At the end of 2025, I began a new game project called Arden Card. Just like A Witch’s Path, this game will be set in the fantasy world I’ve been creating, Arden. In my last post, I discussed the mistakes I made when building A Witch’s Path. So now, I wanted to apply everything I’ve learned to a fresh, focused design. Arden Card is that project.
Early prototype available: https://mini-game-dev.itch.io/project-arden-card
What Is Arden Card?
Arden Card is a tactical, turn-based strategy RPG where cards represent abilities that are committed to the battlefield and executed over time.
It draws inspiration from:
- Early Final Fantasy & Pokémon games
- Tactics-style combat systems
- Modern card-based strategy design
This project also draws on my love for trading card games, but unlike traditional deckbuilders, Arden Card plays like a classic single-player RPG. You choose a Hero with a fixed deck, explore an overworld with story encounters and random battles, and progress through a narrative campaign. Every encounter uses the same card-based combat system.
Card-Based Combat
Combat is where Arden Card distinguishes itself. Each Hero has a unique deck that represents their abilities and playstyle. What makes the system different is its split Hand / Battlefield design.
Some cards must be placed onto the battlefield before they can be executed. While preparing, those cards can be attacked and destroyed by the enemy. This creates a tactical layer where timing, positioning, and protection matter as much as raw damage.
Every match is a small tactical puzzle: You must adapt to a shuffled deck and execute your strategy as efficiently as possible.
Heroes & Cards
Instead of creating a custom character, you play as a fully realized Hero of Arden. Each Hero has a fixed identity, deck, and playstyle.
Heroes
- Artisan — Focuses on precise setup and mechanical constructs
- Guardian — Uses shields and healing to outlast opponents
- Smasher — Relies on high-tempo attacks and risk-reward mechanics
Although each Hero plays differently, all decks follow the same core rules:
- Every action has an Action Point (AP) cost
- Only 3 cards may be active on the battlefield at once
- Only 4 cards may be held in hand
Cards
The Hero’s Deck will consist of four different primary card types. The composition of each Hero’s deck is built to amplify their strengths and allow opponents to exploit their weaknesses.
Primary Card Types:
- Skill — Placed on the battlefield and can be immediately executed.
- Construct — Placed on the battlefield and must be constructed before execution is available.
- Enhancement — Executes immediately and buffs the Hero.
- Special — Executes immediately, changing the battlefield, Hero state, and more. Usable only once per match.
What’s Next
This post is just an introduction to Arden Card. The prototype focuses purely on combat, but future development will expand into the story and overworld exploration.
If you enjoy tactical RPGs or card-based strategy games, I’d love for you to follow along as the project grows.
Links: