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About Griftlands
Griftlands is a deck‑building rogue‑like set in the broken‑down sci‑fi world of Havaria. Players choose one of three protagonists—Sal, Rook, or Smith—each with a distinct story, map, and specialized card pools.
Every run forces you to balance combat and negotiation decks, hire mercenaries or pets, and navigate shifting faction opinions. Death is swift, but each decision reshapes future encounters, making each playthrough a fresh strategic puzzle.
01 / THE GUIDE
Three Unique Campaigns
Sal, Rook, and Smith each lead a separate narrative that unfolds in its own environment, populated by different factions and locations. The map, allies, and enemies you meet vary with the chosen protagonist, creating distinct story arcs.
Each character brings a personalized set of combat and negotiation cards, so the strategies you employ differ between campaigns. Because the card pools and map layouts differ, each run presents its own challenges and opportunities.
- Compare the starting decks of each hero to see which card mix aligns with your approach.
- Switch protagonists between runs to experience varied faction dynamics.
02 / THE GUIDE
Dual Deck Construction
Griftlands requires you to build two decks simultaneously: a combat deck for fights and a negotiation deck for dialogue. Cards are drawn from the appropriate pool depending on the situation you face.
New cards are obtained by defeating foes, completing quests, or receiving rewards. Balancing offensive, defensive, and persuasive options determines how effectively you can overcome obstacles.
- Keep a mix of low‑cost and high‑impact cards to maintain flexibility.
- Observe how opponents react to certain card types and adjust your draws accordingly.
03 / THE GUIDE
Outwit or Overpower
Encounters can be resolved through fists or words. Choosing negotiation may spare enemies but can leave dangerous pieces on the board; combat eliminates threats but may anger allies.
Both paths use the same card‑playing mechanics, so success hinges on selecting the right cards for the moment. The game remembers your choices, influencing future interactions.
- Consider the long‑term consequences of sparing an enemy before committing to a peaceful resolution.
- Use combat when an opponent’s negotiation options are limited or risky.
04 / THE GUIDE
Faction Politics
Each character has a factional allegiance and an opinion of you. Allies may aid you, while rivals can become hostile if crossed, shaping the options available in later encounters.
Political maneuvering involves double‑crossing, forming alliances, and managing social boons. The game tracks who remembers your deeds, affecting future quests and negotiations.
- Maintain a neutral stance with major factions early to keep options open.
- Leverage social boons from friendly factions to offset tough combat encounters.
05 / THE GUIDE
Hand‑Illustrated World of Havaria
The environments are hand‑illustrated, depicting a harsh sci‑fi landscape filled with hostile denizens. Exploration reveals new quests, merchants, and events.
Traveling between locations exposes you to varied enemies and events, ensuring each run feels fresh. The world reacts to your choices, altering the availability of certain paths and encounters.
- Take time to explore side locations; they can lead to more quests and events.
- Observe enemy patterns in new areas to plan effective deck strategies.
COMMUNITY
Player discussion