RIFT: A new way to play,
4 players at a time
RIFT is a custom multiplayer Hearthstone gamemode created to bring a 2 VS 2 players format to the game.
In RIFT each player is equipped with a 20-cards decks built from their respective collections (like any ordinary Hearthstone deck) and a 20 HP starting health.
A RIFT game is definied by 3 distincts phases, making each match feel rewarding for individual plays but also emphasizing coordination with your ally!
Let's dive right into the first phase:
Phase 1: Begining of the game
At the start of the game, the first player is determined randomly. The next player is then determined by a coin flip in the opposite team so that during the game, two players of the same team can't play one after the other.
From turn 1 to the end of turn 3, player A faces player B and player C faces player D. During that time, the now well known Hearthstone game board is split in two, fracturing the middle minion spot.
Eeach "mini-match" is then equipped with a 3-width battlefield, only able to fit 3 minions per side.
During this Phase, a player cannot interact with the characters on the opposite battle, but is still able to see its ally's hand as well as what is happening on the other field.
Phase 2: Unite and conquer!
At the start of player's A 4th turn: the rift between the two battlefields contract, reforming a classic 7-width board. At this point, it is important to distinct who is the owner of a specific minion.
"Friendly minions" will refer to all minions on the side of the battlefield shared by your ally and yourself.
"Allied minions" will then refer to the minions owned by your ally.
During you turn, your are not able to use your ally's minions (except if a certain effect bends this rule).
However, your can target any enemy with your cards, this include both opponents.
When a card uses "your opponent" in its text it will refer to your Phase 1 opponent.
If they are already dead, it will refer to the only opponent left.
How does the game continue if your ally dies?
Phase 3: When your ally dies,
the situation gets dire!
Don't panic, systems are in place so that the game doesn't snowball too much starting now!
First off, you will gain the ownership of all friendly minions (including the ones from your ally).
Secondly, you will be offered three different bonuses to choose from, each one crafted to fit a particular situation.
After choosing a bonus the game will resume. Let's say that player C (your ally) died, then the order of play will become A then B then A then D then A ...
Having the ability to answer each opponent after their respective turn can be powerfull but it can also leads to the rapid drop of your ressources, so you have to turn the tide quickly!
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RIFT is a simple yet complex way of bringing the 2v2 aspect to Hearthstone. New synergies between classes emerge while keeping the duration of the match relatively contained for a 4 players format.
To bring even more excitement to the match, I am introducing a specific package of cards each expension!
The first RIFT set is the perfect opportunity to bring back dual class cards! Choose between the Scourge or the Defenders of Silvermoon and join de battlefield!
