Breaking Infinite Loops: Alpha Clash Rules Update

March 31, 2026

A few weeks ago, our team identified a small number of unintended infinite loop and combo interactions. From there, we conducted a review of the full card pool, interactions, and existing rulings to determine whether action was necessary. Where changes were required, the goal was to implement a clean, long-term solution that supports healthy deck-building, protects future design space, and preserves overall card playability. It was critical to get this right, not rush into a decision.

It became clear that action was needed. While some community discussions have recently begun to highlight individual interactions, this has been under internal review for some time and is not a reaction to any single discovery. Suggestions to ban or errata specific cards do not address the full scope of the issue, which extends beyond isolated combinations and involves broader systemic interactions.

Banning cards would have been a short-term fix. Instead, we identified the root cause: unbounded interactions tied to attaching effects. Free attaches, particularly from Weapons, have existed since the game’s inception and are not inherently problematic. The issue arises when those interactions can loop without restriction.

To address this, we are implementing the following updates:

Rules Update

• Trigger - Attach (Comprehensive Rules 603.1b)

  • This effect now occurs only once per turn.

Card Errata

• Ambush Site (Appendix B: Clarified Card Reference)

  • This card has received an errata to prevent infinite buff loops created through repeated Weapon attachments.

  • The update was important because the previous version, in conjunction with reduced and free attach costs, could infinitely buff cards by passing Weapons back and forth. 

Rules Clarification

• Counter - Attack (Comprehensive Rules 504.2b)

  • A single Counter - Attack ability may only activate once per trigger window.

  • For example, Entropy, the Progenitor of Chaos cannot repeatedly activate his 25 Health Counter - Attack ability within the same trigger window.

  • This is a clarification of the existing rules, not a change.

Final Statement

These updates reinforce our commitment to maintaining a fun, competitive, fair, and well-balanced game while protecting the long-term integrity of Alpha Clash. As the game continues to grow, situations like this will inevitably arise, and our responsibility is to identify them, fully understand them, and address them the right way.

We appreciate the community’s continued engagement and passion for the game.

I also want to recognize our development and testing teams for the work that went into identifying and resolving this. Their attention to detail and commitment to the game are a critical part of ensuring Alpha Clash continues to improve and evolve.