What Nightingale's First Card Choice Affects (& What Changes)

The first card choice in is a major decision to make, and it's hard to go into it with a thorough grasp of the pros and cons of each decision. 's tutorial segments are reasonably effective at introducing the basic components of mechanics like Realm Cards, which play a complex role in the game as a whole and help set it apart from other survival crafting games like . When the time comes to make a major call, however, the decision tends to be as paralyzing as it is potentially invigorating.

focuses on exploration through a variety of Fae Realms, procedurally generated environments that can be accessed by stepping through Portals. The Realm Card system in provides a way for players to dictate the basic parameters of these Fae Realms they set out to explore, designating key attributes that will characterize each unique generation. Biome and Major Cards are used before entering a realm to determine the basic nature of the terrain and what might be found within it, while Minor cards provide unique effects that can be activated at Realmic Transmuters while inside a realm.

Although the first few uses of Realm Cards are just part of the tutorial, when the choice to pick one specific Realm Card appears, it can have lasting effects on the game experience. This decision impacts the Abeyance Realm, which will essentially act as a home base for a solo player in . Here, it's possible to build an Estate in a world with low-level threats, making it easy to get a footing in the Fae Realms without facing dangers that would prove too much of a challenge without more powerful equipment.

Estate Address Cards can be given to other players to allow access to an Estate even when the owner isn't online, making it possible to use them for group bases as well.

The initial choice of Abeyance Realm doesn't have to be a permanent decision, as it's possible to craft more Abeyance Cards later with minimal ingredients. The necessary recipes for the cards and equipment, however, can take a bit longer