
“Inscryption” is a must-play for any fans of alternate reality games, card games, and horror games that have their story figured out (looking at you, Scott Cawthon). The gameplay is rich, the story is waiting for those who care to look for it, and the community is ready to welcome new players with open arms. This article is the first in a series about this game, covering Act One. This article will not contain major spoilers for the game.
As “Inscryption” opens, the canonical player character, Luke Carder, will insert a floppy disc into his computer. In the main menu, a player’s only option will be to continue the game. It does not have the typical new game option. This alone may seem weird, but the menu’s art style should also be observed as odd here, as it takes a more retro style of presentation, but the gameplay is all 3D. Perhaps this game is not what it seems.
This game takes place in a cabin in the woods, a somewhat common horror trope. However, the horror itself comes not

from the forest, but the interior of the cabin. The main antagonist, Leshy, is only visible from menacing positions. For example, when he stands over the player after they lose a run. Leshy is a forest-dwelling hermit who turns animals into cards with his legendary camera. If one should lose to him, they too will be turned into a card. But fret not, this card may be used in future runs.
The turn order of the first act of “Inscryption” is quite simple. Start by taking a card either from the squirrel deck or the main deck. Squirrels can be used as sacrificial pawns, chump blockers, or even ant producers if one has the right totems. Totems are one of the map nodes, and also potentially one of the most powerful tools a player can have during a run. Totems give each card of a family a select sigil, for example, wolves can get a touch of death or reptiles can get mighty leap. The trick is that both halves of the totem are necessary for it to function. Other map nodes include trials, which test a player’s deck for specific things, like total power, or family alliance, altars, which have players sacrifice a card to the bone lord for a boon that grants them a free bone at the start of battle and campfires, which increase the stats of a chosen card. Overall, the encounters one has on the map will shape their run and very well may determine whether they win or lose.

Next comes the main phase, where players may sacrifice and play cards or use their items. It is essential to block opposing cards, as every point of damage matters in this game. Finally, ring the bell next to the scales, and attack. The goal of the game is to tip the scales for five points of damage more than Leshy. Keep in mind that only two lives are afforded to the player in between boss fights.
Speaking of totems, knowing the game mechanics is vital to any successful playthrough. Each card has an attack value and a health value, as well as a blood cost. To meet this blood cost, sacrifices must be made. Most likely, squirrels will be used to meet this cost, as this is their main purpose. Cards attack the slot opposing it, except for oddities like the mantis, which attacks to the left and right. One of the starting cards in every player’s deck is the stoat, which has one attack and three health for a cost of one

blood.
Moving onto items, one can have up to three items at a time, from a bottled squirrel to a pair of pliers. Items may be used only during the player’s turn, but any number of items may be used. The pliers allow a player to pull out a tooth and place it on the scales, dealing one damage, which may win the round in a pinch.
Past the first act of this amazing game, a whole world awaits for those skilled enough to find it. There are dozens of videos online breaking down the multimedia mystery, and if strategy is not one’s strong suit, no worries. Just check out some deck-building guides online, there are many available for each act. Keep an eye out for future entries in this series discussing the later acts of the game.
