About This Game

How a Run Unfolds

The rules are simple: combine number cards in your hand into multiples of ten. And you have many ways to rewrite card values and maximize every hand.

• Form Dekas: Every level gives you three hands. Select cards to form one or more Dekas (sums that are multiples of ten), then submit for points. Your three-hand total must beat the goal to move on — fall short once, and the run ends here.

• Rewrite the cards: Numbers not cooperating? Rewrite them with Shapings: tweak, double, negate, split, merge, randomize... Uses are limited per level — when to spend them, and on which card, is entirely up to you.

• Upgrade, grow stronger: After each level, spend the Acorns you've earned on upgrades, or browse the shop for Charmstones (passive items). Each carries its own trigger — pairs, straights, big cards, unused cards, negatives, play order... Pick the combination that fits best, then head into the next level.

The goal climbs higher with every level, and level 20 is the run's final test. Build something coherent and strong enough, and you'll go all the way.

Six Runes, Six Ways to Think

• Tree: More income, beginner-friendly

• Wind: Fast decisions under time pressure

• Flower: Chase precise patterns (duplicates and singles)

• Snow: Collect negative cards — a long-term investment that grows stronger as you go

• Moon: First hand loses points. Third hand gains big.

• Chi: The more Dekas the better, balancing resource build-up against release

148 Charmstones, Each With Its Own Trigger

Each one is simple on its own: A pair inside your Deka? A big card in play? More selected cards than unused ones? ... Stack them together, and you get a scoring engine of your own.

• Charmstones can be upgraded; at max tier, some take two forms — one stone, two ways to play

• They come with dependencies, conflicts, and synergies — every choice you make in the shop carries weight.

Two Modes, Five Difficulty Tiers

• Relaxed Mode: No Challenge Levels in your way — just focus on refining your build

• Challenge Mode: Face Challenge Levels at certain points — 18 temporary rule rewrites to test you

• Realm I to Realm V: Goals climb tier by tier, and so does the difficulty

Beyond the Run: A Little World That Opens Up

Earn Pine Cones as you clear runs to unlock new Runes, new Shapings, and upgraded Charmstones. The more you unlock, the richer your build choices.

A Touch of Zen

Understated visuals. Soothing music. When you're fully absorbed in numbers and chains, time slips away on its own.

Full Game Content

• 6 Runes: Distinctly different build starting points

• 8 Shapings: Your toolkit for rewriting card values

• 148 Charmstones: Varied triggers, upgradeable — some with two forms

• 20 levels × 3 hands each: A complete build journey in every run

• 5 difficulty tiers + 18 challenges: From relaxed to intense

• Meta unlocks: Pine Cones open up new builds

Initially, the Tree Rune and 4 Shapings are available; the remaining Runes, Shapings, and some Charmstone forms unlock gradually through completion rewards.

Would You Enjoy PhiloDeka?

Very likely, if you:

• Feel oddly satisfied by tidy multiples of ten

• Love item synergies and build depth

• Enjoy deduction and the thrill of cracking a good puzzle

• Don't mind simple mental math (add, subtract, multiply, divide)

It might not match your expectations if you:

• Are looking for a casual game that barely asks you to think

• Or simply don't care much for numbers and arithmetic

Your first Deka is waiting in the next hand.