When I first stumbled upon Ruins, it wasn’t a recent discovery. I had already heard about it back in March and even added it to my want-list at that time. Still, I never shared my thoughts about it, so I figured now would be the perfect moment. The game isn’t currently on Kickstarter; it had its campaign back in October and November of last year. I either completely missed it or glanced at the campaign and decided it wasn’t for me at the time. The project was part of one of those all-in campaigns that bundle multiple titles together, which I often find overwhelming. On top of that, the cover design didn’t do much to draw me in. While technically fine, it felt cluttered and visually bland, making it difficult to form a strong initial connection.
The turning point for me came when I learned that Ruins is a reimplementation of John D. Clair’s Custom Heroes, a game I enjoy immensely. That revelation was enough to make me look deeper into its mechanics and see how it stands apart from its predecessor. Custom Heroes had already surprised me in many ways, climbing to one of my top gaming experiences despite being a shedding game, a genre I usually appreciate but rarely love.
The Charm of Custom Heroes and How Ruins Compares
Custom Heroes is unique because it blends a relatively straightforward card-shedding concept with the innovative card-crafting mechanic. In that game, each card is placed in a clear sleeve, allowing players to slide in semi-transparent upgrade cards that alter the card’s value and abilities. This creates unpredictable and exciting scenarios, such as winning with seemingly impossible combinations. Because cards circulate between players, any card you modify could end up in someone else’s hand in the next round, adding another layer of strategy.
Ruins appears to retain much of this core appeal while also introducing notable changes. Players still aim to shed their hands quickly, and the sleeved cards are still present, ready for upgrades during play. However, instead of starting with ten cards per player, Ruins gives each player nine cards, leaving one card per player out of the game each round. This subtle change means the deck composition is slightly more dynamic from round to round. The maximum player count is reduced from six to five, which might slightly limit larger game nights but could lead to more streamlined gameplay.
New Theme and Economy
The thematic shift from Custom Heroes’ anime-style brawlers to an archeology-inspired adventure changes the visual and narrative tone considerably. The new artwork and thematic elements aim to evoke exploration and discovery rather than combat. In terms of mechanics, the way players acquire upgrades has also been reworked. In Ruins, upgrades are purchased from a central display using bonfires, which replenish both at the start of each round and sometimes mid-round. This public market approach replaces the hidden personal stash from Custom Heroes, possibly making upgrade choices more tactical and interactive.
The length of the game has been trimmed as well, with a maximum of five rounds instead of seven. The scoring system is streamlined, though the details in the rulebook seem less explicit about exact point values. Perhaps the most intriguing new mechanic is the ownership upgrade system. Each player can permanently claim up to two cards during the game, meaning that if another player is holding your claimed card at the start of a round, they must return it to you immediately, without compensation. This could lead to strategic plays where keeping certain cards becomes undesirable, altering the flow of decisions.
Will It Stand on Its Own?
While the aesthetics of Ruins still don’t completely win me over, the mechanical changes are compelling. It feels close enough to Custom Heroes to maintain the chaotic fun, yet different enough to justify owning both for varied experiences. The reduced player count, modified upgrade economy, and ownership mechanic could make Ruins a slightly tighter and possibly more strategic variant. The only way to know for sure is to get it to the table, and given that it can now be ordered directly for a reasonable price, it seems worth a try.
The game’s estimated delivery is mid-May, so anyone intrigued won’t have to wait too long to explore its twists on the card-crafting genre. Whether it surpasses its predecessor or simply provides a fresh alternative, Ruins is shaping up to be an interesting addition to my collection.
Setting Up the Adventure
In Ruins, setting up each game feels straightforward yet full of anticipation. Players begin by placing the sleeved cards in the play area, ensuring each player has their starting hand of nine cards. The remaining cards, equal to one per player, are set aside face-down for the round. These absent cards mean that no two rounds will ever feel the same, as their absence subtly shifts the potential plays and combinations. The central display of upgrades is prepared, with each upgrade card representing tools, artifacts, or special actions that can modify the value and abilities of a player’s cards. Bonfires, acting as the currency of the game, are placed in the center for everyone to access. Each player also takes their two ownership markers, setting the stage for one of the game’s more strategic new twists.
The game’s archaeological theme is lightly woven into the setup, giving the impression that players are preparing for an expedition. While this thematic touch is mostly in the artwork and component design, it still adds flavor to the table presence. Once everything is ready, the first round begins with players eager to craft and control their cards in pursuit of victory.
The Flow of Play
Each round begins with players examining their hands and assessing immediate opportunities. The goal, as in other shedding games, is to be the first to empty your hand. Players take turns playing cards in sets or sequences that must beat the previous play. The twist, of course, lies in the card-crafting system, where players can insert upgrade cards into sleeves to alter values or introduce abilities mid-round. This mechanic creates a dynamic flow where no card is ever permanently fixed in strength or role.
