Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond is the latest collectible card game (CCG) from Cygames. It is a sequel to the popular Shadowverse. The game was finally released on June 17, 2025 for PC, iOS, and Android, after being delayed from its original 2024 release window.
This new version brings fresh changes and new ideas to the well-known card game. But it also adds some things that may not make all players happy. The biggest change is in its monetization. The original Shadowverse was known for being free-to-play (F2P) friendly. In Worlds Beyond, that feeling is a little lost.
In this review, I will cover what the game does well, where it struggles, and if it is worth your time.
What is Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond?
At its heart, Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond is a fast-paced online card game. Like the first Shadowverse, it features battles between two players. You pick a Leader (your avatar) and build a deck of Followers (creatures), Spells, and Amulets (special effects). The goal is simple: bring your opponent’s Defense Points to zero and win the game.
The new version introduces several new elements:
- A Super Evolution mechanic
- A Shadowverse Park social hub
- Improved visuals and animations
- Full voice acting in story mode
- New deck-building options
- A new class called Abysscraft
The game launches with 142 cards. Cygames has promised regular new card sets. Updates will arrive every 1–2 months.
First Impressions
When you start Worlds Beyond, it feels very polished. The artwork is stunning. The animations during battle are flashy and fun. The soundtrack and sound effects match the game’s fantasy theme.
One of the biggest surprises is Shadowverse Park. It’s an online social space where players can walk around with avatars, chat, and challenge others. You can even decorate your own room and avatar. It’s a small feature, but it adds a lot of personality to the game.
The Story – 8/10
For a card game, Worlds Beyond puts a lot of effort into its story. The story plays out like a visual novel. Characters are fully voiced, with high-quality performances. The game starts in the middle of a major event — The Feast of the Wolves. This is a great way to hook players right away.
You first follow Dreizehn, a powerful Leader from Portalcraft. She has lost her memory and is trying to find her purpose. The story covers her journey and interactions with other Leaders.
Right now, only the Prologue and Chapter 1 are available. Future updates will add more chapters. The opening content is strong, but some players may feel disappointed with the small amount of story at launch.
The Gameplay – 9/10
The gameplay is the best part of Worlds Beyond. Battles are fast and full of strategy. The basic system is the same as the original Shadowverse. You build a deck of cards, use Play Points to summon Followers or cast Spells, and try to defeat your opponent.
Two big mechanics give the game depth:
- Evolution – You can evolve your Followers to make them stronger during battle.
- Super Evolution – A new feature that gives extra powerful upgrades. You only get two Super Evolves per match, so using them wisely is key.
The game also introduces Abysscraft, a new class that mixes effects from older classes. Each class feels unique and offers different strategies.
Visuals – 9/10
Visually, Worlds Beyond looks fantastic. The art on the cards is beautiful. The animations when you evolve or play cards are exciting.
Some may feel that the user interface (UI) looks a bit cluttered at first. But after a few hours of play, you’ll get used to it. The game really shines during matches, especially when Super Evolves happen.
Audio – 9/10
The audio design is top-notch. Music fits the mood perfectly. Sound effects in battle are crisp and impactful.
The biggest standout is the voice acting. Well-known voice actors bring the story to life. This makes the story mode much more enjoyable than reading text alone.
Shadowverse Park – A Fun Surprise
Shadowverse Park is a new social feature. You control a small avatar in an online hub. You can:
- Chat with other players
- Walk around the Park
- Challenge others to matches
- Customize your avatar and room
It’s not required to enjoy the game, but it adds a nice personal touch. You can earn cosmetics and room decorations by completing simple quests.
Monetization Problems
Now we come to the biggest issue — the game’s monetization.
The original Shadowverse was famous for being kind to free-to-play players. You could easily collect cards just by playing. You could turn unwanted cards into Vials to craft new ones. The new liquefy system in Worlds Beyond makes this harder.
Here are the key problems:
- Packs cost 500 Rupees — You only earn around 210 Rupees from daily quests.
- Legendary pull rate is 1.5% — And you need 3 copies of each card for a full set.
- No liquefy until you own 3 copies — You can’t recycle cards unless you already own 3.
- Lower vial returns — You now get fewer vials from liquefying cards.
- Cosmetics are expensive — Hero skins can cost nearly $100 for a full set.
These changes make life much harder for free players. Building a strong deck will take weeks, or even months, of grinding — unless you pay. This is a major step backward from the original game.
Is Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond Worth Playing?
The answer depends on what you want:
Yes, if:
✅ You enjoy card games with deep strategy.
✅ You want a great-looking and great-sounding game.
✅ You liked the original Shadowverse and want more of the same.
Maybe wait, if:
❌ You’re hoping for a very F2P-friendly experience.
❌ You don’t want to deal with slow progression.
❌ You want more story content at launch.
Right now, Worlds Beyond is still fun to play. The matches are exciting. The new features add some freshness. But the aggressive monetization may turn off many players.
Final Verdict: 82/100
Shadowverse: Worlds Beyond is a beautiful, smart card game. It delivers great gameplay and style. But it also feels like a step back when it comes to player-friendly systems.
If Cygames makes changes to the monetization, this game could be one of the best CCGs on the market. Until then, it’s a solid game — but one that may frustrate free players.