Potionomics blends various game genres into one fun package, combining card games, shop management, and a touch of dating simulation. The core of the game revolves around the card mechanics, so mastering this aspect is essential for success.
Making deals with customers or engaging in competitions unlocks more game content but can also lead to a Game Over if you’re not careful. Once you become familiar with the card game, you’ll find it easier to upgrade your shop and build relationships, whether romantic or friendly.
Each Card Costs Patience
Using a card in Potionomics is similar to casting a spell that requires mana; each card action costs Patience. Customers enter your shop with varying levels of Patience, which decreases with every decision you make in the card game.
Wrapping up your turn also consumes Patience, but the amount varies, so be mindful of your choices. Typically, ending your turn might use up one or two units of Patience.
If you fail to sell the potion before the customer’s Patience runs out, they will leave without making a purchase. The objective is to maximize the price of your potion while managing the limited Patience available.
Your Goal Is To Increase Interest
To boost the price of the potion, play cards that enhance Interest; the more engaged a customer is, the higher the price they’ll pay. Initial cards offer a maximum increase of nine Interest points.
Interacting with side characters can yield superior cards, especially if you build a friendship with them.
Muktuk has a useful starter card that adds sixteen points of Interest. To acquire this card, you need to level up his friendship twice.
Avoid Getting Stressed
During your turn, focus on increasing Interest. When the customer takes their turn, they might reduce the potion’s value and increase your Stress levels. Managing your Stress is crucial because it results in unplayable cards that can complicate your strategy.
Falling into stress during a deal will hinder your ability to sell the potion effectively, and your cards will become less effective. The Interest points available on your cards drop as your Stress levels rise.
Collect The Right Cards From Friends
Building romantic or friendly relationships with characters unlocks new cards for your deck. Each friend has their strengths; for instance, Saffron has cards that focus on lowering Stress and managing negative effects during gameplay.
It’s valuable to know which cards unlock and when so you can gather them before a competition. If you head into a challenge without a suitable card deck, you risk a Game Over.
Identify your weaknesses during negotiations. Whether you easily get stressed or find it hard to boost Interest, forging closer ties with NPCs that offer cards suited to your style is beneficial.
| NPC | Card Specialization |
|---|---|
| Quinn |
Sneaky Gradually increases Interest over multiple turns. |
| Mint |
Defensive Gains shields while slightly increasing Interest. |
| MukTuk |
Brute-Force Raises Interest significantly in one go. |
| Baptiste |
Longer Battles Increases Patience. |
| Saffron |
Avoiding Debuffs Reduces Stress levels. |
