Shardmoon
A PvP card game against real players
Shardmoon is a multiplayer card game for two: you against one other player, one match at a time. Every move is checked on the server, so the only way to win is to play better.
Against real players
Every online match is 1v1. You and your opponent take turns, and each turn has a time limit, so nobody can stall. In a quick game you play with your quick deck; in ranked play with your ranked deck. You can also challenge a friend directly from your friend list.
How matchmaking works
When you search, the game looks for a player with a similar rating. The longer you wait, the wider the search gets. In quick games a computer opponent steps in after 25 seconds if nobody is free. It plays the saved deck of a real player and is always marked as a ghost, so you never mistake it for a live opponent. Ranked play never gives you a computer opponent: you keep searching or stop.
A ranked card game with a ladder
Ranked play has its own rating and ranks from Wood up to Moonbinder, with a public leaderboard. It opens at level 8. You gain levels from quick games, quests and games against the computer, so by then you know the cards and have a deck you trust.
What you need for ranked play
Level 8, a legal deck of 30 cards from at most two classes, and a stable connection. Leaving a match counts: after two warnings, the third time you leave, or staying away longer than 90 seconds, loses the game. That keeps competitive card game matches fair for both sides.
Questions
Is every opponent a real player?
In ranked play, yes. In quick games a ghost can step in after 25 seconds; it is always marked as a ghost.
Can I play with a friend?
Yes. Add them as a friend and challenge them to a match.
When can I play ranked?
From level 8. Quick games and games against the computer give XP.