Sentinels of the Multiverse: Rules, Strategies, and Winning Tips

Introduction

Few games of the early ’10s (is that decade called the tennies??) captivated me as much as Sentinels of the Multiverse when it was released. This cooperative card game, designed by Christopher Badell, Paul Bender, and Adam Rebottaro, was first published by Greater Than Games in 2011. It has since gained a significant following due to its engaging gameplay and immersive universe.

In Sentinels of the Multiverse, players take on the roles of superheroes, each with their unique abilities and powers, to combat various villains in different environments. The game is played with decks of cards representing the heroes, villains, and environments. The goal is to defeat the villain before they can accomplish their nefarious plans.

Quick Tip

Remember, Sentinels of the Multiverse is a cooperative game. Working together with your fellow players and coordinating your heroes’ abilities is key to victory.

Rules for playing Sentinels of the Multiverse

The official rules for Sentinels of the Multiverse are straightforward and easy to grasp. The game is played in turns, with each turn consisting of three phases: the Start Phase, the Play Phase, and the End Phase. During the Start Phase, any “Start of Turn” effects are resolved. In the Play Phase, the player can play one card from their hand. During the End Phase, the player draws a card, and any “End of Turn” effects are resolved.

While the official rules provide a solid foundation for gameplay, many players enjoy adding their own ‘house rules’ for added variety and challenge. These can include things like adjusting the difficulty level of the villains, or introducing new gameplay elements.

How to Play Sentinels of the Multiverse

Setup

Each player chooses a hero and takes the corresponding hero deck. The players also choose a villain and an environment, each with their respective decks. The villain character card is placed in the play area, with the side showing the highest hit points (HP) face up. The environment deck is placed next to the villain deck.

Gameplay

The game begins with the villain turn, followed by the heroes’ turns in any order the players choose. On a villain’s turn, the top card of the villain deck is played, and any effects are resolved. On a hero’s turn, the player can play a card, use a power, and then draw a card. The environment turn comes after all heroes have taken their turns, where the top card of the environment deck is played, and any effects are resolved.

End of the Game

The game ends when either the villain is defeated (all players win), or all heroes are incapacitated (all players lose).

How to Win at Sentinels of the Multiverse

Winning at Sentinels of the Multiverse requires strategic thinking, teamwork, and a good understanding of your heroes’ abilities. Here are some strategies that can help you win the game:

1. Understand Your Hero: Each hero has unique abilities and powers. Understanding these can help you make the most of your turns and contribute effectively to the team.
2. Coordinate with Your Team: Communication is key in Sentinels of the Multiverse. Discuss your strategies with your teammates and coordinate your actions to maximize your effectiveness.
3. Manage Your Resources: Be mindful of the cards in your hand and the powers at your disposal. Use them wisely to deal with the threats posed by the villain and the environment.
4. Adapt to the Situation: The game can change quickly, with new threats emerging and old ones evolving. Be ready to adapt your strategies to deal with these changes.

Best Strategies for playing Sentinels of the Multiverse game

While there are many strategies for playing Sentinels of the Multiverse, some have proven to be particularly effective. Here are some of the best strategies for winning the game:

1. Focus on the Villain: While it’s important to deal with the threats posed by the environment, your primary goal should be to defeat the villain. Focus your efforts on this goal, and don’t get distracted by minor threats.
2. Use Your Powers Wisely: Each hero has unique powers that can turn the tide of the game. Use these powers wisely, and don’t waste them on insignificant threats.
3. Protect Your Team: Some heroes are better at taking damage than others. If you’re playing a hero with high HP, consider taking the brunt of the villain’s attacks to protect your teammates.
4. Plan Ahead: Try to anticipate the villain’s actions and plan your moves accordingly. This can help you stay one step ahead and maintain the upper hand.

Scenarios for Sentinels of the Multiverse

Playing Sentinels of the Multiverse can lead to a variety of scenarios, both good and bad. Here are some common scenarios you might encounter, and how you can turn them to your advantage:

1. Scenario: You’re running low on cards. Solution: Use your hero’s powers to draw more cards, or ask your teammates for help.
2. Scenario: The villain is about to unleash a powerful attack. Solution: Use your hero’s powers to reduce the damage, or take the hit if you have high HP.
3. Scenario: The environment is causing problems. Solution: Focus on dealing with the environment threats, or use your hero’s powers to mitigate their effects.
4. Scenario: Your hero is incapacitated. Solution: Even if your hero is incapacitated, you can still contribute to the game. Use your incapacitated abilities to help your teammates.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Sentinels of the Multiverse game

1. Question: Can I play more than one card on my turn? Answer: Normally, you can only play one card on your turn. However, some cards or powers may allow you to play additional cards.
2. Question: What happens when my hero is incapacitated? Answer: When your hero is incapacitated, you can no longer play cards or use powers. However, you can still use your incapacitated abilities to help your teammates.
3. Question: Can I change the order of the heroes’ turns? Answer: Yes, the heroes’ turns can be taken in any order the players choose.
4. Question: Can I play the game solo? Answer: Yes, you can play Sentinels of the Multiverse solo by controlling multiple heroes.
5. Question: How long does a game typically last? Answer: A game of Sentinels of the Multiverse typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes.

External Links

For more information about Sentinels of the Multiverse, visit the official game website here.