A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering the Aldnoah Zero Collectible Card Game

Introduction

The Aldnoah Zero Collectible Card Game, based on the popular anime series, is a blend of strategy, tactics, and luck. The anime, produced by A-1 Pictures and TROYCA, is set in an alternate history where humanity has split into two factions after discovering a hypergate to Mars on the moon. The discovery leads to the creation of the Vers Empire on Mars, which has access to advanced technology called Aldnoah, and an eventual war with the people of Earth.

Unfortunately, Aldnoah Zero game cards are no longer in production, making them a rare and valuable commodity among collectors and players alike. I remember stumbling upon my first Aldnoah Zero card at a local game store. The artwork was stunning, and the game mechanics seemed intriguing.

Rules for playing Aldnoah Zero

1. Each player starts with a deck of 50 cards.
2. Players take turns drawing cards from their deck and playing them on the field.
3. The objective of the game is to reduce your opponent’s life points to zero.
4. Cards can be used for attacking, defending, or activating special abilities.

Card Types for Aldnoah Zero

In the A/Z TCG, there is a single type of card called a character card, which includes the following elements:

– Card Name: Displayed below the card image or effect text.
– Tag: Characteristics listed below the Card Name.
– Color: Denoted by the card’s border color, with four options – Red, Blue, Yellow, Green.
– Destiny Power: A numerical value found at the card’s bottom-right, used during the Damage Phase.
– Effect Text: Describes the card’s ability, located above the Card Name.
– Flavor Text: A character quote positioned at the top-right of the card.
– Card Number & Rarity: Indicated on the card, showing its collection number and rarity level.

How to Play and Game Mechanics in Aldnoah Zero

1. Key Game Mechanics: The game revolves around managing your resources (cards and life points) and strategically playing your cards to outwit your opponent.
2. Setup: Each player shuffles their deck and draws five cards. The player who goes first cannot attack on their first turn.
3. Gameplay: Players take turns drawing a card, playing cards on the field, and attacking their opponent.
4. End of the Game: The game ends when your opponent has 0 cards left in their deck (if your opponents deck has 0 cards during your End Phase).

Phases of play

In the Start Phase, begin by checking each slot from #1 to #12 on your Field. If any slot is empty, place the top card from your Deck face-up in that slot, ensuring all 12 slots are filled sequentially.

A rule to remember: the top card of your Deck is always face-up. When it’s played, the next card on top should also be flipped face-up. Both players follow this rule. Once both players fill their Fields, the Start Phase concludes.

Moving to the Attack Phase, there are several steps to consider:

1. Switch Step: The turn player can once swap the positions of any card on the field with another card adjacent to it (touching horizontally or vertically).
2. Attack Step: The turn player can select a group of 3 or more cards of the same color aligned vertically or horizontally and move them to the Battle Area (this is called Attacking). Remember, when there are empty slots below cards on the Field, those cards fall into those spaces. Also, you can attack with each color only once per turn. After attacking, move to the Effect Step. If you choose not to attack, skip to the Defend Phase.
3. Effect Step: Put the top card from your Deck into any empty slot on your Field face-up. Cards placed in this step activate their effects. Remember, the Top Deck Revealing Rule applies here as well. Once this step ends, return to the Switch Step and repeat the cycle.

In the Defend Phase:

1. Defend Step: The defending player can move a group of 2 or more cards of the same color aligned vertically or horizontally to their Battle Area (called Defending). Just like Attacking, the Card Fall Rule applies, and you can defend with each color only once per turn. After defending, move to the Effect Step. If you choose not to defend, proceed to the Damage Phase.
2. Effect Step: Similar to the Attacking Player’s Effect Step, the defending player can place the top card from their Deck into an empty slot on their Field. This activates the card’s effect.

Now, in the Damage Phase:

1. The Turn Player selects cards from their Battle Area equal to the cards in the opponent’s Battle Area and puts them into the Retired Area. If there are no cards in your Battle Area, no damage occurs. Otherwise, calculate the total Destiny Power of your remaining Battle Area cards and retire cards from the top of your opponent’s Deck equal to this total.

Finally, the End Phase involves:

1. Checking the number of cards in the opponent’s (Defending Player) Deck. If they have no cards left, the Attacking Player wins.
2. If the Attacking Player didn’t attack even once during their turn, they will retire all cards in their bottom row as a penalty.
3. After ensuring the opponent’s Deck has at least one card remaining and checking for penalties, the End Phase concludes, and it’s the next player’s turn.

How to Win at Aldnoah Zero

Winning at Aldnoah Zero requires a good understanding of the game’s mechanics, a well-constructed deck, and a bit of luck. It’s important to balance your deck with a mix of Unit, Command, and System Cards and to use them strategically to gain an advantage over your opponent.

1. Understand the Game: Before you can win at the Aldnoah Zero Collectible Card Game, you must first understand the rules, the different types of cards, and how they interact with each other. Spend time studying the game and practicing to get a feel for it.

