Battles, damage checks and blocking
When a Pal attacks, the defender may block with an eligible Pal. If the attack connects with the player, the defender performs a damage check — flipping Souls equal to the attack's Strike value, which is how the game's life total is spent.
Updated 2026-08-01
- ✓Declaring an attack
- ✓Blocking
- ✓Damage check
- ✓Keyword abilities to know
Declaring an attack
A standing Pal in the Battle Area attacks and becomes rested. Pals played this turn cannot attack unless they have a rule-breaking keyword.
Blocking
The defender may assign one eligible Pal to block. Compare Power against Durability — the loser is sent to the Drop. Taunt forces the attack to be blocked by that Pal where legal.
Damage check
An unblocked attack makes the defender flip Souls equal to Strike. Flipped Soul cards can trigger their own text, which is the game's built-in comeback mechanic.
Keyword abilities to know
Interrupt, Nocturnal, Taunt, Vigilance, Assault, Stealth, Brave, Retaliate, Breakthrough and Serious. Breakthrough pushes excess damage through a block; Vigilance lets a Pal attack without resting.
Common rules mistakes
You cannot block with a Base-Area Pal, you cannot re-order a damage check after flipping, and Gear destroyed with its Pal goes to the Drop together.
Official quick manual and how-to-play images.