30 Facts About WARS TCG (Trading Card Game)

Origins and Development

A look at how WARS TCG came to be.

1. Developed by Decipher Inc. – The creators of the Star Wars CCG and Star Trek CCG designed WARS TCG after losing the Star Wars license in 2001.
2. Released in 2004 – It launched with one set, Incursion, but never expanded further due to limited commercial success.
3. Designed to be the successor to Star Wars CCG – WARS TCG carried over similar gameplay mechanics, appealing to long-time fans of Decipher’s games.
4. Sci-Fi Instead of Licensed IP – Without access to Star Wars, Decipher opted for an original sci-fi universe, avoiding restrictions tied to a licensed franchise.
5. Planned Multimedia Expansion – Beyond cards, the franchise was meant to extend into books, comics, and possibly video games.
6. Shortened Lifespan – Despite its ambition, the game was discontinued shortly after release, making it a collector’s item today.

Game Mechanics and Strategy

How WARS TCG played and what set it apart.

7. Shared Core System with Star Wars CCG – The game used a force-based resource system, where players allocated energy to deploy and activate cards.
8. Multiple Battlegrounds – Players fought over three distinct arenas: Space, Ground, and Characters, requiring multi-tiered strategies.
9. Unique Energy System – Energy served as both a resource and a victory condition, adding layers of tactical decision-making.
10. Faction-Based Gameplay – Five distinct factions with different strengths and weaknesses allowed for varied playstyles.
11. Destiny Draws for Randomization – Instead of dice rolls, certain effects relied on drawing the top card of the deck and checking its destiny number.
12. Combat Resolved Through Attrition – Even losing battles could cause damage to opponents, forcing strategic sacrifices.
13. Cards Had Narrative Impact – Many effects and abilities tied into the game’s lore, reinforcing world-building within gameplay.
14. Momentum-Based Turns – Players could maintain pressure on opponents or risk falling behind, making resource management critical.

The Story and Lore

A universe built for long-term expansion.

15. Set in the Year 2391 – A future where humanity and alien races battle for dominance in the Mheket Nebula.
16. The Five Factions – The Gongen, Maverick Clans, Shi, Quay, and Earthers each had distinct cultural and combat philosophies.
17. The Shi Are Mysterious Energy Beings – Unlike the others, the Shi were incorporeal entities wielding psychic powers.
18. The Gongen vs. Earthers Conflict – A former colony of Earth, the Gongen sought independence, leading to ongoing war.
19. The Quay’s Religious Crusade – An alien race believing they must cleanse the universe of unworthy species.
20. Maverick Clans as Mercenaries – A loose alliance of warlords and traders willing to work with any faction for the right price.
21. Inspired by Classic Sci-Fi Themes – The lore borrowed elements from cyberpunk, space opera, and hard science fiction.
22. Characters Had Detailed Backstories – Major figures in the game had rich histories and motivations, adding depth to the narrative.

Production and Collectibility

Limited release and rarity make WARS TCG a sought-after game.

23. Only One Set Was Printed – Incursion was the only official release, making the cards rare.
24. High-Quality Artwork – Decipher used detailed illustrations from professional artists to bring the universe to life.
25. Some Cards Had Alternate Art – A few rare variations existed, adding value for collectors.
26. Limited Distribution – The game didn’t reach wide-scale retail, contributing to its scarcity today.
27. Highly Prized by Decipher Fans – Collectors familiar with Decipher’s legacy often seek out WARS TCG as part of their collection.
28. Never Had Organized Play – Unlike Star Wars CCG, it never received official tournament support.
29. Fan Efforts to Keep the Game Alive – A small but dedicated community continues to support unofficial formats and discussions.
30. Considered a ‘Lost Classic’ – While short-lived, WARS TCG remains a fascinating experiment in original sci-fi world-building within a card game.

A Forgotten Sci-Fi Gem

WARS TCG was an ambitious project that sought to deliver a deep, strategic experience within an original science-fiction universe. Despite borrowing proven mechanics from Star Wars CCG, it struggled to gain traction, leading to its discontinuation after a single set. Its rich lore, diverse factions, and tactical gameplay remain a testament to Decipher’s design expertise. Though short-lived, it has gained a cult following among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its innovation. WARS TCG stands as a unique entry in the history of trading card games, remembered for what it was—and what it could have been.