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PHAGEBORN online card game News

Phageborn: Basic mechanics

It was a rainy night. For the first time, I turned on this game, Phageborn. Such a peculiar name. The next moment, I had something like a vision… I saw a hooded figure levitating in the dark. But I didn’t feel threatened. No, there was a certain benevolence emanating from it. It started to come closer and closer, until our eyes met. At that moment I heard its voice echoing inside my head: ”Do not fear. They call me The Storyteller. I am here to help you navigate this treacherous world of Issilith. Come, my child, take my hand and let me show you all the wonders it has to offer.”

At the very beginning of your journey, you’ll have to choose a faction. Each faction has its own unique mechanics and its own set of Avatars. Before you start the match you have to choose which deck to play and there you can see Avatars in all their beauty, armed with their unique skill and traits you can choose from. But more on that some other time.

Before you are ready to engage in battle, there are some things you should know. Phageborn uses a dual resource system, which consists of Essence and Energy.
Essence is used for playing units, which you can place on any lane. Every unit has its Essence cost and you need to have enough Essence so you can play that card. Since it is such a valuable resource, at the beginning of each of your turns it automatically resets and increases by one, with its starting value being set at one. To simplify, that means that every round your Essence will be the same value as the current round.
Now, with Energy, things get a bit more interesting. You use Energy to play ability cards and to activate Avatar’s special skill. At the beginning of the match, you will always start at one Energy point and every turn your Energy will refresh. However, unlike Essence, Energy won’t automatically increase every turn. If you wish to upgrade it, you can choose to do so at the start of each of your turns.

Once you enter the battlefield you will see that your side is divided into two lanes with the core in the middle, and it is identical to your opponent's side. You can play your units on one of those lanes. There are two terms you will often encounter while playing: local and non-local. Local refers to a lane where said unit or Avatar is placed. Non - local refers to the opposite lane. In that sense, the core is always considered to be a local target since it is placed in the middle. Keep in mind, just because you placed your units or Avatar in one lane doesn’t mean that you can’t switch lanes anymore. Both Avatar and units can change lanes once per turn.

Don’t forget to use your Avatar in battle! Think of them as your extension, the player's incarnation of a general if you will, who leads their army of units to victory. Every turn your Avatars can do up to three actions. You can use their basic attack, their skill (if you have enough Energy to activate it) and you can move them to the other lane. Make sure your Avatar is safe, especially if it has low health. If Avatar’s health drops down to zero it will become subdued. That means it is rendered disabled for two turns (at which time you can’t play ability cards since your Avatar is the one casting abilities), your core suffers five damage and your opponent draws a card. You can try to keep them safe by positioning them in a lane behind your units that can protect them.

If you manage to master these basic mechanics, a whole world of endless possibilities, synergies and strategies will open up before you. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Sometimes even if you lose a match you are one step closer to victory.

“Now rest, my child. There are more mysteries to unravel, but you need your strength. For the journey ahead of you is filled with dangers…
However, if you need me just ask your question here or join other Residents of Issilith on Discord: Discord. They are always here to help.”

Art showcase: Maiden of Pain, Gomu & Celotlan

Dear Denizens of Issilith!

While our dear developers are busy working hard on the game, let’s take delight in those cards that everyone can have in their deck no matter what faction they chose to play. Of course, we are talking about Neutral cards.
Unlike other factions whose mechanics and gameplay style are predetermined to a degree (e.g. acid mechanic for the Vestige), Neutral faction brings together creatures and races which are usually a minority in Issilith. As a result, you can find a plethora of card mods and different effects each card has to offer, giving you the opportunity to really play with your deck and make a perfect combination for your playstyle.

Maiden of Pain
“You can't help but feel her pain.”

Formerly part of the Order of Oracles, this once lovely Maiden decided to leave the Temple in which she spent decades in service. She thought she was safe, that the tales of the curses which befall those who leave the Order are only fairytales. After all, there is no rule which would suggest that leaving the Order is forbidden. But soon after she left the Temple the pain started to creep in on her, lighting every fiber of her body, flickering every nerve ending, until it became unbearable. The curse of pain ultimately consumed her and her screams filled out the air. In the end, her sanity was the price for her freedom.



