Shadowverse CCG is Cygames' digital collectible card game, and it is no longer running. Cygames announced the end of service on 25 March 2026 and shut the servers down at 7:00 pm Pacific on 30 June 2026, almost exactly a decade after the original 2016 launch, with the Steam client released on 27 October 2016. The Steam store page now carries a notice that the game is no longer available there, and accounts cannot be linked across to the successor. Anyone searching for Shadowverse today should be pointed at Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond, the direct sequel that launched on 17 June 2025 for Steam, Epic, iOS and Android, or at the physical card game Shadowverse: Evolve. This page covers what the original client was and how its systems worked, because most of that design carried forward, but treat every mode described here as history rather than as something you can queue into tonight.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forestcraft | A | Balanced | Storm followers | Yes |
| Swordcraft | A | Balanced | Ward followers | Yes |
| Runecraft | A | Balanced | Bane followers | Yes |
| Dragoncraft | A | Balanced | Spellboost cards | Yes |
| Shadowcraft | A | Balanced | Necromancy cards | Yes |
New player? Start with Swordcraft. See our beginner's guide for why.
Forestcraft
Forestcraft is a strong option in Shadowverse CCG.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Storm followers |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Twenty defence leader life total |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Storm followers
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Rotation ranked to learn Forestcraft-specific mechanics
- Focus on Twenty defence leader life total. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Storm followers as your first major upgrade
- See our full Forestcraft build guide for the optimal gear progression
Swordcraft
Swordcraft is a strong option in Shadowverse CCG.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Ward followers |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Play Points ramping to ten |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Ward followers
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Rotation ranked to learn Swordcraft-specific mechanics
- Focus on Play Points ramping to ten. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Ward followers as your first major upgrade
- See our full Swordcraft build guide for the optimal gear progression
Runecraft
Runecraft is a strong option in Shadowverse CCG.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Bane followers |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Evolution Points |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Bane followers
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Rotation ranked to learn Runecraft-specific mechanics
- Focus on Evolution Points. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Bane followers as your first major upgrade
- See our full Runecraft build guide for the optimal gear progression
Dragoncraft
Dragoncraft is a strong option in Shadowverse CCG.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Spellboost cards |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Eight class crafts plus Neutral |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Spellboost cards
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Rotation ranked to learn Dragoncraft-specific mechanics
- Focus on Eight class crafts plus Neutral. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Spellboost cards as your first major upgrade
- See our full Dragoncraft build guide for the optimal gear progression
Shadowcraft
Shadowcraft is a strong option in Shadowverse CCG.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Necromancy cards |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Vials and card crafting |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Necromancy cards
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Rotation ranked to learn Shadowcraft-specific mechanics
- Focus on Vials and card crafting. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Necromancy cards as your first major upgrade
- See our full Shadowcraft build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Swordcraft is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Forestcraft is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Storm followers for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Shadowcraft offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Dragoncraft shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Shadowverse CCG Guides
- Shadowverse CCG Shadowverse CCG Overview
- Shadowverse CCG Best Builds
- Shadowverse CCG Tier List
- Shadowverse CCG Walkthrough
- Shadowverse CCG Beginner's Guide
- Shadowverse CCG Tips & Tricks
- Shadowverse CCG Weapons Guide
- Shadowverse CCG Combat Guide
- Shadowverse CCG Boss Guide
- Shadowverse CCG Maps & Locations
- Shadowverse CCG Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Shadowverse CCG, check out these related guides:
- Slay the Spire Classes Guide: card-game game with similar mechanics
- Balatro Classes Guide: card-game game with similar mechanics
- Sultan's Game Classes Guide: card-game game with similar mechanics
