Android: Netrunner
- Designer Richard Garfield , Lukas Litzsinger
- Publisher Fantasy Flight Games , Arclight Games , Edge Entertainment , Galakta , Game Harbor
- Illustration Bruno Balixa , Ralph Beisner , Del Borovic , Adam S. Doyle , Amelie Hutt , Thomas Lishman
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You play duels in New Angeles as either a powerful megacorporation protecting servers with ice or a lone runner trying to break in and steal data. The game emphasises asymmetric roles: the Corporation advances agendas and secures servers, the Runner acquires hardware and ice-breakers to make runs. Matches focus on action economy, bluffing and timing within the Android setting drawn from the game's description.
Who Is This Game For?
For two-player enthusiasts who like thematic card duels and asymmetric play—this is a connoisseur/advanced game due to role complexity and deck construction. With a playtime around 45 minutes it's suitable for repeated head-to-head sessions; newcomers should expect a learning curve to understand both roles.
How It Works
Android: Netrunner uses Deck Construction and Hand Management: each player builds and manages a deck and resources to perform actions. Play is asymmetric: one player runs the Corporation with servers and ice, the other is the Runner using programs and hardware. Mechanics such as Action Points and Take That govern exchanges of plays and counters. Each side decides when to invest resources to advance agendas or to attempt a risky run.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Richard Garfield (with Lukas Litzsinger), the title blends asymmetric design with living-card-game style deckbuilding. The game won Golden Geek awards in 2012 (Best 2-Player Board Game and Best Card Game, listed as winner in the awards). It is published in the Living Card Game model and is expressly a two-player duel.
Awards
2012
- 2012 Jocul Anului în România Advanced — Finalist
- 2012 Jogo do Ano — Nominated
Pro
- Strong asymmetrical confrontation: Corporation vs. Runner
- Meaningful Deck Construction and Hand Management
- Compact playtime (~45 minutes) for duel sessions
- Award recognition: Golden Geek Best 2-Player & Best Card Game (2012, winner)
Contra
- Strictly two-player design
- Steeper learning curve due to asymmetry
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in New Angeles within the Android universe, a dystopian futuristic metropolis dominated by megacorps and networked data fortresses. The theme is drawn directly from the game's description.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Learn the flow of Corporation turns vs. Runner runs first, then expand into deeper deckbuilding choices; focus on role fundamentals before advanced strategies.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No. Android: Netrunner is explicitly a two-player game.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is about 45 minutes; first games with setup and learning will usually take longer.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with deckbuilding and asymmetric games helps; otherwise expect a learning period to understand both sides.
How does this compare to similar games?
Android: Netrunner stands out by combining asymmetry and Living Card Game deck construction in a focused two-player duel.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 14 and considerable role complexity, it's better suited to adults or experienced teenage players than young families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The interplay of Deck Construction, Hand Management and asymmetric Action Point-driven exchanges defines its character.
Fazit
Recommended for pairs seeking deep, asymmetric card battles in a cyberpunk setting. Not the best fit if you want multi-player or casual group play—it's tailored to two-player competitive duels.