Maiden of Pain is a neutral card costing only 2 essence. Her attack and health are also set at 2 and she has a special effect which triggers every time she is damaged: She deals 1 damage to a random local enemy unit. So make sure you take that into account while planning your next move!


Gomu, Thundergod's Newborn
“In many ways, it is still an infant, learning the ways of the Thundergod. In this particular case, whole continents are liable to tremble under the weight of its baby steps.”

Gomu is the Thunderlord’s only child, and it is just that, a child. It’s favourite pastime is exploring the world and seeing new things. Oftentimes this jovial, playful force of nature unintentionally causes heavy rains and thunderstorms in the areas it explores, for it is still unaware of its growing powers.
The world looked through the child’s eyes is full of wonder and this curious child wants to see every corner of the Issilith. So if you stumble across Gomu on your travels do not be alarmed for it is not evil or bad. Just keep in mind that things can get hectic when it gets excited so an encounter with it could become a shocking affair.



Gomu is portrayed by a legendary card, costing 4 essence with attack being set at 0 and health at 4. While it’s stats doesn’t seem like playing it can be worthwhile, it’s the card effect that makes this card legendary. Every time this card is damaged the player obtains a Zap. Zap is a 1 damage, 1 energy ability card that at first doesn’t seem to do much, but there are so many scenarios where you can bring down that giant unit to one health and you’re lacking resources to finish it off. That’s where Zap comes in to save the day.


Celotlan, The Horrormare
“You could try to use it as a mount, but only once.”

Celotlan, the Horrormare. Such an appropriate name for such a magnificent yet terrifying creature. Celotlan is an anomaly that became a sentient elemental due to the reactions caused by the Divide. The Divide gave it the blue flame elements that emerged from the cracks of its body and left a permanent trail that is often a way to track down the Horromare.



In a gameplay environment, this is a 5/5 legendary card that costs 9 essence, BUT there is a catch! If you’re playing an energy heavy deck and you just happen to be lacking units to maintain board equilibrium, in that case, you can play 4 energy cards in the same turn, and whether in your hand or deck this mighty horrormare will march onto the battlefield turning your opponent's casual stride into a nightmare.


What are your favourite Neutral cards? Comment below or join our Discord channel to discuss it with other Residents of Issilith: Discord.

Yours truly,
Games Revolted

Phageborn: Camera angles

Dear Denizens of Issilith!

While it can be nice to reminisce about the times that passed, there is no time like the present to show you a new feature our brave developers have been working hard to implement. Based on your suggestions we decided to add adjustable camera angles. Five different camera angles in total, two above and two beneath the default camera level, give every player the option to customize their gaming experience at any given moment, simply by using arrow keys. This feature will allow you to have a tactical overview of the battleground when things get hectic or to look closely at the Avatars while waiting for your opponent to make a turn. Maybe you just want to see that beautiful card art better. There is no wrong reason for using this feature, personalize your battleground according to your preferences.

You can check out new camera angles here: YouTube. It's important to note that this feature is still a work in progress. We are working on making the transitions between them more smooth for a better player experience.

This feature is showcased on the Oblivion battleground. Oblivion mutations lure their prey here so they can absorb their DNA for their own evolution. Its location is still unknown, mostly because no one who found themselves there ever returned.
We do have to say how this isn't going to be the final version of this battleground. Just like Oblivion mutations, this map still has a little evolution process to go through before it will be fully ready.

Which camera angle is your favourite? Comment below or join our Discord channel to discuss it with other Residents of Issilith: Discord.

Yours truly,
Games Revolted

Throwback: Balance of Power tournament

Dear Denizens of Issilith!

Can you believe it has already been two years since our first LAN Phageborn tournament? Yes, on the 16th of November 2019 at the Reboot Infogamer we held a Balance of Power tournament where Jeffrey Shih, better known under the name TrumpSC [TrumpSC], one of the most popular card game streamers in the world, took the first place! For those who couldn’t be in person with us, the tournament was streamed over our Twitch channel.

