Mastering Genius Invokation TCG: A Player's Guide to Genshin's Card Game

As an avid Traveler exploring Teyvat since the game's early days, I've spent countless hours immersed in Genius Invokation TCG since its permanent introduction in Version 3.3. This captivating card battler isn't just a side activity—it's become my favorite way to test strategies against friends and NPCs alike. Over the past two years, I've learned that while the basics seem simple, true mastery requires understanding every nuance of the elemental dice, deck synergy, and turn mechanics. Let me walk you through the essentials that transformed me from a novice to a Cat's Tail regular. 🃏

🔍 Understanding the Game Board

Familiarizing yourself with the Genius Invokation interface is crucial. During my first matches, I constantly got confused about where to check my summons or opponent's energy. The board neatly displays both players' Character Cards, Elemental Dice reserves, active Support Cards, and hand status. What saved me early on was the 'Check' function—hovering over cards reveals detailed skill descriptions and damage calculations. This visual clarity prevents overwhelming moments during intense duels.

🎲 Elemental Dice Mechanics

These eight-sided catalysts are the lifeblood of every action. Each roll determines elemental attributes: Cryo ❄️, Hydro 💧, Pyro 🔥, Electro ⚡, Anemo 🌪️, Geo 🪨, Dendro 🍃, plus the invaluable Omni Element (which substitutes for any element). I learned the hard way that unused dice vanish between rounds! Strategic rerolling during the Roll Phase is essential—I often sacrifice unwanted cards via Elemental Tuning to convert mismatched dice. Remember: Omni dice are rare treasures; save them for critical bursts!

🗃️ Deck Composition Essentials

Character Cards (Your Frontline)

You'll field three champions—I started with Diluc, Kaeya, and Fischl. Each card displays:

• Elemental affinity

• HP value

• Skill costs

• Burst energy requirements

• Passive abilities (e.g., Sucrose's crowd control)

Action Cards (30 Total)

These fall into three categories:

⚔️ Game Flow Breakdown

Preparation Phase

In PvE, you always start first (NPCs go second). You'll:

1. Draw five random Action Cards

2. Mulligan unwanted cards

3. Choose your starting Active Character

Turn Structure

Each round has three phases:

1. Roll Phase: Roll eight dice → Optional single reroll

2. Action Phase: Alternate turns performing:

3. Fast Actions (unlimited per turn):

   • Play Action Cards

   • Elemental Tuning (discard card to change die element)

   

4. Combat Actions (ends turn immediately):

   • Use Character Skills

   • Switch Active Character (costs 1 die)

   • Declare End Round

   

5. End Phase: Resolve ongoing effects. First player to end round acts first next round!

Victory comes from reducing all opponent Character Cards to 0 HP—simple in concept, deeply tactical in execution!

💡 Hard-Earned Player Tips

1. Synergize Your Deck: Early on, I clogged my deck with unusable Equipment Cards. Now, I tailor every Action Card to my trio's elements and passives. Diluc's Pyro focus? I include Crimson Witch artifacts.

2. Dice Economy: Omni dice win games. I conserve them for burst combos or emergency switches. If I plan a Geo-heavy next turn, I'll reroll non-Geo dice aggressively.

3. Exploit Elemental Reactions: Just like open-world combat, Cryo weakens Electro, Dendro boosts Pyro, etc. Before NPC duels, I always check their elements and counter-pick. Facing a Hydro boss? Electro characters dominate.

4. Practice Relentlessly: Weekly Guest Challenges at the Cat's Tail accelerated my skills more than anything. The rewards—new cards and cosmetics—are worth the effort!

5. Read Every Card: I once lost because I misread a Support Card's duration. The 'Check' function is your bible—use it constantly! 📖

Mastering Genius Invokation has been a journey of thrilling comebacks and humbling defeats. Whether you're theorycrafting meta decks or just enjoying casual matches, remember: every duel teaches something new. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a rematch with that crafty Liben at the Cat's Tail to attend to! 🍻