Long ago, when humans were still primitive, gods ruled the world. Submissive people served their idols, who sought to gain more and more power through the blind faith of their followers. However, the arrogance of the gods and their incessant confrontations led to their decline and almost extinction. The last survivors hid in oblivion waiting to return, more powerful than ever.

In the years that followed, humanity was thirsty for knowledge and understanding. This triggered the awakening of the gods who demanded eternal faith and obedience in order to regain their power. Soon, epic battles between gods spread throughout the world and humanity descended into chaos.

The Dark Ages returned more tyrannical than ever. The gods, along with their followers, are fighting to be the only ones to rule. Who will be the last god to control humanity? Will this god bring light, love, war, fear or eternal darkness?

The fate of the world is in your hands!

Gameplay

Altar: Realms of the gods is a card game for 2 to 5 players. During the game you fight against enemy gods and try to protect your Realm. Your goal is to build Shrines and discover the hidden Altars in your god's Realm in order to activate them and make your god the most powerful of all and win the game!

Each player chooses a god and takes their board which represents their Realm. On their turn a player must first draw a card and then perform 1 main action:

Use the Ability of a card (e.g. Activate an Altar, draw additional cards, destroy enemy Altars etc.), Perform a Ritual to build a Shrine and place it on their god’s Realm or Worship a god. When worshipping a follower is placed face-up next to their god’s realm to show where they activate their abilities and protect against the enemy gods. In addition to the main action, a player may take any number of free actions.

The game ends when a player builds at least one Shrine and discovers and activates all the Altars on their god's Realm.

—description from the publisher

Mystic Vale: Essential Edition