Shadowrun: The Trading Card Game

About this board game

Shadowrun: The Trading Card Game is a card game for 2–8 players that plays in about 60 minutes, combining fantasy races and magic with a cyberpunk world 60 years in the future.

Build groups of Runners and send them on runs against Objectives. These objectives provide reputation points and may require specific tasks or combinations of symbols matching the abilities shown on your runners. Some runners can support the team with computers while remaining safely at home.

Runs become more difficult as Challenges are assigned to objectives. The right symbols can help you bypass threats without facing them directly, while other challenges may force you to deal with dangerous opponents or harmful effects. Gear can further support your runners, although some equipment requires a matching symbol.

• Runners: Characters gathered into groups for making runs.
• Objectives: Targets that award reputation points.
• Challenges: Additional hurdles placed on objectives.
• Gear: Equipment assigned to runners.
• Locations: Places you control that provide various benefits.
• Contacts: People who offer assistance.
• Specials: Instant cards that affect the current situation.

Everything in Shadowrun: The Trading Card Game is driven by money, which is difficult to obtain. Almost every card costs money to acquire, and many cards also require payment to remain in play or whenever you use them.

Released in 1997, the game puts careful resource management alongside symbol matching, tactical support, and escalating threats. Gather the right team, equip your runners, and pursue valuable objectives while deciding how much your limited funds can sustain.