Arkham Horror LCG: The Ultimate Buyer's Guide

Dive into the chilling world of Arkham Horror: The Card Game, a cooperative deck-building experience where you and your friends collaborate to overcome terrifying cosmic horrors. This engaging game, part of the expansive Arkham Horror Files universe, offers a deeply customizable gameplay experience. Since its 2016 release, it has expanded significantly, with numerous campaigns and investigator packs to enhance your chilling adventures. The game's modular nature allows for diverse playthroughs, catering to both newcomers and seasoned veterans of the Lovecraftian genre. Building and refining your deck is a key part of the fun, allowing you to tailor your strategy to each terrifying encounter.

This article explores the various ways to expand your Arkham Horror: The Card Game experience, from base game to extensive expansions.

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The Base Game

MSRP: $59.95 USD Players: 1-4 Playtime: 45 mins per player Ages: 14+

The core set provides everything needed to begin your investigation. It includes five pre-built investigator decks, allowing immediate entry into the "Night of the Zealot" campaign. This offers a compelling introduction to the world of Arkham Horror: The Card Game, with ample replayability. Further expansion options are readily available for those seeking a deeper dive.

Arkham Horror Card Game Expansions

Unlike the board game counterpart, Arkham Horror: The Card Game expansions are sold separately for campaigns and investigators. This allows for customized expansion based on player preference. You can add new stories without necessarily purchasing new investigators, offering flexibility in building your gaming experience.

The Dunwich Legacy

This initial expansion serves as a natural progression from the base game, introducing user-friendly scenarios focused on the search for lost investigators—a theme reflected in the subsequent investigator expansions.

The Path to Carcosa

A theatrical production sets the stage for this expansion, offering engaging scenarios for both new and experienced players. The second edition introduces refinements that even seasoned players will appreciate.

The Forgotten Age

Explore the ruins of an ancient Aztec city in this challenging campaign, where the very fabric of time is threatened. Its difficulty makes it best suited for players with experience from other campaigns. A second edition is currently available.

The Circle Undone

Affectionately known as "the witches pack," this expansion features powerful new investigators to counter the challenging campaign. Acquiring the investigators is highly recommended when playing this expansion.

The Edge of the Earth

Brave the unforgiving Antarctic wilderness in this expansion, where Lovecraftian horrors lurk in the icy depths. The campaign presents a significant challenge, regardless of whether you utilize the corresponding investigators.

The Scarlet Keys

Embark on a globe-trotting adventure to unravel an international conspiracy involving a collection of keys and a race against the Red Coterie. This expansion offers a less linear exploration experience compared to others.

The Dream-Eaters

This campaign features two four-part storylines, "Dream Quest" and "Web of Dreams," playable individually or combined for an extended eight-part adventure.

The Innsmouth Conspiracy

Experience a dynamic world where water levels impact location accessibility, adding a strategic layer to gameplay decisions.

The Feast of the Hemlock Vale

Investigate strange occurrences in Hemlock Vale during a festival, where mutated wildlife and a sinister presence threaten the unsuspecting residents. Gameplay varies depending on day or night cycles.

The Drowned City

The newest expansion, where the awakening of a powerful entity necessitates a desperate race against time to save the city.

Other ways to expand your deck-building adventures in Arkham

Starter Decks

Add new investigators at a lower cost than full expansions. While potentially less powerful than campaign investigators, these provide additional character options.

Scenario Packs

Standalone scenarios offering shorter, self-contained adventures, ideal for smaller gaming sessions.

Return to Boxes

Revamped campaigns offering enhanced gameplay experiences for dedicated players. Availability may vary.

Parallel Investigator Packs

Alternate versions of investigators with unique abilities, catering to collectors and those seeking diverse gameplay options. Availability may vary.

The Bottom Line

Arkham Horror: The Card Game provides a captivating and customizable Lovecraftian experience, playable solo or with friends. While challenging, the game offers high replayability and a satisfying sense of progression. The card game format simplifies setup compared to its board game counterpart, making it a more accessible entry point into the thrilling world of Arkham Horror.