UVS Games Rules Manager, Tim Friedlieb, has dropped new Rule changes effective January 1st. If you’d like to read their reasoning on these changes, the link is here: https://www.uvsgames.com/all-news/2024-rules-updates-announcement. In this article, we’ll explore the effects these changes should have on the game…

Minimum Deck Size Increase

Every deck will have a new minimum of 60 cards. With more cards in the Main Deck, comes more variance. Aggro decks have had a grip on the top of the meta for more than their fair share of time since 2021. With this change, expect them to take a minor step back as sculpting a kill turn will get a touch more difficult. This should also invite some more ingenuity to the format, allowing cards that just miss the cut to have a spot in meta-worthy strategies.

Zone Publicity Changes

The Card Pool and Momentum Zones are Private Zones, meaning you are allowed to look at face-down cards in those zones. This change is largely aimed at making the game easier for newer players and removing a barrier to entry. Changes like this may seem small, but I think most of us are rejoicing today because this makes a lot of gameplay patters much easier. Net: Win!

Identities and Titles

Basically, Characters will now have a title after their name instead of a number. For example, “Faye, Queen of Hearts” instead of “Faye” version I. Another change that brings us into the 21st century and removes extra text from the cards (the version icon). Love this!

Successful Attacks get Tapped

When you’re attack deals damage and is deemed successful, it will turn itself horizontal to signify that fact. It’s kind of crazy that this wasn’t addressed 10 years ago tbh, but you can tell that the crew at UVSG has been throwing around a lot of ideas to make the new player experience easier, more lucid, and less taxing on your memory. We really never should have had to just remember which attacks had dealt in the first place. Again, Net Win!

Multiple

Ok, this one is for the Retro heads. Now when you play a Multiple ability, you’ll get the copies for the attack from the top of your deck instead of the discarded momentum. If you’re deep enough in this game to be playing a Multiple ability, I don’t think this change affects you too much. Good to see they’re looking at all formats tho, as the Retro crowd are staunch supporters of the game.

Wrap-Up

The game just got a bit simpler today. I’d expect small changes like this to continue going forward. If you have a suggestion for any way to make the game easier, I know Paul and Louhan would love to hear it. Reach out to them on Twitter or say hi to them at your next RLE. Universus grew a major amount in 2023 and here’s to hoping for even more growth in 2024! Happy Holidays and until next time, I’ll see you on the tables!