Six Realms is a strategy game that fuses mahjong tile play with monster drafting and shared rule effects in a four-player format. Players build hands to generate damage multipliers while managing a roster of three monsters that switch in as each falls. The core loop centers on drawing and discarding tiles to complete sets, triggering attacks against opponents in a turn-based sequence where the first to finish a hand strikes first.
Gameplay
The battlefield revolves around standard mahjong actions such as drawing, discarding, and forming melds, but every completed hand translates directly into damage output. Matching tiles within the same suit or finishing special combinations increases the multiplier applied to attacks. Four players participate simultaneously, with each turn advancing the shared state of the table until one player completes their hand and resolves damage against the others.
Monsters form the second layer of strategy. At the start of a match, each player selects three from a pool of candidates drawn from three categories: Base monsters including Giants, Serpents, Knights, Warlocks, and Divine Beasts; Dinosaur monsters split between Carnivores and Herbivores; and Hyakki monsters such as Oni, Beast Spirits, and Strange Ones. The active monster influences attacks through unique passive or active skills. Examples include converting incoming damage into healing, restricting strikes to the two highest-health targets, or sealing an opponent's skills for a set number of turns. When the active monster is defeated, the next in the roster takes its place, and losing all three ends the player's participation.
Four rule cards remain visible and active for the entire match, altering attributes or branches for every participant. These public effects can boost specific monster types, modify tile values, or neutralize multipliers. Players may exchange a rule card that hinders their own roster for another option. Items add further layers, with rule-type items persisting on the board and effect-type items resolving instantly. Random drops occur on draws, allowing options such as full healing, skill sealing, tile retrieval from the discard pile, hand peeking, item theft, or a high-risk damage gamble.
Game Modes
Single-player matches pit the user against three AI opponents that execute the full range of actions, including chi, pon, ron calls, item usage, and rule card plays. The AI maintains consistent behavior across sessions, providing a reliable environment for learning mechanics and testing rosters.
Online play uses a simple six-digit room code system for joining matches without requiring friend connections or additional setup. If a player disconnects, an AI substitute continues the match in their seat, preserving the game state until the original player returns and reclaims control. This structure supports flexible participation across sessions.
Monsters, Items, and Presentation
The full roster contains ninety monsters distributed across the three categories, each with distinct skills that reward careful drafting and sequencing. A compendium provides complete data on every monster and the ninety-five items, allowing preparation outside of active matches. Items fall into persistent rule modifications or immediate effects, creating decision points around timing and targeting.
Visual feedback includes dedicated cut-in animations for active monster skills. Clearing the table in a single resolution awards a Triple Kill notification, emphasizing high-impact moments. Additional customization options cover card backs, sleeves, table designs, and emotes to personalize the interface without altering core rules.
Is It Worth Playing?
Six Realms appeals to players who enjoy strategic depth in compact sessions, particularly those familiar with mahjong mechanics or turn-based card battlers. The combination of tile set building, monster roster management, and public rule cards produces matches where early drafting choices interact with mid-game item and rule decisions. Single-player mode offers consistent practice against capable AI, while the room-code online system enables quick entry into multiplayer without social overhead.
The game remains in a pre-release state with no user reviews available yet. Its indie scope and focus on core systems make it suitable for those seeking a fresh take on mahjong-inspired strategy rather than large-scale production features. Availability on PC supports both solo experimentation and occasional online matches once released.