Legend of the Five Rings
- Designer Jeff Alexander , Brent Keith , Bryan Reese , David Seay , Dave Williams (II) , Mark Wootton
- Publisher Alderac Entertainment Group , Five Rings Publishing Group , Wizards of the Coast
- Illustration Aaron Acevedo , Rob Alexander , Eric David Anderson , Michael Apice , Steve Argyle , Matthew S. Armstrong
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Legend of the Five Rings, you build your deck around one of the seven Great Clans such as Crab, Crane, or Lion. The game combines Set Collection with Open Drafting and Player Elimination, emphasizing clan loyalty. Each match involves tactical card play and interaction within a community centered on the clans. The evolving storyline tournaments add a unique layer of depth to the Rokugan setting.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets experienced players and collectors who enjoy complex collectible card games with strategic depth. With a playtime of about 45 minutes, it suits those who prefer shorter sessions. Prior experience with card games is beneficial due to mechanics like Open Drafting and Player Elimination.
How It Works
Legend of the Five Rings uses Open Drafting, Set Collection, and Player Elimination mechanics. Players build decks focused on clan loyalty and draft cards openly to form strategic sets. As players are eliminated, the game continues until one winner remains, creating a dynamic and interactive experience.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Mark Wootton and team, Legend of the Five Rings won the Origins Award for Best Card Game in 1996 and Best Collectible Card Game in 2013. Its unique clan loyalty system and community involvement set it apart. It is part of the broader L5R universe, including miniatures and roleplaying games.
Awards
- 2013 Origins Awards Best Collectible Card Game — Winner
- 2007 Origins Awards Collectible Card Game of the Year — Winner
- 1996 Origins Awards Best Card Game — Winner
Pro
- Unique clan loyalty as a core game feature
- Origins Awards winner in 1996 and 2013
- Strategic depth through Open Drafting and Set Collection
- Approx. 45 minutes playtime allows multiple games
Contra
- Requires prior experience with collectible card games
- Player elimination may cause frustration for early ousted players
- Not suitable for players under 12 years
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in Rokugan, a fantasy empire inspired by medieval Japan and Japanese mythology, featuring rival clans competing for dominance. The thematic depth creates a vibrant game world.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on understanding clan loyalty and open drafting to build effective decks.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Legend of the Five Rings is designed for 2 to 8 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 45 minutes, relatively short for a collectible card game.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic knowledge of collectible card games is recommended, as mechanics like Open Drafting and Player Elimination add complexity.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its clan loyalty system and strong community involvement make it unique among collectible card games.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 12 and strategic depth, it is better suited for older teens and adults.
What mechanic makes it special?
Open Drafting combined with clan loyalty and player elimination creates a dynamic, tactical gameplay.
Fazit
Legend of the Five Rings is recommended for those interested in a thematically rich and strategic collectible card game. It especially appeals to fans of Japanese-inspired fantasy and complex card interactions.
