One card, one challenge
A card ties together its subject, artwork, one of six base formations and a signature attack. You see the same illustration on the card, in battle and in your collection after you clear the run. Replay a card with the same rules version and seed to start the same challenge. New challenges use V2, and older V1 links keep their original rules.
From subject to signature
Wikidata provides the card subjects and source descriptions. Some card summaries were checked against NASA or NOAA. We make the illustrations and battle rules for CurioRaid, using a familiar shape or idea as inspiration. The attacks are fictional. See Sources and Credits for the references.
Six base formations, 48 signatures
A formation describes how the enemies move as a group. In V2, warnings alternate between the card's signature and a volley shared by that formation.
- Orbit. Enemies circle the center and fire a fan with a gap.
- Spear. Two wings form a V and shoot inward from both sides.
- Cascade. Staggered rows descend and send shots down alternating lanes.
- Spiral. Enemies spiral outward and fire at an angle.
- Hive. Enemies bunch and spread, firing toward your ship from several positions.
- Fortress. Guards surround a core that can be protected or exposed. Watch for a shot aimed at your column.
Saturn uses its rings as inspiration for a moving gap across three fans. Octopus turns eight arms into two groups of crossing shots. Thunderstorm marks your column before striking straight down it.
Read the warning, then dodge
Dashed lines show the paths to avoid. Steer into a gap while your ship fires automatically. Your weapon upgrades as the battle goes on. Clear three waves without assistance for a Clean clear, or use the free Super Weapon for an Assisted clear. Both collect the card on this device.
Explore a card
Browse all 48 cards and pick one to see what inspired its signature. You can play it before collecting it.