These are preview sample versions of the characters, provided by the publisher
Dice Throne is bringing four new original characters to the table with Nexus, a collection built around a cyberpunk theme. I’ve had the opportunity to spend some time with preview versions of these characters, and my early impressions are promising, especially when it comes to the variety across the lineup.
There’s still more for me to explore with each character, but I already have a few favorites and some thoughts on who this collection could appeal to.
These impressions are based on preview versions of the characters. Components, abilities, and other details are subject to change before the final release.
What Is Dice Throne Nexus?
Dice Throne Nexus is a collection of four new original Dice Throne characters with a cyberpunk theme. While I enjoy the licensed collections, I’m always happy to see Dice Throne expand its own roster, and this futuristic direction immediately caught my attention.
During my initial time with Nexus, the biggest draw has been how differently these characters approach combat. Despite sharing a theme, they each give you something different to focus on at the table.
What Characters Are Part of Dice Throne Nexus?
The four characters in Dice Throne Nexus are Hacker, Phantom Runner, Punch-a-Tron 3000, and Snyper.
From straightforward punches to controlling status effects and alternate combat stances, there’s a lot to explore here. These are my first impressions of each character based on my time with the preview versions.
Hacker
Hacker is all about status effects and affecting your opponent’s attacks. My first impression is that they’re a controlling, potentially oppressive character who will appeal to players who enjoy interfering with everyone else’s plans.
Personally, I’ve found Hacker more fun in games with three or more players. In a one-on-one setting, that control can feel harsh when you’re the person dealing with it turn after turn. With more players at the table, I enjoy the disruption a little more.
If you’re into Dice Throne for its competitive side, though, Hacker strikes me as an interesting option to explore. I’ll need more time before making any judgments about their strength, but the playstyle is clear. If you enjoy watching your opponents squirm a little while you work toward beating them, this could be your character.
Phantom Runner
Phantom Runner is much more my style. I enjoy tricky combat where I’m changing what my own attacks can do, and my early time with this character has scratched that itch.
One of my favorite characters to play is Iceman, and I’m also very interested in the Duelist from Vanguard. I love characters who let you build up unique status effects before making an ability really pop off. It creates a fun little minigame within the larger game as you work toward that payoff.
That’s what has drawn me to Phantom Runner so far. Building toward a big moment and figuring out when to spend what you’ve accumulated is the kind of decision I enjoy. Of the four Nexus characters, this is one I’m especially eager to spend more time with.
Punch-a-Tron 3000
Punch-a-Tron 3000, or PAT, is a big reason I think Nexus could be a great starting point for beginners. PAT quite literally wants to do one thing: punch.
The preview version has what might be the shortest leaflet of any Dice Throne character I can think of off the top of my head. The abilities are easy to understand, and the overall goal is clear. Sometimes you just want to roll dice and hit something, and PAT is happy to help.
There’s still enough going on to introduce the cadence of Dice Throne. PAT’s tokens, which get spent after combat, give players a reason to pay attention to timing without overwhelming them with too many effects to track.
Based on what I’ve played so far, PAT is a character I’d happily hand to someone learning the game. I’m interested in seeing how much more there is to discover once I’ve spent longer with the character, but that initial accessibility is a real draw.
Snyper
Snyper might be the character who has left me with the most questions I want to explore. Her abilities allow her to enter a different combat stance called Prone, where she can dish out damage without even attacking.
That immediately caught my attention. Having another way to deal damage gives her a different feel, and I want more time to see how moving into that stance shapes her decisions throughout a match.
My early feeling is that she could make quite an impression at casual tables. Damage outside of the usual attacks can help keep games moving, and it gives everyone another reason to pay attention to what she’s setting up. She’s an interesting character, and I feel like I’ve only started getting familiar with what she can do.
Who Is Dice Throne Nexus For?
Based on my time with these preview characters, I think Nexus could be a fantastic starting point for new players. Compared to the Outcasts, this lineup feels like it offers a wider range of complexity, from an approachable introductory character to characters with more involved status effects and interactions.
If you’re not a Marvel fan, or you don’t feel like picking up a full Season One Battle Chest, Nexus looks like an awesome option to consider. Having four characters gives you a few playstyles to try, and PAT seems particularly well suited to helping someone get comfortable with the game.
The Vanguard characters feel like meaningful upgrades for players looking to explore more involved options. Nexus, meanwhile, strikes me as a collection that could accommodate players with different levels of experience at the same table.
That’s a big part of its appeal to me. Some people want to understand their character quickly and start rolling, while others enjoy having more effects to manage. My first impression is that Nexus offers room for both.
Final Thoughts
My early time with Dice Throne Nexus has left me excited to keep playing. PAT feels approachable, Hacker brings plenty of disruption, Phantom Runner offers the setup and payoff I love, and Snyper has a stance mechanic I want to explore further. I’ll need more time with the characters, and ultimately their finished versions, before making any final judgments, but this is a promising first look at a varied collection.
The Dice Throne Nexus Kickstarter goes live tomorrow, so keep an eye out if this cyberpunk lineup sounds like your kind of dice battle.
