At Amphora Games, we’re always striving to create mechanics that not only fit the theme of our games but elevate the player’s experience. In Dice and Decay, our upcoming turn-based tactical survival game set in a post-apocalyptic zombie world, one of the most defining mechanics we’ve built is the card-based action system.
This system is more than just a combat tool — it’s the heart of how players interact with the world and express strategy. Each card represents a possible action: a swift melee attack, a calculated dodge, a firearm combo, or even a desperate push to break free from a zombie’s grasp.
“We wanted every decision to feel tense and meaningful,” says Javier, one of our lead programmers. “In a world where resources are scarce, every card you play could mean the difference between survival and death.”
Unlike traditional action point systems, our card mechanic allows for a blend of pre-planned strategy and adaptive thinking. Each turn, players draw from a deck that’s influenced by their character’s traits and gear. Cards can be chained into powerful combos or used individually to react to immediate threats.
“The biggest challenge was making the system flexible while still feeling thematic,” explains Carlos, systems programmer. “We didn’t want cards to feel like abstract mechanics. They had to feel like real choices you’d make in a desperate fight for survival.”
To accomplish this, each card carries visual cues and a gritty art style that matches the tone of the world. For instance, a card like “Desperate Swing” might deal more damage when the character is wounded, while “Silenced Shot” lets you dispatch threats without drawing a horde.
In the image above, you can see an example of this in action — two survivors face off against an infected inside a decaying urban building. Yellow nodes indicate available movement zones, but the real tactical depth lies in the cards the player holds. Do they play it safe with defense, or risk it all with an aggressive combo?
Dice and Decay isn’t just about killing zombies — it’s about smart survival, tough calls, and dynamic encounters shaped by your decisions. The card-based system gives players the tools — and the pressure — to make those calls with every move.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes looks at how we’re shaping Dice and Decay into the ultimate turn-based survival experience.
