Cross The Ages Blast Playtest Brings Major Gameplay Changes

Big things are happening in the Web3 trading card game space, and Cross The Ages (CTA) is leading the charge once again. The developers just announced Blast Closed Playtest Phase 1, and it's dropping April 23rd to May 7th! If you're already a fan—or curious about how blockchain games are leveling up—this is the one to watch.

Let’s break it all down and explore what makes this new playtest phase such a significant shift for CTA, and why now is the perfect time to get involved.

🔥 What’s New in the Blast Closed Playtest?

The Blast Closed Playtest Phase 1 marks a massive gameplay evolution for Cross The Ages. If you’ve been around since the earlier builds, expect some game-changing updates that completely reframe strategy, pacing, and the win conditions of the game.

Here’s a quick overview of the major changes:

• Health Points (HP): Players now have HP. Instead of chasing 65 points via Trinities, you’ll win by bringing your opponent’s HP down to zero.

• Energy Bar: You’re no longer limited to playing one card per turn. Depending on your available energy, you can now play multiple cards. This opens the door for deeper tactics and combo play.

• Blasts (Special Attacks): Forget the old special abilities—welcome Blasts! These attacks come in 3 tiers, each with different cooldowns and energy costs.

• Streamlined Heptagram: Elements now have one strength and one weakness instead of two of each, simplifying the learning curve.

• Hand Limit: Only 6 cards in hand. A 7th card? It gets destroyed.

• No Unlimited Captures: Leader-based extended captures are gone. Capture by chain of 1 is the new rule.

For a more comprehensive look at this and other blockchain games, Cross The Ages is a prime example of how deep tactical design meets the power of decentralized ecosystems.

💡 Why These Changes Matter for Blockchain Gaming

These gameplay adjustments aren’t just cosmetic—they’re shaping the future of Web3 gaming mechanics. By simplifying some elements and deepening others, CTA is trying to strike that perfect balance between competitive depth and accessibility.

What’s especially notable is how the devs are prioritizing community feedback. This closed playtest is a chance to test only the core features, which helps the team gather meaningful player data without the distractions of full UI, VFX, or menus.

This isn’t just about Cross The Ages. It’s about proving that blockchain games can provide compelling, strategy-driven gameplay—without sacrificing fun.

🧪 What You Can Expect During the Playtest

Players jumping into Blast Closed Playtest Phase 1 will get a stripped-down but action-packed experience.

Here’s what you’ll get:

• All cards unlocked for your test account.

• Two Blast types to play with: Arkhante and Mantris.

• The core focus is tactical PvP, testing your ability to outmaneuver your opponent with energy-based attacks and smart card play.

Future tests will introduce additional Blast abilities like Rift and Watch Dogs, as well as visual effects, animations, and a richer game environment.

So if you’ve ever wanted to shape the direction of a Web3 TCG, now’s your moment.

🎁 Exclusive Reward for Participants

Here’s a little cherry on top—if you play just one match during the playtest, you’ll earn an exclusive test card:

Palmer – Cult Leader(Standard Version – ID: 1020310007002)

This card won’t just be a souvenir. In the CTA universe, rare cards like these could become highly valued in both gameplay and trading scenarios. An alternate version is expected to be released in future tests, so get in now to grab the OG edition.

✅ How to Qualify and Join the Playtest

Want in? You’ll need to meet a few criteria to access the playtest:

• Own a Mint Pass (available via your CTA or Custom Wallet)

• Have a KYC-verified account

• Have logged into the game between April 1st, 8 AM UTC and April 16th, 8 AM UTC

A snapshot will be taken on April 16th to lock in eligible players. Only your highest-level account will be selected, so choose wisely.

Where to Get a Mint Pass?

You can grab a Mint Pass in the market section of CTA’s official site. At the time of writing, the cheapest option is the Red Mint Pass for $42.4 USDC on Immutable X.

📱 Platform Update: Epic Games Store & Mobile Clients

One big shift is that the CTA Launcher is no longer supported.

Here’s how access will work starting April 23rd:

• Eligible players receive a unique access code via email for the Epic Games Store

• Whitelisted players will also get Android and iOS download links (Play Store & App Store)

• All future updates and playtests will happen via PC and mobile, not the old launcher

That’s a big move toward mainstream adoption. Integrating with platforms like Epic and mobile app stores will make the game way more accessible to new players outside the Web3-native crowd.

🚀 The Future of Web3 TCGs Starts Now

Cross The Ages is not just experimenting—they’re building a robust foundation for next-gen blockchain games that prioritize gameplay, strategy, and community.

The Blast Closed Playtest Phase 1 is your ticket to be part of something transformative. Whether you're a veteran CTA strategist or new to the world of NFT gaming, this is your chance to test the limits of decentralized gameplay while earning a bit of exclusive swag on the side.

Mark your calendars: April 23rd to May 7th. Get your cards ready. Blasts are coming.