HackClad: A Tactical Deck-Building Arena Battler

THE STORY

Humanity is under relentless assault from the Clad, catastrophic entities that reshape the battlefield with every strike.
To answer this threat, five extraordinary Witches enter the fray, each wielding a customizable arsenal of skills, affinities, and tactics. Their mission is simple: survive the Clad’s onslaught and gather the most Magic Shards to claim victory.

The rulebook introduces the Clad as the central enemy and describes Witches as the player characters who face them in an arena where positions, cards, and Affinity gains shape the battle outcome.

WHY YOU NEED THIS GAME

HackClad is not “yet another deck-builder.”
It blends deck-building, arena movement, and a constantly evolving Clad enemy AI, creating a tactical game state that changes every time a card is played.

Here’s what makes it worth having on your shelf:

• A Competitive Deck-Building Arena Battler: Players construct and refine their Skill deck during the battle itself, using Magic Shards they earn through attacks and positioning strategies. The rulebook explains the use of Shards to purchase new Skill cards during play .
• Dynamic Battlefield Interaction: Players move on a looping 5×5 battlefield and face a rampaging Clad whose actions are controlled by its own deck and scripts, producing a shifting tactical puzzle every turn .
• High Replayability: Each Witch has her own Affinity, unique Skill cards, and distinct playstyle, and the Clad changes form as the game progresses. The rulebook details Affinity bonuses and Witch-specific cards that dramatically change your approach .
• Solo to Multiplayer: Supports 1–4 players, with solo rules integrated directly into the Clad behavior and turn structure (the Clad acts every round regardless of player count) 
• Tension Every Turn: Player movements trigger Chain Attacks, Clad reactions, and zone effects. One mistimed move can empower the Clad or give your opponent the perfect shot. This constant pressure is built into the core rules for Clad targeting and movement .

If you enjoy tactical combat, evolving board states, and deck systems where every choice matters, HackClad hits that sweet spot.

HOW IT LOOKS

HackClad embraces a striking sci-fi anime aesthetic:

• Each Witch is illustrated with high-impact character art (as shown in the Affinity and Witch sections of the rulebook).

• Skill cards use bold iconography, color-coded affinities, and sharp thematic framing that matches their character’s style.

• The Clad is represented through large, dramatic art pieces and a structured AI card system (visible in its scripts and behavior diagrams) .

• The 5×5 looping battlefield is clean, minimal, and designed for high readability during complex chaining moments 

Expect a premium anime look, tight graphic design, and a table presence that balances clarity and style.

Rulebook