Sorcery: Contested Realm Deckbuilding Rules & Card Updates
Sorcery: Contested Realm does not use a traditional banned/restricted list. Instead, power levels are managed through rarity-based copy limits and periodic balance adjustments. This page summarizes the deckbuilding rules and cards identified for updates in the "A Striking Change" release (November 2025).
For competitive events, always check the latest Curiosa FAQs and tournament rules for the most up-to-date restrictions.
Deck Rarity Restrictions (Standard)
Copy LimitsSorcery uses a deck-building system that limits how many copies of each card you can play based on rarity. This structural restriction prevents oversaturation of powerful cards.
| Rarity | Max Copies per Deck |
|---|---|
| Unique | 1 per deck |
| Elite | 2 per deck |
| Exceptional | 3 per deck |
| Ordinary | 4 per deck |
Note: These limits apply per unique card (oracle), not per printing. You cannot run more copies by using different editions or alternate arts of the same card.
Balance-Adjusted Cards (November 2025)
A Striking ChangeThe following cards were highlighted in the Sorcery Card Updates 2025 for balance adjustments. These updates typically mean the cards have been tweaked or their interactions tightened. NOTE: they are not banned from play.
Key Cards to Watch
Community NotesWhile not officially banned, these cards are frequently mentioned as high-impact or requiring careful management by the community due to their power level. Alchemy items such as Philosopher's Stone (from "The Nine") are often cited among the most potent cards in the format.
The Nine: Refers to Alchemy items including Philosopher's Stone and other high-impact artifacts. These are often considered among the strongest cards in competitive play.
Tournament Information
Rarity Limits: Enforced in standard constructed play. Your deck must respect the Unique (1), Elite (2), Exceptional (3), and Ordinary (4) copy limits per card.
Balance Updates: Cards may receive errata or rule clarifications. Check official Curiosa resources for the latest card text and rulings.
Stay Updated: For competitive events and the most current rules, always refer to the official Curiosa FAQs and tournament documentation.