Shards of Creation, the trick-taking game set in the Cosmere
Shards of Creation is a trick-taking game published by Brotherwise Games, designed by Hayden Dillard and illustrated by Medusa Dollmaker. It is set in the Cosmere, Brandon Sanderson's universe, around the Shards of Adonalsium (Honor, Odium, Ruin, Preservation…). Its originality lies in its asymmetrical suits: each Shard works as a suit with its own ability that changes how tricks are played or points are scored.
How to play Shards of Creation
The game follows classic trick-taking principles: you follow the lead suit if possible, and the trick is won by the highest card — unless a trump is played. The twist: for each trick you win, you keep only one card, placed in your scoring area. You must therefore weigh immediate value against building sets. Each Shard's unique abilities (including Ruin, with its often negative values) add strong tactical depth, and the variable selection of Shards keeps every game fresh.
End of game and scoring in Shards of Creation
After three rounds, players tally the points in their scoring area along two main lines: resonance (multiple cards of the same Shard) and sets (an assortment of different Shards). Some cards, such as Ruin, can cost points. The player with the highest total wins.