Accelerated Too Fast…Equilibrium Restored?
Since the release of Equilibrium, two cards have sparked more discussion and debate than any others—Alpha Aster, the Omnipotent and An Accelerator of Sorts. Whether it’s been in casual games, preparation for the Progenitor’s Gambit, or deep-dive Discord threads, the feedback has been loud and clear. We’ve been listening.
At Rising Empire Studios, one of our core values is responsiveness. We believe that being an indie studio gives us the agility to pivot when something isn’t quite right—and the responsibility to do so when the health of the game demands it.
After reviewing extensive player feedback, as well as our own full internal review, we’ve made the decision to issue an errata to both of these cards. These changes are meant to preserve the spirit and creativity behind the designs, while removing some of the unintended pressure they’ve placed on gameplay and deckbuilding. As you’ll see, small changes can make big differences.
Additionally, with the inaugural Progenitor’s Gambit events looming, time was of the essence.
Alpha Aster, the Omnipotent
The goal here is to preserve Alpha Aster’s identity as a versatile and powerful Contender, while closing the door on over-efficiency that could make him feel too dominant in certain metas. With one key change—Aster’s enter effects will now only trigger once per turn, on the entering Clash card of your choice, by engaging the Contender first during your Primary Phase.
Errata
30: If the Portal is open, this Contender gets +1/-1.
Once per turn, during your Primary phase, you may engage this Contender. If you do, the next (Alpha symbol) or (Harbinger symbol) non-token Clash card entering play that is…
Black gets, "Trigger - Enter: You may banish up to one card in each player’s Oblivion."
Green gets, "Trigger - Enter: You may put target card in an Oblivion second from the top of its owner’s deck."
White gets, "Trigger - Enter: Foretell two cards."
Blue gets, "Trigger - Enter: You may return a Clash card with initial resource cost less than or equal to this card from your Banished Zone to your hand."
Red gets, "Trigger - Enter: Draw a card, then discard a card."
When an (Alpha) or (Harbinger) Clash card you control is defeated or sent to Oblivion on an opponent’s turn, if the Portal is open, draw a card. This ability triggers only once per turn.
An Accelerator of Sorts
This errata helps dial back the overwhelming efficiency of Accelerator loops while keeping the core excitement of its design—ramping efficiently, but within a more intentional framework. With one key change—players will now place a card from hand into play, rather than searching for the perfect tool within their deck.
Errata
Attach: [Blue Resource]
Attached Contender gets, “Once per turn, during your Primary Phase, you may engage attached [An Accelerator of Sorts]. If you do, put target (Alpha symbol) or (Harbinger symbol) Clash card you control into your Resource Zone engaged. If you do, you may reveal an (Alpha symbol) or (Harbinger symbol) Clash card without Unrivaled from your hand that has an initial resource cost less than or equal to the targeted Clash card and put it into play. It gets Observant until end of turn."
This card can only be attached to an [Alpha Aster] Contender.
Zhao Li, Reconnaissance Agent
Bonus errata! This card needed an extra word. The errata helps clarify the intention of the card, which should not interact with Ambush cards. That interaction created unintended consequences, namely pairing with a Gur for unlimited draw effects.
Errata
Exclusive
The first time a non-relic Accessory is played or set into your Accessory Zone on your turn, [Earth] Clash cards you control get +1/+1 until the start of your next turn.
Whenever you activate a non-Ambush Trap card, draw a card.
We know changes like these can be disruptive. But we also believe they’re necessary to maintain the long-term health and balance of Alpha Clash. These cards were ambitious—and we’re proud of the team who built the ideas behind them—but we’re even more proud of being a studio that’s willing to evolve and adapt when needed.
If you’re a player who voiced concerns, thank you. If you’ve been testing, theory crafting, or just trying to understand how these pieces fit—thank you.
All three of these erratas are effective immediately, as reflected in CR 5.2.
Additionally, all of these cards will be reprinted soon in Draft Box 02: Nexus of Power with the updated text.
As always, we’re excited for what’s ahead—and we’ll be talking more about these changes and more during upcoming streams and content.