlers, Artillery, or Ranged attackers, as well as left and right flanks.
Both players start the match by drawing ten random cards from the deck, with the option to redraw two of them. With each card added or removed from the battlefield, players accumulate or lose attack power/points (ATP). At the end of the round, the player with the most attack power wins. The first player to win two full rounds wins the match and gets the match prize pool, which means a stack of resources.
Pick a side
There are four factions in the world of Dfiance – Infernal, Ephemeral, Celestial, and the Factionless, three of which you can apply to your deck. Within these four allegiances, you'll find a comprehensive cast of 300 unique characters, formed by their own stories, abilities, and appearances. Far more than a disposable deck of cards, these characters form a rich tapestry of lore that slowly unveils the history of the three worlds and the roots of this bloody conflict.
The native inhabitants of Ephemeria, the Ephemerals are divided between many kingdoms. As such, their personalities, strengths, and weaknesses are varied – some show great courage and kindness, while others can be cruel and scheming. Their professions also vary greatly, from wise scholars to highly trained hands-on warriors. This variance means that an Ephemeral deck plays fairly balanced.
Celestials are the wise warriors, forced from their homeland after depleting every last resource. They prefer intelligent battles, high strategy, and ranged attacks, but are not to be underestimated in a brawl, either. Internal power struggles and political rivalry combined with a fight for survival has riven this once-democratic society, causing them to travel to Ephemeria and attempt to conquer the land.
Infernals are hard, harsh, and brutal. Powerful and cruel with it, they favor the strong and destroy the weak, leading to a hierarchical society of beasts and slaves. They favor straightforward battles packed with brawls, blood, and heavy weapons. Able to harness Void magic to serve their purpose, Infernals are a force to be reckoned with and won't stop until Ephemeria is theirs.
Lastly, the Factionless characters – a chaotic combination of Elementals, mysterious figures, merchants, rogues, and unspeakable beasts. These mysterious cards have great power when used to turn the tide of battle.
Hundreds of battlegrounds
As the starting realm, the world of Ephemeria is as varied as it is harsh – with landscapes ranging from sub-zero caverns to arid deserts, stretching out under relentless sun. Battles can happen all across Ephemeria, as Infernal and Celestial forces seek to invade and conquer the realm. Battlegrounds will impact gameplay not only through terrain types and weather but also through the area's history and its relevance to your units.
For example, Torvar Ravine's frigid climate weakens melee weapons, while Shtirhorn Surface's harsh and desensitizing aura strengthens them. Each battleground is a variation on the most comprehensive layout, encoming a brawler row, a ranged row, an artillery row, a left and right flank, and a war machine. In some areas, tight ages will dictate the ability to bring war machines or to flank on either side. Some battlegrounds will mess with your units' minds, like the brutal region of Genhorn that suppresses morality, stifling leader abilities.
For more information about individual cards and battlegrounds, check out the Dfiance Wiki, a detailed resource compiled by the developers to help you boost your game. It's still a work in progress but will soon be the definitive source of Dfiance info.
Play, earn, own
All new players get a free, fair start with a completely randomized initial deck – no bonuses, no pay-to-play, no special editions for those with more cash. Everyone starts at the same level with an equal chance to build their dream deck, and the ability to jump right into the battleground. When you're ready to upgrade and develop your cards, in-game resources can help you enhance your game, without any microtransactions or nasty surprises. You can play, thrive, and win in Dfiance without spending a cent. The game is now in its premier phase, with development ongoing.
In-game resources are highly valuable and control the economy and ecosystem of Dfiance. Aside from card upgrades, you can use them to unlock abilities and features; bet against other players; purchase new cards, battlegrounds, and machines; upgrade war machines; or simply trade with other players. Battlegrounds owned by the player can be a great source of in-game revenue, as every battle that takes place there will reward you with resources.
Any assets earned, won, or traded in-game are collectibles tied to your . As such, you can use them freely in trade or battle, and craft your own personal set of cards, battlegrounds, and abilities to use to your advantage.
Guilds, Tournaments, and Guild Wars
Dfiance offers many ways to collaborate or conspire against your fellow players through the use of Guilds. Create your own Guild, or choose from an existing one, becoming strengthened by your bond with other players and unlocking exclusive perks. You can fight of your guild in friendly tournaments, where resources are on the line and every card counts. Guilds can band together and fight against others in Guild Wars, challenging each other for unique perks and rewards.
Check out Dfiance in your browser today and start your journey for free with a full deck of cards.