# Ascension: Deckbuilding Game

Ascension: Deckbuilding Game is a board game for 1–4 players. It plays in 30 minutes and is meant for ages 13 and up. Ludoya players call it best with 2. It is rated 7.2 out of 10 by 35 Ludoya reviewers. The cheapest copy in stock is $25.67 (United States).

- **Players:** 1–4 (best with 2)
- **Playing time:** 30 minutes
- **Minimum age:** 13+
- **Complexity:** 2.1 out of 5
- **Year published:** 2010
- **Categories:** Card Game, Fantasy
- **Mechanics:** Hand Management, Open Drafting, Deck, Bag, and Pool Building
- **Ludoya rating:** 7.2 out of 10, from 35 reviews
- **Owned by:** 44 Ludoya players
- **Plays logged on Ludoya:** 439
- **Unique players:** 165

**Designers:** Robert Dougherty, Justin Gary, Brian M. Kibler, John Fiorillo

**Artists:** Eric Sabee

**Publishers:** Stone Blade Entertainment

## Where to buy in United States

| Shop | Price | Link |
| --- | --- | --- |
| World of Board Games | 385 kr | https://www.worldofboardgames.com/ascension-deckbuilding-game |
| Alphaspel | 459 kr | https://alphaspel.se/491-bradspel/293385-ascension-deckbuilding-game-4th-edition |

