Legendary® Encounters: The Matrix™ marks the return of our fan-favorite spin on the classic deck building game. Last seen in 2018, the combat-focused nature of Encounters has been paired with several standout sci-fi properties already. It’s only natural that we’d bring the original Matrix trilogy to the table with this one!

Adapting the iconic elements of the series offered plenty of opportunities to expand upon the foundation of Encounters to create a unique flavor of gameplay that’s true to the source. It all starts with the question posed to Thomas Anderson in the original – Will you enter the Matrix?

In Legendary® Encounters: The Matrix, the game is divided into two sections. Everyone’s play area, as well as the bottom row of the playmat where Hero cards are placed from Zion, is the Real World. The upper portion of the playmat, where you’ll deal with Enemies and Operations, is The Matrix. 

To suit this dual nature, each player will have two representations within the game – their Avatar card and their Residual Self Image standee. Avatar cards remain in the Real World the entire game and include character specific abilities that can be accessed with the Free Your Mind card each player will start the game with. In turn, your RSI standee reflects the character’s consciousness, and is able to be moved in and out of the Matrix based on player choices and actions. 

Where you are on a turn is crucial for multiple reasons. The most impactful is that you’re only able to build your deck and recruit Heroes while you’re in the Real World. On the flip side, you’re only able to fight Enemies and Scan cards while you’re in the Matrix. Players are able to move between the two once per turn, adding a whole new element of strategy and sequencing to the game. There are cards and Avatar abilities that allow for multiple moves in a turn as well! 

Be aware though, while you’re also able to enter the Matrix without issue, it’s possible to be stuck inside based on certain situations. See those phone icons? 

If all of the phone icons in The Matrix row are covered, players will be forced to instead use the pay phone in the Combat Zone. By spending 3 Recruit points, you can return to the Real World unless there are three or more cards there already. Events can also permanently remove access to specific phone lines, or force players into or out of the Matrix. It’s important for players to be prepared for these sorts of scenarios and to coordinate their actions to overcome the Agents, Machines, and traitors standing between them and a new dawn for humanity. 

There’s still plenty more to dive into with Legendary® Encounters: The Matrix – 500 cards, featuring all-new art from multiple artists, varied game modes and scenarios; all lovingly crafted around the original Matrix trilogy. Look forward to experiencing it for yourself when the game launches on August 2nd! 

THE MATRIX and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.