2. Build a Balanced Deck: Having a balanced deck is essential to winning the game. This means having a good mix of offensive and defensive cards, as well as a variety of different types of cards.

3. Know Your Cards: Spend time studying each card in your deck to understand their strengths and weaknesses. This will help you to make strategic decisions during the game.

4. Practice: The more you play, the better you will become. Practice playing against different opponents to learn new strategies and improve your skills.

5. Strategic Play: Always think several steps ahead and plan your moves strategically. Don’t just play cards randomly; think about how they will affect the game in the long term.

6. Adapt to Your Opponent: Pay attention to your opponent’s strategy and adapt your play to counter it. Be flexible and willing to change your strategy if necessary.

7. Use Your Resources Wisely: Be careful not to waste your resources. Always think about the best way to use your cards and resources to gain an advantage.

8. Learn from Your Mistakes: Don’t get discouraged if you lose. Instead, analyze your game to identify any mistakes you made and learn from them.

9. Keep Up with Updates: The game may change over time, with new cards being added. Make sure to keep up with these changes and adapt your strategy accordingly.

10. Participate in Tournaments: This will give you a chance to test your skills against other players and learn new strategies. Plus, you might earn some cool prizes!

11. Watch Other Players: Watching more experienced players can be a great way to learn new strategies and techniques. You can find plenty of gameplay videos online.

12. Stay Calm and Enjoy the Game: Remember, it’s just a game. Stay calm, don’t let your emotions get the better of you, and most importantly, have fun!

Aldnoah Zero Winning Strategy

One of the best strategies in Aldnoah Zero is to control the pace of the game. By carefully managing your resources and making smart plays, you can dictate the flow of the game and put your opponent on the back foot. Also, don’t underestimate the power of System Cards. They can turn the tide of the game in your favor.

• Understanding the Rules: This is the first and most important strategy. It’s important to understand the game’s basic rules as well as any advanced or complex strategies. This includes understanding how different cards interact with each other, how to form a deck, and how to play your cards effectively during the game.

• Constructing a Balanced Deck: A well-constructed deck is key to success in Aldnoah Zero CCG. Your deck should have a good mix of character, event, and climax cards. It’s also important to balance the cost of your cards to ensure you can play them when needed.

• Learning the Abilities of Your Cards: Each card in Aldnoah Zero CCG has specific abilities. Understanding these abilities and knowing when to use them can be the difference between winning and losing a game.

• Planning Your Strategy: Before starting a game, it’s important to have a strategy in mind. This can include deciding which cards to play first, how to react to your opponent’s moves, and when to save your powerful cards for later in the game.

• Observing Your Opponent: Pay attention to your opponent’s moves and try to predict their strategy. This can help you react effectively and make the best use of your cards.

• Practicing Regularly: Like any other game, practice makes perfect in Aldnoah Zero CCG. The more you play, the better you’ll get at understanding the game mechanics and formulating winning strategies.

• Adjusting Your Strategy: Don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy during the game if things aren’t going your way. Being flexible can often lead to unexpected victories.

• Keeping Track of Your Resources: Always be aware of how many resources (like stock or hand size) you have at your disposal. Managing your resources wisely is a key part of winning the game.

• Mastering Climax Combos: Climax combos can turn the tide of a game, so make sure you know how to use them effectively.

• Keeping a Cool Head: Lastly, remember that Aldnoah Zero CCG is just a game. Don’t let frustration or panic affect your decision-making. Stay calm, think clearly, and enjoy the game.

Deck Building and Best Cards in Aldnoah Zero

Building a strong deck is crucial in Aldnoah Zero. Your deck should have a good balance of Unit, Command, and System Cards. Also, consider the synergy between your cards. Some cards work well together and can create powerful combos.

A deck is made up of 50 unique cards. You can include up to four copies of a card with the same number in your deck, regardless of the card’s rarity (e.g., cards numbered [01-001SSR] and [01-001SR] are considered the same for this rule).

Best Cards in Aldnoah Zero

1. Slaine Troyard: A powerful Unit Card that can deal heavy damage to your opponent.
2. Princess Asseylum: A Command Card that can heal your units and give you a strategic advantage.
3. Aldnoah Drive: A System Card that can change the game’s rules and give you an edge.

Scenarios

There are many scenarios you might find yourself in while playing Aldnoah Zero. For example, you might be on the verge of defeat with low life points. In such a situation, playing a System Card like Aldnoah Drive can turn the tide in your favor. On the other hand, if you have a strong lead, you might want to play aggressively and try to finish off your opponent quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Aldnoah Zero game

1. Q: How many cards can I have in my hand? A: There is no limit to the number of cards you can have in your hand.
2. Q: Can I play more than one card in a turn? A: Yes, you can play as many cards as you want in a turn, as long as you have enough resources.
3. Q: What happens if my deck runs out of cards? A: If your deck runs out of cards, you lose the game.

External Links

Official Website (Japanese Language) via Archive.org

For more information about the Aldnoah Zero anime series, check out the Anime News Network.