## Expansions

- [Ascension: Theme Pack – Rat King](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-theme-pack-rat-king)
- [Ascension: Theme Pack – Leprechaun](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-theme-pack-leprechaun)
- [Ascension: Theme Pack – Rat Queen](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-theme-pack-rat-queen)
- [Ascension: Theme Pack – Samael Claus](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-theme-pack-samael-claus)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – Vedah, Sage of Swords Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-vedah-sage-of-swords-promo)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – Pathwarden Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-pathwarden-promo)
- [Ascension: Return of the Fallen – Kythis, the Gatekeeper Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-return-of-the-fallen-kythis-the-gatekeeper-promo)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – Deep Drone Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-deep-drone-promo)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – Void Mesmer Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-void-mesmer-promo)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – Nethersnare Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-nethersnare-promo)
- [Ascension: Alliances](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-alliances)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – Journeyman Sage Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-journeyman-sage-promo)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – Control Room Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-control-room-promo)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – Vortex Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-vortex-promo)
- [Ascension: Storm of Souls – Soul Collector Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-storm-of-souls-soul-collector-promo)
- [Ascension: Storm of Souls – Askara of Fortune Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-storm-of-souls-askara-of-fortune-promo)
- [Ascension: Storm of Souls – Ring of Life Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-storm-of-souls-ring-of-life-promo)
- [Ascension: Storm of Souls – Hedron Flare Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-storm-of-souls-hedron-flare-promo)
- [Ascension: Storm of Souls – Ender of Days Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-storm-of-souls-ender-of-days-promo)
- [Ascension: Storm of Souls – Cetra, Guide of Ogo Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-storm-of-souls-cetra-guide-of-ogo-promo)
- [Ascension: Immortal Heroes – Arha Sanctuary Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-immortal-heroes-arha-sanctuary-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Storm of Souls – Assimilation Plant Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-storm-of-souls-assimilation-plant-promo)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – Big Bad Bunny Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-big-bad-bunny-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Storm of Souls – Cobra, the Sordid Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-storm-of-souls-cobra-the-sordid-promo)
- [Ascension: Storm of Souls – Moon Staff Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-storm-of-souls-moon-staff-promo)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – Shuffletron 2K13 Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-shuffletron-2k13-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Rise of Vigil – Ethereal Huntress Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-rise-of-vigil-ethereal-huntress-promo)
- [Ascension: Theme Pack – Location Pack](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-theme-pack-location-pack)
- [Ascension: Rise of Vigil – Raving Prophet Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-rise-of-vigil-raving-prophet-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – The Looking Glass Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-the-looking-glass-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Rise of Vigil – Mudfin Angler Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-rise-of-vigil-mudfin-angler-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Darkness Unleashed – Covetous Kraken Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-darkness-unleashed-covetous-kraken-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – Ogo Tracker Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-ogo-tracker-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – Constricting Horror Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-constricting-horror-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – Eye of the Serpent Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-eye-of-the-serpent-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – Eye of Potential Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-eye-of-potential-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Miles, Golden Prodigy Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-miles-golden-prodigy-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – N.I.N.E. Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-nine-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – Vault of the Askara Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-vault-of-the-askara-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – Disciple of Sadranis Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-disciple-of-sadranis-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – Defender of Vigil Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-defender-of-vigil-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Chronicle of the Godslayer – Foul Replicant Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chronicle-of-the-godslayer-foul-replicant-promo-card)
- [Ascension: David, Prophetic Guide Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-david-prophetic-guide-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Hedron Dreidel](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-hedron-dreidel)
- [Ascension: Forrest, Beastwarden Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-forrest-beastwarden-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Michelle, Star Oracle Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-michelle-star-oracle-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Theme Pack – Cupid Cultist](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-theme-pack-cupid-cultist)
- [Ascension: Cetra, Benefactor of All Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-cetra-benefactor-of-all-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Temporal Excavator Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-temporal-excavator-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Eternal Tormentor Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-eternal-tormentor-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Explosive Swarm Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-explosive-swarm-promo)
- [Ascension: Sadistic Laboratory Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-sadistic-laboratory-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Nyxian Corruptor Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-nyxian-corruptor-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Shadow Piercer Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-shadow-piercer-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Dawn of Champions – Rys, Dark Muse Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-dawn-of-champions-rys-dark-muse-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Deckbuilding Game – Collector's Case Champion Cards](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-deckbuilding-game-collectors-case-champion-cards)
- [Ascension: Dreamscape – Nova, Born of Chaos Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-dreamscape-nova-born-of-chaos-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Theme Pack – Portals](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-theme-pack-portals)
- [Ascension: Lunar Matriarch Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-lunar-matriarch-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Archival Expert Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-archival-expert-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Valley of the Ancients – Project Beta Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-valley-of-the-ancients-project-beta-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Skulls and Sails – Honorless Thief Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-skulls-and-sails-honorless-thief-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Gift of the Elements – Lirys, Skirmish Seer Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-gift-of-the-elements-lirys-skirmish-seer-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Storm's Eye Monk Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-storms-eye-monk-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Talya, The Decider Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-talya-the-decider-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Wave Tyrant Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-wave-tyrant-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Valley Guardian Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-valley-guardian-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Deliverance – Vezra'Tull, The Voidwyrm Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-deliverance-vezratull-the-voidwyrm-promo)
- [Ascension: Turzan, Lion of Uzkara](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-turzan-lion-of-uzkara)
- [Ascension: Gian, Lord of Fall Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-gian-lord-of-fall-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Skulls & Sails Center Deck](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-skulls-and-sails-center-deck)
- [Ascension: 15th Anniversary Promo Pack](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-15th-anniversary-promo-pack)
- [Ascension: Delirium Center Deck](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-delirium-center-deck)
- [Ascension: Dreamscape Center Deck](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-dreamscape-center-deck)
- [Ascension: Chamber of Drunken Monks Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-chamber-of-drunken-monks-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Deckbuilding Game – Stone Blade Templar Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-deckbuilding-game-stone-blade-templar-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Delirium – Askara Templar Promo Card](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-delirium-askara-templar-promo-card)
- [Ascension: Deliverance Center Deck](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-deliverance-center-deck)
- [Ascension: Realms Unraveled Center Deck](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-realms-unraveled-center-deck)
- [Ascension: Gift of the Elements Center Deck](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-gift-of-the-elements-center-deck)
- [Ascension: Curse of the Golden Isles Center Deck](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-curse-of-the-golden-isles-center-deck)
- [Ascension: Return of the Fallen Center Deck](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-return-of-the-fallen-center-deck)
- [Ascension: Storm of Souls Center Deck](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-storm-of-souls-center-deck)
- [Ascension X: War of Shadows Center Deck](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-x-war-of-shadows-center-deck)
- [Ascension: Realms Unraveled – Oziah's Familiar Promo](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-realms-unraveled-oziahs-familiar-promo)
- [Ascension: Rise of Vigil Center Deck](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-rise-of-vigil-center-deck)
- [Ascension: Darkness Unleashed Center Deck](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-darkness-unleashed-center-deck)
- [Ascension: Dawn of Champions Center Deck](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-dawn-of-champions-center-deck)
- [Ascension: Legends Center Deck](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-legends-center-deck)
- [Ascension: Valley of the Ancients Center Deck](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-valley-of-the-ancients-center-deck)
- [Ascension: Immortal Heroes Center Deck](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-immortal-heroes-center-deck)