A total of 16 contestants were participating in this event and every player had to choose one of nine preset decks, each containing one preconstructed Aggro, Midrange and Control deck. That’s a total of 27 possible deck options! After the decks were chosen, the Swiss phase of the tournament began. At the beginning of each round, competitors had to ban one deck type for their opponent. In order to win a round, players had to win in a Best of 3.
All of our contestants fought valiantly but only four strongest remained: Groinkpff, TrumpSC, D0nkey, and Marja, with TrumpSC and Marja advancing to the finals. Because of the time limitations, there was an imposed ban on Control type decks for both players. All three games were played before TrumpSC emerged victorious, but it was quite the match!

If you wish to check out videos from the tournament and follow Trump’s rise to the top, you can do so on our YouTube channel [Youtube] and if the finals are what interests you, well, that starts here: 7:53 :20 .

We can only hope that we will see you all on similar occasions in the near future. Until then, feel free to join our Discord channel and become a Resident of Issilith by clicking on the following link: Discord!

Yours truly,
Games Revolted

Meet the Team

Hear ye, hear ye, denizens of Issilith!

Once a month in the realm of Issilith, everyone from all over the planet, no matter how big or small comes to Virenas, the golden city, the capital of mighty Drakkorith, so they can gather in Colosseum and celebrate the fearsome army of Phageborn. Today, three great generals from its ranks have a great honor, for they can finally bask in their well-deserved glory. Many problems were thrown their way, and while many more are still ahead of them, let us take today’s time of peace and quiet on the battlefields and join together in the celebration of their glorious victories.

Name: Josip Buntić
Role: Backend developer
One of the greatest generals in the Phageborn army, Josip’s strength lies in his innate ability to look at anything and see the hidden logic behind it. He can create a support structure for everything his compatriots need. Deadly at the field, for there is no programming problem hard enough and no bug strong enough to stop him once he sets his mind on something. However, out of the battlefield, it’s obvious how much his soul is attuned to nature’s frequency. Even the Vestige see that. In the morning you can see him walking to the Cursed Woods, carrying the guitar over his shoulder. He likes to sit there, in the middle of his favourite meadow, between the offspring of the Great Tree, and just follow the rhythm of his heart. Forest nymphs can’t help themselves, when they feel the first beat they are bound to sing. But it’s not only nymphs who like to spend time in his company. Sometimes in the evening the earth trembles. And even though those unknowledgeable will think it’s because of an earthquake, the real reason is Josip who is playing soccer with Ambusher worms. They respect him so much they won’t even cheat!

Name: Marko Čutić
Role: Lead Audio Engineer / Sound Designer
Part of the elusive Spellweavers Guild, Marko didn’t crumble under the expectations to train the art of weaving the wildflame like most of the Drakkorith in his Guild. No, he followed his passion for audio theurgy and specialized in working with benevolent spirits to bend the sound and subjugate it to his will. While often unnoticed in the frenzy of war, you can usually find him atop of the hill overlooking the battleground, with his faithful familiar Lu standing firm by his side. Shhh…. Can you hear it? Neither can the enemy. Marko plays tricks on his opponents, lulling them into a false sense of security by mimicking birdsong while light skirmishers sneak behind the enemy lines, or by adding more thunder to the march of the mighty army bringing terror into the enemy’s hearts.

Name: Antonio Vujasinović
Role: UI/UX Designer
Last but not least, we will give our praises to the mighty Antonio. Although you will never hear whispers of that name in the streets of Virenas, for his friends call him Toni and those who are his enemies, well, let's just say they don't dare to say his name. Usually, you won’t find Toni in the midst of the battleground. He is spending most of his time working in the officer’s tent where his skills are best put to use. There he creates the ultimate User Interface, worthy of Phageborn himself. Still, one of his biggest qualities is his joyful nature. Even in the face of the defeat, his sense of humour still lingers on and brings an incredible morale boost to his comrades. Did you know that most beings of Issilith find that quality quite attractive? Perhaps that is the reason why Toni is, more often than not, surrounded by beauties of all shapes and sizes despite the fact that all he really wants is to be at home and polish his sneakers, his one (technically two) true love.

What are your interests? How do you like to spend your free time? Comment below or join our Discord channel and become a Resident of Issilith, by clicking on the following link: Discord !

Yours truly,
Games Revolted Team