When it comes to purchasing upgrades, the bonfire system forces players to think ahead. Since bonfires are a limited resource that replenish at specific times, deciding whether to spend early or save for a pivotal moment becomes a key part of the strategy. Sometimes, spending early secures a critical upgrade that allows a player to dominate the current round. Other times, holding back can set up a game-winning play in a later round.
Ownership markers create another layer of tension. Choosing which card to claim is not just about improving your hand—it’s also about influencing the flow of the game for future rounds. If you claim a particularly strong card, you ensure it will return to you at the start of every round, denying opponents the chance to use it against you. However, ownership also means the card’s strength is predictable to others, and they may adjust their strategy to counter it.
Mid-Round Tactics
One of the standout features of Ruins is how quickly the momentum can shift mid-round. A single upgrade can transform a losing play into a dominating set, forcing opponents to scramble. The unpredictability is heightened by the fact that upgraded cards don’t always remain in your possession after the round ends. The card you painstakingly improved could end up in an opponent’s hand in the very next round unless it is one of your owned cards.
Players must balance immediate advantage with long-term planning. Upgrading a card to win the current round may not always be worth it if that same card could become a powerful tool for an opponent later. Similarly, sometimes it is better to pass rather than play an underwhelming set, waiting for the right opportunity to strike with a stronger combination.
End of Round and Scoring
The round ends when one player successfully plays their last card. Points are awarded based on finishing position, with the first player out gaining the most points. The simplified scoring compared to its predecessor keeps the pace moving, preventing the downtime that can occur in longer games. Once points are tallied, upgrades are reset where necessary, bonfires are replenished, and a new round begins with the reshuffled deck and newly set-aside cards.
The rhythm of Ruins is fast enough to keep everyone engaged, yet offers enough decision-making depth to reward careful planning. Each round feels like a self-contained puzzle, but the accumulation of points and ownership advantages means that the game’s larger arc is always in view.
Strategic Depth and Replay Value
While Ruins shares much with the game that inspired it, its changes create a different strategic landscape. The reduced player count, ownership system, and modified upgrade economy combine to make the game slightly more deliberate and tactical. There is still plenty of chaos—the hallmark of card-crafting games—but it feels more directed, with clearer opportunities to influence outcomes.
Replay value is strong because the combination of missing cards each round, varying upgrade availability, and unpredictable card circulation ensures that no two games play out the same. Players can experiment with different approaches, such as aggressively claiming cards early, focusing on high-value upgrades, or playing more reactively based on opponents’ moves.
Player Interaction and Table Presence
One of the great strengths of Ruins is the constant player interaction. Every decision has the potential to directly impact others, whether by forcing them to play unwanted cards, denying them upgrades, or taking ownership of valuable cards. The public display of upgrades also means that players can deliberately block opponents by buying items they clearly need, adding a layer of psychological play to the experience.
The table presence benefits from the sleeved cards, which become visually more elaborate as upgrades are added. Watching the transformation of simple starting cards into powerful tools of victory adds to the sense of progression and investment in each game. The archaeological theme, while not deeply embedded in gameplay mechanics, helps tie the visual elements together, making the table look more cohesive and thematic.
Comparing Ruins to Its Predecessor
For players familiar with Custom Heroes, the question will naturally arise: is Ruins different enough to own both? The answer depends on what you value in the gameplay. If you enjoyed the chaos and larger player counts of the original, you might miss the sixth-player option. However, if you prefer slightly shorter, more strategic matches with tighter control over key cards, Ruins delivers that experience effectively.
The ownership system is perhaps the single biggest difference, as it creates persistent advantages that carry from round to round. This not only rewards forward-thinking strategy but also introduces new opportunities for bluffing and baiting opponents. The reduced round count keeps the game snappy, making it easier to play multiple sessions in a single evening.
Understanding the Power of Ownership
One of the most defining features of Ruins is the ownership system. Each player begins the game with two ownership markers that can be placed on cards during play. At first, this might seem like a small rule tweak, but in practice, it has far-reaching implications for strategy. When you take ownership of a card, it becomes part of your arsenal. At the start of each round, if someone else is holding that card, they must return it to you without receiving anything in exchange. This mechanic means that certain cards will always find their way back to you, allowing you to shape your long-term game plan around them.
Ownership also creates a psychological layer to the game. Once opponents know you own a specific card, they may adjust their plays to avoid giving you opportunities to use it effectively. In some cases, they might even intentionally burn that card’s potential in a suboptimal play just to limit its impact. Learning when to take ownership is key; doing so too early might give opponents time to adjust, while waiting too long might mean you miss the chance to secure a card that could swing multiple rounds in your favor.
Timing Your Ownership Claims
A common mistake in early plays of Ruins is claiming ownership of a card simply because it is powerful at that moment. The true value of ownership lies in cards that have lasting utility or that fit perfectly into your preferred strategies. A card that gives you flexibility in both low and high-value plays, or one that interacts well with specific upgrades, is worth much more throughout a game than a card that wins a single round.
