Elevation - Cards, Mountains, and Cold Calculation

World Peaks on Your Table

Publisher Xplody Games, known for the project Alynthia, has unveiled its new game Elevation. The project, designed by Keith Winder, Andrew White, and Travis Jones, has officially launched on Kickstarter. The game supports 1-6 players and lasts about half an hour, offering a compact yet strategically engaging experience.

Mountain ascents are rarely linear, and Elevation builds on the same idea. The game places players on climbing routes where success is determined not by a single strong card but by a well-balanced range of values. It is a trick-taking card game with a fast pace and changing conditions, focused on variability and adaptation.

The main difference from traditional card games lies in the scoring system. In most similar games, players aim to win as many tricks as possible or collect the highest cards. In game, your goal is to reach the highest possible elevation, calculated as the difference between the highest and lowest card of each suit in your collection at the end of the round.

This mechanic completely changes the strategy: obtaining the strongest card of a suit brings no points if you lack a low card to form the "foundation". Players must balance decisions, choosing whether to win the current trick or save strength for the next trick. The situation becomes more complex because after each trick players draw a new card from the deck, so hands constantly change and long-term planning requires flexibility.

Additional variability comes from Approach cards. They randomly modify the rules, introduce restrictions, or adjust scoring conditions. As a result, each game feels like a new expedition with its own circumstances. The core mechanic remains clear, but combinations of effects create diverse scenarios.

The ascent unfolds across three in-game days (rounds). To keep gameplay unpredictable, the designers implemented the Approach card system. Extra tension is added by Avalanche cards. There are five of them in the deck, and they can be played at any moment regardless of the leading suit.

Climber’s Notes

The game emphasizes careful control and precise timing. Elevation rewards observation of opponents and gradual buildup of advantage. It suits players who prefer a thoughtful pace and a compact format.

Who this journey to the world’s peaks may appeal to:

• fans of compact strategies;
• players who value short sessions without long setup;
• those who enjoy tactical decisions and flexible adaptation;
• fans of mountain and climbing themes;
• solo players.

The Kickstarter campaign is currently nearing its end. There is limited time left to join over 300 backers and place an order. The campaign runs until April 2.



You can already try the game online on Tabletopia - start your ascent to the peaks and conquer famous mountain ranges solo or together with your friends.