Gnostica

About this board game

Gnostica is an abstract territory-based war game for 2–6 players, with games lasting about 60 minutes. First released in 2001, it uses Tarot cards to create an often-changing board and Looney Pyramids to represent the minions that control its territories.

Every Tarot card has a power, giving each territory a distinctive role in the game. When you have one of your pieces on a territory, you may use that territory’s power through the piece occupying it. This creates a direct connection between control of the board and the abilities available to you.

Players also hold hands of Tarot cards. These cards let them use their powers through any of their own pieces, expanding access beyond the territories they currently occupy. Managing both your controlled territories and your hand is central to making the most of the changing board.

• Changing board: Tarot cards make up the game’s shifting territories.
• Minion control: Looney Pyramids represent the pieces used to control territories.
• Card powers: Every territory has a power that can be used through your pieces.
• Scoring: Occupied territories are worth points.

The game ends when one player challenges the other players and has 9 points on their following turn. This gives Gnostica a clear objective while leaving the route to victory in the hands of territory control, card powers, and timing.

Gnostica is a redevelopment of Zarcana. It was later re-implemented by Zark City, which is much simpler and uses a poker deck, and Dectana, which is more complex and uses the Decktet.