Arkham Horror LCG: The Ultimate Buyer's Guide

Dive into the chilling world of Arkham Horror: The Card Game, a captivating deck-building experience where you and your friends collaborate to conquer terrifying cosmic horrors. This cooperative card game, part of the expansive Arkham Horror Files universe, offers a deeply customizable and replayable adventure. Since its 2016 debut, it has spawned numerous expansions and revisions, creating a rich tapestry of gameplay options. Building your perfect deck and choosing your path through the mysteries is half the fun!

Beyond the core set, the game's expansion system offers a unique approach. Instead of bundled campaigns and investigators, they're sold separately, allowing for tailored experiences. You can build your collection gradually, adding new stories or characters as you desire.

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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. Five pre-built investigator decks allow immediate entry into the "Night of the Zealot" campaign, offering a taste of the game's depth and replayability. From there, the vast array of expansions awaits.

Arkham Horror Card Game Expansions

Unlike the board game, expansions for the card game are modular. Campaign expansions add new storylines, while investigator expansions introduce new playable characters. This flexible system allows players to customize their experience.

The Dunwich Legacy

A perfect stepping stone from the base game, The Dunwich Legacy offers user-friendly scenarios centered around the search for missing investigators—a theme subtly mirrored in the expansion's structure.

The Path to Carcosa

A theatrical mystery unfolds in Arkham. While accessible to newcomers, its challenges will keep veterans engaged. The second edition offers significant improvements over the first.

The Forgotten Age

Explore Aztec ruins and a time-bending mystery in this challenging campaign. Recommended for experienced players only, now available in a refined second edition.

The Circle Undone

Affectionately known as "the witches pack," this expansion features powerful investigators to counter its challenging campaign. Highly recommended to purchase the investigators alongside the campaign.

The Edge of the Earth

Brave the perilous Antarctic wilderness in this expansion. The chilling setting adds a new layer of strategic depth, whether you utilize the corresponding investigators or not.

The Scarlet Keys

Unravel an international conspiracy involving a collection of keys and a race against the Red Coterie in this less linear campaign.

The Dream-Eaters

This campaign features two four-part storylines, "Dream Quest" and "Web of Dreams," playable separately or combined for a longer, more epic adventure.

The Innsmouth Conspiracy

A dynamic world where water levels impact gameplay, adding a strategic layer to decision-making.

The Feast of Hemlock Vale

Investigate strange happenings in Hemlock Vale during a three-day festival, where day and night cycles impact gameplay.

The Drowned City

The newest expansion, where the awakening of a great cosmic entity threatens all.

Other Ways to Expand Your Arkham Adventures

Starter Decks

Affordable additions to your investigator roster, offering a cost-effective way to expand your options before committing to full expansions. Note that these investigators may not be as powerful as those in campaign expansions.

Scenario Packs

Standalone scenarios offering shorter, self-contained adventures, ideal for those seeking a smaller commitment than a full campaign expansion. "Murder at the Excelsior Hotel" is often recommended as a good entry point.

Return to Boxes & Parallel Investigator Packs

These offer enhanced versions of existing campaigns and investigators, catering to dedicated players. Availability may be limited.

The Bottom Line

Arkham Horror: The Card Game provides a thrilling and customizable Lovecraftian experience, playable solo or with friends. While challenging and incorporating elements of chance, its modularity and replayability make it a rewarding journey into the depths of cosmic horror. The card game format offers a streamlined setup compared to its board game counterpart, making it more accessible.