Last Friday saw the release of The Master Vault app, a companion app (and website for those that don’t want to use the app) for Keyforge.

Hats off to FFG they were aiming to have it available for the Keyforge release, and it was on both iOS and Android.

Ok before I look at what the current state of play is with this initial release of the app, it should be noted that to use this app you need an Asmodee account. So if you don’t have one you will be prompted to create one, which is a fairly painless process. I’m assuming these Asmodee accounts will be used across various other apps/games also.

So with an Asmodee account setup, you login to the app, and it lets you do stuff. Like what? I’m not doing this in any particular order, but you can add a deck. Basically every deck apart from the 2 non-unique starter decks has a QR code that identifies it. Using the add deck option allows you to register that deck as yours by scanning in the QR code using the camera on your phone (you can also enter the code manually). A claimed deck earns you an ember.

The My Decks lists all the decks you have scanned in. Not only that it allows you to drill down to see the cards in the deck and also to remove it (this allows you to sell/give away the deck, and the recipient to register it). Eventually as you can see there will be more information about the deck that will track how well the deck has done in organised play.

The profile page gives you the ability to share your profile with others using the tried and true QR codes. While also summarising the treasure you’ve collected. Which we have already seen can be collected by buying decks and scanning them in. I’m also assuming you may get ember from organised play (seeing as there is no local events, not sure this will be much of an avenue to gain ember for me). I’ve no idea what happens when you get a key. Hopefully there will be some cool rewards in the pipe line.

I do like the buttons that allow you to jump around the functionality of the app from the various sections. It streamlines doing stuff without having to keep going back to the main menu.

The app does look nice. And I think this is the first time I’ve seen QR codes put to a good use within a game.

I’ve not confirmed this but Mike Hatcher (a Youtuber and entertainer – his channel is entertaining) said the only difference between the app and website is that the website allows you to look for Keyforge events near by. I also agree with his conclusion that this bit of functionality should be in the app at some point. It seems a logical thing to add.

FFG have been on record as saying that they want the Master Vault to be the one stop shop for Keyforge players. Which is a nice ambition for the app/website. I think this is a good start. I’m assuming they have their roadmap for where it’s going (would be nice to see it). And I’m sure the Keyforge community will have suggestions of what they would like to see in the app also. Especially after it’s been in their hands for a while.

I know several players would like to be able to play the game online. Is the Master Vault the right place to do this? I don’t think so. But there is no reason why it can’t be linked to your account, and make your decks available for you to play with in a separate app.