The Witcher universe is teeming with monsters, madmen, and mages, but when Geralt isn't tracking any of these, he enjoys unwinding with a game of Gwent. This two-player card game sees players assuming the roles of generals, commanding their armies against each other. There has been a Gwent mobile app and a free-to-play version on Steam, but now a physical version of the game is on the horizon.

Hachette Boardgames UK and No Loading Games, a new publisher specializing in bringing licensed brands to tabletop gaming, are collaborating on this release. The set will include over 400 cards and a playmat to provide players with an authentic Witcher 3 experience. It will feature variant rulesets, ranging from casual play to tournament rules.

"Gwent is the most significant 'game within a game' in media history," stated Rob Trounce, the marketing manager for Hachette Boardgames UK (via Eurogamer). "After a decade-long wait, we are thrilled to be working with No Loading Games to bring this cherished game to tabletops in an exquisite package—whether it's a memento for fans of Geralt and his adventures or a game for competitive card game aficionados, Gwent will be one of the hottest games of 2025."

The rules are straightforward, but the path to victory offers multiple strategies, depending on your deck, which comes with its own set of advantages. There are four primary decks to choose from: Monsters, Nilfgaardian Empire, Northern Realms, and Scoia'tael. A fifth deck—Skellige—was introduced with The Witcher 3's Blood and Wine expansion. Additionally, there are neutral cards that can be used with any of the main decks to enhance their abilities.

Matches are won by securing two out of three rounds, which are scored using red gems in the game. Losing a round costs you one point, and losing both rounds results in a match loss. A draw causes both players to lose a point unless you are the Nilfgaardian Empire, whose special ability is to win matches that end in draws.

The entire Gwent game set is priced at approximately $40 and is expected to arrive in late 2025. While Witcher fans won't have to wait long for Gwent, they'll need to be patient for The Witcher 4. Although the game is now in full-scale production, it will still be about two years before its release.

Source link:   https://www.gamespot.com