Timing is especially critical because placing ownership markers is a finite action. You only have two for the entire game, so each decision carries weight. Sometimes the best move is to wait until you see how the round unfolds, then use ownership strategically to lock in an advantage for the remainder of the match. Other times, claiming ownership early can force opponents to change course, disrupting their plans before they gather momentum.
Maximizing the Upgrade Market
The central upgrade market, fueled by bonfires, is another area where advanced players can gain an edge. While the temptation is often to grab upgrades that immediately enhance your current hand, experienced players look ahead to how those upgrades will interact with future hands. This is particularly important in a game where cards rotate between players and where certain cards might return to you because of ownership.
Bonfires, the game’s currency for upgrades, are limited, and knowing when to spend them is as important as knowing what to buy. Spending all your resources early in a round can give you short-term dominance, but it leaves you vulnerable in later rounds when key upgrades appear. Conversely, hoarding bonfires can backfire if your opponents use their upgrades to end the round before you have a chance to act. The skill lies in balancing immediate threats with long-term positioning.
Adapting to Card Rotation
Because cards do not remain with a single player unless owned, the state of the deck changes constantly. In one round, you might be holding a card that was heavily upgraded by another player in a previous round. The decision then becomes whether to use that card immediately to gain points or to pass it along, potentially weakening its impact for its original owner.
Advanced players keep mental notes on which cards have been upgraded and by whom. This information allows them to anticipate future plays and adapt their strategy accordingly. For example, if you know a card you upgraded is likely to return to you in two rounds, you might choose upgrades in the meantime that complement that card’s abilities, setting up a powerful combination when it comes back.
Managing Player Count Differences
Ruins plays differently depending on the number of participants, and advanced strategy must adapt accordingly. With five players, the rotation of cards is slower, meaning upgrades you apply are more likely to cycle back to you within the same game. This makes long-term planning more viable and ownership decisions more impactful. However, with fewer players, rounds can move quickly, and the same cards might come back into your hand multiple times in a single session.
In smaller games, the risk of opponents targeting your owned cards increases because they have more opportunities to see and react to your strategy. Larger games dilute that focus but increase the unpredictability of the upgrade market. In both cases, understanding the flow of cards and predicting where they will land becomes a crucial skill.
Reading the Table
Part of mastering Ruins is learning to read your opponents. Observing their spending habits, upgrade choices, and willingness to pass on certain plays can give you valuable insight into their strategies. For instance, if an opponent consistently buys high-value upgrades early in the round, you can anticipate that they will push to end the round quickly. If another player avoids certain cards, it might mean they are holding back for a more significant play later.
This awareness allows you to make informed decisions about when to challenge a play, when to pass, and when to deploy upgrades for maximum disruption. Sometimes, simply forcing an opponent to use a key upgrade earlier than planned can shift the momentum in your favor.
Balancing Risk and Reward
Ruins thrives on the balance between calculated risk and opportunistic play. The dynamic nature of the upgrade system and card rotation means that no lead is entirely secure. Even if you are ahead in points, a well-timed upgrade from an opponent can turn the tide. Advanced players know how to hedge their bets—playing conservatively when in the lead, and taking bigger risks when trailing.
Risk management also applies to ownership. Owning a card that everyone knows is powerful can make you a target, with opponents working together to limit its effectiveness. Sometimes, owning a card with more subtle utility is the smarter move, as it draws less attention while still giving you a consistent advantage.
Integrating Theme into Play
While the theme of Ruins is more of a visual and narrative backdrop, it can still influence how players approach the game. The idea of exploring and unearthing valuable artifacts can be mirrored in how you prioritize upgrades—seeking out combinations that feel like discoveries rather than straightforward enhancements. This mindset can help keep your strategy flexible, allowing you to adapt to changing circumstances as if navigating an unpredictable archaeological site.
Preparing for the Endgame
In the final rounds of Ruins, the importance of ownership and upgrades becomes even more pronounced. By this point, players have a clearer picture of which cards are most influential and how the rotation is likely to play out. This knowledge can guide final upgrade purchases, allowing you to set traps for opponents or secure decisive plays.
The reduced number of rounds compared to its predecessor means that every point matters. Falling behind early is harder to recover from, so advanced players prioritize consistency over single-round dominance. The key is to avoid low-scoring rounds entirely, ensuring that even if you do not win a round, you remain competitive in the overall tally.
Final Thoughts on Mastering Ruins
Ruins rewards players who embrace its blend of short-term tactics and long-term planning. Mastery comes from understanding the interplay between ownership, upgrades, and card rotation, and from adapting to the unique dynamics of each player count. By timing ownership claims wisely, managing bonfires effectively, and reading the table, advanced players can consistently shape the flow of the game in their favor.
What sets Ruins apart is how these elements come together to create a game that is both approachable for newcomers and richly strategic for veterans. The unpredictability of card-crafting ensures that no two games feel the same, while the ownership mechanic provides a thread of continuity that experienced players can weave into winning strategies.