Spirits of Valenor^*

Spirits of Valenor is a cooperative card game for 2 to 4 players with 15 connected chapters. As nature spirits, you defend your valley from invaders together, with each game taking 30 to 40 minutes.

What is it about?

For centuries you have lived in peace with nature. Then, overnight, intruders cross the mountains and leave a trail of destruction. Designed by Alexander Pfister, the game tells an ongoing story across its chapters.

The twist

You hold both Invader and Defense cards in your hand. You may not change their order. That rule creates constant dilemmas.

How a turn works

You must play the frontmost card in your hand.
If it is an Invader, it goes to one of the five locations in the valley.
If it is a Defense card, you use it to strengthen a location.
When a location's Defense is at least the Invader's value, the Invader is defeated.

Match the value exactly and you also earn a Support card as a bonus. Defeat every Invader before any location is fully devastated, and you win the chapter and unlock the next one.

At a glance

15 replayable chapters with a linked story
Five locations you have to watch at once
Small box, short play time

Conclusion

Spirits of Valenor fits a compact campaign into a portable card game. The locked hand order makes every choice tricky. If you enjoy co-ops and lots of table talk, it delivers. Solo players should look elsewhere, since it needs at least two.