A Fresh Take on Trick-Taking with Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere

Among the vast events of Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universe, the Shattering of Adonalsium stands out as perhaps the most pivotal moment in the lore. The god Adonalsium was broken and split into 16 distinct pieces known as Shards, each embodying a specific intent such as Devotion, Dominion, Preservation, Ruin, Odium, and Cultivation.

Brotherwise Games has tapped into this rich mythology for their latest title, Shards of Creation. Designed by Hayden Dillard with stunning art by Medusa Dollmaker, this Cosmere-inspired trick-taking card game transforms the familiar genre by weaving magical mechanics into the traditional rules of play.

The Mechanics of Magic and Strategy

At its core, Shards of Creation adheres to the standard structure of trick-taking games: a player leads a suit, others must follow if possible, and the highest card wins the trick. However, the game introduces a dynamic twist through its trump suit system and unique card abilities.

A standard game consists of three rounds, with 10 hands played per round. Before dealing the first card, players select four or five Shards from a pool of eight: Autonomy, Cultivation, Devotion, Dominion, Honor, Odium, Preservation, and Ruin.

Each selected Shard brings unique powers to the table:

  • Cultivation allows players to draw extra cards and swap them with others in their hand.
  • Odium and other Shards feature special trump abilities that activate when designated as the active suit.
  • Honor remains an exception, serving as a traditional high-value card without special abilities.

As the game progresses, a new Shard is flipped to become the trump suit, activating its associated power. This constant shifting of power dynamics forces players to adapt their strategies mid-game, turning a relatively basic trick-taker into something fresh and engaging.

Scoring Beyond the Tricks

What sets Shards of Creation apart from other titles in the genre is its victory condition. You do not win by taking the most tricks. Instead, the game functions as a set-collection game with trick-taking lightweaving overlaid on top.

When you win a trick, you may choose one card from that trick to add to your personal set row. The game ends when the final round is complete, and the winner is determined by:

  1. The number of a single type of Shard in your set.
  2. The number of complete sets of Shards you have collected.

This mechanic adds a layer of depth, requiring players to balance immediate trick-winning opportunities with long-term set-building goals. For instance, Ruin Shard cards are worth negative points at the end of the game. This forces players to carefully weigh the risk of loading their set with high-value cards against the penalty of negative scoring, creating tense decision-making moments.

Artistry and Accessibility

The visual presentation of Shards of Creation is arguably its strongest feature. Medusa Dollmaker’s artwork captures the vessels of the Shards with a signature stained-glass-like aesthetic. The game offers the first official look at the vessels for Dominion and Devotion, as well as depictions of Rayse (Odium) and Tanavast (Honor) that predate the events of the published novels.

Despite its strategic depth, the game is highly approachable. Full games can be completed in about half an hour, making it an excellent option for:

  • Quick breaks during the workday.
  • Casual nights out with friends.
  • A relaxing nightcap before bed.

Players do not need to be diehard "worldhoppers" to enjoy the mechanics, though those familiar with Sanderson’s work will appreciate the lore integration.

Final Verdict

Shards of Creation successfully bridges the gap between traditional trick-taking games and modern set-collection mechanics. While the current box includes less than half of the possible Shards from the Cosmere, the foundation is solid enough to support future expansions.

For fans of games like Euchre or The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Trick-Taking Game, this title offers a refreshing twist on familiar rules. The combination of breathtaking art, flexible scoring, and thematic depth makes Shards of Creation a standout addition to any card game collection.