Cipher TCG
The rules are as comprehensive as possible, and are aimed at new players who have never played a card game, as well as more experienced TCG players.
What is Cipher?
Fire Emblem Cipher (FE∅ or just Cipher) is a two player turn-based trading card game. Released in Japan in June 2015, Cipher ended in October 2020 with no release outside Japan, after 22 series for a total of over 3,000 cards.
Each player builds a “deck” made up of a set of cards, and chooses one of them as the “Main Character” to face. Unlike other popular TCGs, Cipher features only “character” cards, so you can build up your own army. The player who breaks all five orbs (equivalent to the Main Character's life points) and defeats his opponent's defenseless Main Character first wins the game.
“Everything is in Japanese!”
As Cipher has remained in Japan, there are no official translations into other languages, but thanks to a community of dedicated fans, all the existing cards have been translated into English so that more people can play the game.
You can find these cards translated on Cipher Compendium or Serenes Forest, and integrated on software like LackeyCCG (see below).
Where to play?
If you don't have anyone to play with around you or in your gaming circle, you can join one of the Discord servers dedicated to Fire Emblem Cipher, which gather enthusiastic people ready to welcome new players.
- Fire Emblem Cipher (ENG) : The biggest and most active community, with regular matches and tournaments.
- Fire Emblem Cipher TCG (FRA) : For the French-speaking community.
You can play remotely in two different ways:
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With LackeyCCG: This completely free GUI-based software allows you to connect with other players, so there's no need to own the cards to play. It's the most popular way to play against players from all over the world. See the LackeyCCG chapter for installation instructions.
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With smartphone/webcam: Both players use their smartphone or webcam to stream their play mat. This means you need to own the physical cards, although you can use printed cards that are indistinguishable from the official ones (the easiest way is to place the printed card with an official card in a semi-opaque protective sleeve).
Video tutorials
If you'd rather learn the rules on video, take a look at the following video:
Mistakes? Suggestions?
If there are mistakes, points are missing / need further explanation. Let us know on the Cipher Compendium Discord or by email at cipher.compendium@gmail.com