War on Arcadia
War is one of the simplest and most beloved card games of all time. It's a game of pure chance where you battle to collect all the cards — now playable in single-player against the computer.
Every round, whoever plays the higher card wins both cards. When there's a tie, it's time for WAR — each side puts three cards face down and plays a fourth to determine the winner.
How to Play
- The deck is split evenly between you and the computer (26 cards each).
- Both sides reveal the top card of their deck.
- Higher card wins — winner takes both cards.
- If cards are equal, a WAR begins:
- Each side puts 3 cards face down.
- Both reveal a new card.
- Higher card wins all cards from that war.
- If there's another tie, repeat the war.
- Game ends when one side has all the cards.
Core Rules
- Each side gets 26 cards from a shuffled 52-card deck.
- Ace is the highest card (value 14), followed by K, Q, J, 10...2.
- Battle: Higher card wins both cards.
- War: When cards tie, each side adds 3 face-down cards, then plays 1 deciding card.
- If a player runs out of cards during a war, they lose immediately.
- Game continues until one side has all cards.
Strategy: Patience & Probability
- War is primarily a game of chance, but there are still smart habits.
- Notice when high cards (Aces, Kings) show up — it changes what’s likely left.
- During wars, the deciding card is what matters most.
- The game can go on for a long time, so patience is key.
- Some variants allow "going to war" with remaining cards if a player has fewer than 4.
Tips to Win More
- Don't expect fast games — War can take many rounds.
- Pay attention to when high cards (Aces, Kings) appear.
- Remember that wars are won by the deciding card, not the face-down cards.
- Stay patient — the player with better luck will win.
- Enjoy the journey: every card flip brings suspense!
FAQ
How do you win War?
You win by collecting all the cards from your opponent.
What happens during a War?
When cards tie, each side puts 3 cards face down and plays a deciding card. Higher deciding card wins all cards from the war.
What is the highest card in War?
The Ace is the highest card in War.
Can War end in a draw?
A round can end in a tie (War), but the game itself can't end in a draw — one side will eventually collect all cards.
How long does a game of War take?
Games can take 5 to 30 minutes depending on how many wars occur.
Is War single-player on Arcadia?
Yes — War is single-player against the computer (no PvP rooms).
What if I run out of cards during a War?
If you can't complete a war (fewer than 4 cards), you lose immediately.
Ready to play War?
Launch the free demo, learn the flow, and practice tactics before higher stakes.
