HardBack in IOS

Board

Walkthrough, Guilds, Tips on this special game

Our Expert Score

88/100

Hardback is the 'spiritual sequel' to Paperback, and it improves on the formula in almost every way. It’s a deck-building word game that feels like a cross between Scrabble and Dominion. The theme—19th-century novelists competing for fame—is charming and well-integrated. The genius of the game lies in the 'prestige' system and the ability to turn any card into a wildcard at the cost of its special ability.

This digital port is exceptionally well-handled. The UI is clear, making it easy to see what your opponents are building and what cards are available in the market. The AI is challenging enough to keep solo players engaged, but the asynchronous online multiplayer is where the game truly shines. It’s a sophisticated, intellectual game that rewards a large vocabulary without alienating casual players, thanks to its clever card mechanics.

Dinsun reviewed on: Wed Feb 25 2026

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

Version 1.22Thu Aug 04 2022

-Updates to online play

-Online play moved to a new server


Hardback is a deck-building word game, a prequel to Paperback. As an aspiring 19th-century novelist, you work to pen your next masterpiece, earning prestige along the way. Specialize your deck in certain genres to exploit card combinations, and press your luck to draw extra cards — but make sure you can still string a word together!

Players build a deck of letters with various powers and race to 60 fame points to win.

Features:

1-5 player hotseat and online async

3 levels of computer opponents to challenge you.

Gameplay

No wilds in your deck - any card can be wild.

Push your luck for more cards with the Ink system.

Match genre colors to gain bonus abilities on your cards.

Fight over the coveted award cards.

Timeless Classic cards stay in play, until someone uses them.

New hardcore mode - can't repeat a word!


Requires iOS 9.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Hardback is a deck-building word game. As an aspiring 19th-century novelist, you work to pen your next masterpiece, earning prestige along the way.

Hardback is a deck-building word game, a prequel to Paperback. As an aspiring 19th-century novelist, you work to pen your next masterpiece, earning prestige along the way. Specialize your deck in certain genres to exploit card combinations, and press your luck to draw extra cards — but make sure you can still string a word together!

Players build a deck of letters with various powers and race to 60 fame points to win.

Features:

1-5 player hotseat and online async

3 levels of computer opponents to challenge you.

Gameplay

No wilds in your deck - any card can be wild.

Push your luck for more cards with the Ink system.

Match genre colors to gain bonus abilities on your cards.

Fight over the coveted award cards.

Timeless Classic cards stay in play, until someone uses them.

New hardcore mode - can't repeat a word!


Ratings & Reviews

3.8 out of 5 with 39 Counts
Age Rating 4+

Screenshots

HardBack screenshot 1HardBack screenshot 2HardBack screenshot 3HardBack screenshot 4HardBack screenshot 5HardBack screenshot 6HardBack screenshot 7HardBack screenshot 8

Hardback is a word-building strategy game where players act as 19th-century authors. You start with a basic deck of letters and use them to spell words, which earns you coins and prestige. Coins allow you to buy better letters with powerful abilities. With four different genres to specialize in (Mystery, Horror, Romance, and Adventure), players can create unique card synergies to outwit their opponents and reach the prestige goal first.

Features

1

Official digital port of the board game

2

Solo play vs multiple AI levels

3

Asynchronous online multiplayer

4

Customizable game rules and genre sets

Tips

Promotion Videos

Paperback Vol. 2 (by Fowers Games Inc.) IOS Gameplay Video (HD) - YouTube

Related Videos

Hardback - Learn to Play in 5 Minutes! - YouTube

Hardback Gameplay Runthrough - YouTube

Hardback How To Play - YouTube

Hardback Review - with Tom Vasel - YouTube

Hardback- How To Play with Sam Says - YouTube

Paperback 10th Anniversary Edition How To Play - YouTube

Run is a practically perfect hidden movement game - YouTube

Hardback | Solo Playthrough | With Jason - YouTube

Gameplays

Q&A

Yes, the game features a built-in dictionary to verify words and help suggest possibilities if you're stuck.

More by Developer

You Might Also Like

All Categories

Puzzle Game

Action Game

Simulation Game

Casual Game

Card Game

Adventure Game

Roleplaying Game

Board Game

Sports Game

Strategy Game

Racing Game

Family Game

Casino Game

Music Game

Word Game

Trivia Game

Education Game

Games Game

Entertainment Game

Utilities Game

Social Networking Game

Books Game

Health & Fitness Game

Lifestyle Game