## Similar games

- [Ascension: Deliverance](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-deliverance)
- [Ascension: Realms Unraveled](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-realms-unraveled)
- [Ascension: Year One Collector's Edition](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-year-one-collectors-edition)
- [Ascension: Dawn of Champions](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-dawn-of-champions)
- [Ascension: Gift of the Elements](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-gift-of-the-elements)
- [Ascension: Year Three Collector's Edition](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-year-three-collectors-edition)
- [Ascension: Delirium](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-delirium)
- [Ascension: Dreamscape](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-dreamscape)
- [Ascension: Storm of Souls](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-storm-of-souls)
- [Ascension X: War of Shadows](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-x-war-of-shadows)
- [Ascension: Rise of Vigil](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-rise-of-vigil)
- [Ascension: Return of the Fallen](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-return-of-the-fallen)

## Rules questions

### When does a card in the center row get replaced — if I defeat a center-row Monster like Mephit, do I replace it before I banish or resolve anything else?

Whenever a card leaves the center row it is immediately replaced from the Center Deck (there should always be six cards), and only after replacement do you resolve banishing or other choices (see pages 8 and 13).

### If I defeat the Cultist, does it go to the Void, and can I defeat it more than once in a turn?

The Cultist is in the Always Available area and is never banished to the Void; you may defeat the Cultist as many times as you can pay for (page 13).

### What happens when the pile of Honor tokens runs out — can players still earn Honor and when exactly does the game end?

Running out of Honor tokens signals the approaching end, but players can still earn Honor from the reserve; the game ends at the end of the round in which the final Honor token was taken so every player completes the same number of turns (page 10 and page 13).

### Can I play an Apprentice to get a Rune and then immediately banish that Apprentice with a card effect in the same turn?

No — you only get a card's effect when you play it, and played cards stay face up in front of you until the end of your turn, so you cannot banish a card after playing it to retroactively gain its effect (pages 8, 13, and 14).

### Do Constructs I have in play count toward my final Honor total at the end of the game?

Yes — all acquired cards you still have (including Constructs in play, cards in hand, deck, and discard) count for Honor at game end unless they were banished or removed (pages 12 and 13).

### When a card from the starting deck or an Always Available card is banished, where does it go?

Always Available cards (Mystic, Heavy Infantry, Cultist) return to their Always Available zone when banished, while starting deck cards removed by banish are taken out of the game (not put into the Void) (page 14 and page 12).

## Links

- [This page](https://www.ludoya.com/games/ascension-deckbuilding-game)
- [Ascension: Deckbuilding Game in the Ludoya app](https://app.ludoya.com/g/ascension-deckbuilding-game)
- [BoardGameGeek entry](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/69789)

_Data from Ludoya, updated 2026-09-19. Ratings, ownership and play counts are Ludoya's own._