The Development Archive of LIMINAL
You're not looking at a finished game.
You're following the creation of an original horror trading card game from Prototype Alpha onward.
Every mechanic, every playtest, every redesign, and every milestone is documented here.
Before you continue
What is this?
LIMINAL is currently in Prototype Alpha.
The handwritten cards, changing mechanics and unfinished systems are intentional. This website exists to document the journey of building a horror trading card game from the ground up—not to showcase a finished product.
If you're interested in game design, worldbuilding, or watching an indie project evolve, you're in the right place.
- Idea
- Prototype AlphaCurrent
- Artwork
- External Playtesting
- Beta
- Release
02 — How a Match Unfolds
How Horror Unfolds.
Every match follows the same journey. The choices you make along the way determine how your horror unfolds.
Step 01
Choose an Entity
Every game begins with a choice. Each Entity offers its own mechanics, evolution path and unique way to play. Choose wisely.
The Butcher
Every cut brings the ritual closer.
The Static Child
Some voices were never meant to return.
The Hollow Nun
Faith is only the beginning.
The Drowned Bride
She never stopped waiting beneath the surface.
The Watching Woods
The forest has been watching for far longer than you.
The Whispering Tenant
Some neighbours never truly leave.
Step 02
Claim a Location
Every battle takes place inside a haunted Location. Each one changes how Fear spreads and shapes the match in different ways.
St. Agnes Hospital
The lights never fully fail, and never fully hold.
Saint Lazarus Cathedral
The service never ended. It simply lost its congregation.
Blackwood Forest
Every route leads further from the edge.
Old Abattoir
The smell of old blood never leaves.
Greywater Reservoir
Nothing that sinks here is ever given back.
Ashview Apartments
The tenants change. The Tenant remains.
Step 03
Spread Fear
Fear is your greatest weapon. Manifestations, Omens, Rituals, Relics and Curses slowly corrupt reality until your horror becomes unstoppable.
Manifestations
Physical horrors that remain on the board and spread Fear.
Omens
Unexpected events that change the course of the game.
Relics
Cursed objects that provide lasting effects.
Rituals
Powerful actions that advance your Entity’s plans.
Curses
Lingering supernatural effects that slowly overwhelm your opponent.
Step 04
Complete Your Ritual
Every Entity has its own path to victory.
Some spread Fear until reality collapses. Others perform forbidden rituals, awaken ancient horrors or slowly corrupt the world around them.
There is no single way to win in LIMINAL.
Master your Entity, complete its unique ritual and finish your opponent before they can complete theirs.
Every Entity.
Every Location.
Every Match.
A Different Horror Story.
03 — Development Journal
Follow the creation of LIMINAL
Every decision, prototype, playtest and design challenge is documented. Follow the complete journey from the first notebook sketch to the finished trading card game.
[ New journal entries published as development continues ]
Continue reading every prototype, design decision and milestone from the beginning of LIMINAL's development.
Browse the ArchiveThe Creator
Built by One Person
LIMINAL isn't being created by a large studio. It's an independent passion project, built one decision, one playtest and one sleepless night at a time.
Every Entity, mechanic, artwork, rule change and playtest brings the world one step closer to becoming real.