Version

Genetic Algorithm

DefectSkillRare
Gain 1 Block.
Permanently increase this card's Block by 3.
Exhaust.
  • Start: it starts at 1 Block.
  • Growth: each play gives its current Block, then permanently adds 3 to the card, both the copy in this fight and the copy in your deck, so the growth carries across the run.
  • Example: after five plays it gives 16 Block for 1 Energy.
  • Upgrade: it raises the increase to 4 per play rather than the current Block, so an early upgrade compounds.
  • Once: it Exhausts, so it plays once per combat unless something brings it back.
Character
Defect
Type
Skill
Rarity
Rare
Cost
1 Energy
Target
Yourself

When to take Genetic Algorithm

Good in Act 1 or not at all, since it needs many combats of plays to become a real wall. Upgrade it at the first Rest Site, since every later play is worth 1 more Block forever.

Cards that synergize with Genetic Algorithm

Skim
Skill
1
Draw 3 cards.
Bag of Preparation and Skim find it early.Draw 3 cards.
Beacon of Hope
Power
1
Whenever you gain Block on your turn, other players gain half that much Block.
Beacon of Hope makes Block count for more, and Genetic Algorithm gains itWhenever you gain Block on your turn, other players gain half that much Block.
Entrench
Skill
2
Double your Block.
Entrench makes Block count for more, and Genetic Algorithm gains itDouble your Block.
Prolong
Skill
0
Next turn, gain Block equal to your current Block.
Exhaust.
Prolong makes Block count for more, and Genetic Algorithm gains itNext turn, gain Block equal to your current Block.
Exhaust.

Relics that synergize with Genetic Algorithm

Burning Sticks
Burning Sticks adds a copy to hand the first time it Exhausts, so it grows twice a fight.The first time each combat you Exhaust a Skill, add a copy of it into your Hand.
Dolly's Mirror
Dolly's Mirror gives a second copy that grows on its own.Upon pickup, obtain an additional copy of a card in your Deck.
Bag of Preparation
Bag of Preparation and Skim find it early.At the start of each combat, draw 2 additional cards.
Vambrace
Vambrace doubles it when it is the first Block card of the fight.The first time you gain Block from a card each combat, double the amount gained.
Joss Paper
Joss Paper triggers when cards are Exhausted, and Genetic Algorithm Exhausts itselfEvery 5 times you Exhaust a card, draw 1 card.
Forgotten Soul
Forgotten Soul triggers when cards are Exhausted, and Genetic Algorithm Exhausts itselfWhenever you Exhaust a card, deal 1 damage to a random enemy.
Parrying Shield
Parrying Shield makes Block count for more, and Genetic Algorithm gains itIf you end a turn with at least 10 Block, deal 6 damage to a random enemy.
Sturdy Clamp
Sturdy Clamp makes Block count for more, and Genetic Algorithm gains itUp to 10 Block persists across turns.
Pael's Legion
Pael's Legion makes Block count for more, and Genetic Algorithm gains itDoubles Block gained from a card, then goes to sleep for 2 turns.
✦
Ignition
Skill
1
Another player Channels Plasma.
Exhaust.
Signal Boost
Skill
1
The next Power you play is played an additional time.
Exhaust.
Imitation Learning
Skill
1
Choose another player.
The next 2 times they play a Power, you play a copy of it.
Exhaust.
Double Energy
Skill
1
Double your Energy.
Exhaust.
Energy Surge
Skill
1
ALL players gain .
Exhaust.
Fusion
Skill
1
Channel 1 Plasma.
Exhaust.
Hologram
Skill
1
Gain 3 Block.
Put a card from your Discard Pile into your Hand.
Exhaust.
Rainbow
Skill
2
Channel 1 Lightning.
Channel 1 Frost.
Channel 1 Dark.
Exhaust.

Changes by version

  1. 10 Jul 2025RarityUncommonRareInternal playtest
    Rarity changed from Uncommon to Rare
  2. 31 May 2024Bug fixInternal playtest
    Genetic Algorithm card now properly saves increased Block value on reloads
  3. 4 May 2024Bug fixMagi KnightInternal playtest
    Genetic Algorithm block is no longer reset when Magi Knight downgrades it
All 4 patch notes1 older
  1. 25 Aug 2023Bug fixInternal playtest
    Genetic Algorithm now saves block value between saves and reloads

Internal playtest notes are from before the Early Access release. Names and numbers in them can differ from the game today.

Purchase today
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