Lost Ruins of Arnak Assistant Rules: Silver, Gold, Refreshing & Upgrading
Assistants provide reusable effects in Lost Ruins of Arnak. They normally begin on their silver side and can later be upgraded to their gold side.
How do you gain an Assistant?
Assistants are gained through research-track rewards and other specific effects. When an effect tells you to take one from the supply, follow the availability and stack rules shown by the research board.
What is the difference between silver and gold?
The silver side is the basic effect. When an Assistant is upgraded, flip it to its gold side, which provides the stronger version of that Assistant’s ability.
What does exhausting an Assistant mean?
After using an Assistant effect that requires it, turn or mark the Assistant as exhausted according to the component orientation. An exhausted Assistant cannot normally be used again until refreshed.
How are Assistants refreshed?
Round cleanup and specific game effects can refresh exhausted Assistants, making them available again.
Can upgrading refresh an Assistant?
Follow the rule/effect granting the upgrade. The base rules use assistant upgrades as part of research progression, and the component’s new gold side becomes the active upgraded ability according to that timing.
What is the Snake Temple assistant rescue?
On the Snake Temple side, a research-space effect lets you secretly inspect the specified assistant stack and rescue one. The official rules note that the rescued Assistant enters exhausted unless another effect refreshes it.
Can an Assistant generate travel icons?
Yes, some Assistants provide travel or other resources. If an effect gives temporary travel, it must be used within the timing allowed by that effect.
Related Arnak guides
Official source
Rules checked September 2026.