Dive into the chilling world of Arkham Horror: The Card Game, a cooperative deck-building experience that lets you craft a deck tailored to your investigative style. Team up with friends to confront the terrifying horrors lurking in the shadows. This engaging card game is part of the expansive Arkham Horror Files universe, which also includes board games and the recently released, more accessible, Arkham Horror: The Role-Playing Game (available on Amazon) and its accompanying rulebook.
Since its debut in 2016, Arkham Horror: The Card Game has expanded significantly with numerous revisions and additions. Building your perfect game experience goes beyond simply purchasing the core set and a campaign; there are numerous ways to customize your gameplay.
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Here's a quick overview of all the products mentioned. For those familiar with the game, feel free to skip ahead!
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, including five pre-built investigator decks and the "Night of the Zealot" campaign. A great starting point with high replayability, and a springboard to the vast world of expansions.
Arkham Horror Card Game Expansions
Unlike the board game expansions, the card game sells campaign expansions (new stories) and investigator expansions (new characters) separately. This allows for flexible purchasing based on your desired investment.
The Dunwich Legacy
A user-friendly expansion serving as a stepping stone from the base game, involving the search for lost investigators.
The Path to Carcosa
A theatre-themed expansion with user-friendly rules, yet challenging enough for experienced players. The second edition offers updates even for those who own the first.
The Forgotten Age
Explore Aztec ruins in this challenging campaign that bends time itself. Recommended for players with experience. Also available in a second edition.
The Circle Undone
Affectionately known as "the witches pack," this expansion features powerful investigators to counter its challenging campaign.
The Edge of the Earth
Brave the Antarctic tundra in this expansion filled with chilling peril.
The Scarlet Keys
Unravel an international conspiracy involving keys and the Red Coterie in this less linear campaign.
The Dream-Eaters
This campaign includes two four-part storylines, "Dream Quest" and "Web of Dreams," playable separately or combined.
The Innsmouth Conspiracy
Navigate a dynamic world altered by fluctuating water levels in this unique campaign.
The Feast of Hemlock Vale
Investigate strange happenings in Hemlock Vale during a three-day festival in this newer expansion.
The Drowned City
Confront the awakened Great Old One in this latest expansion.
Other Expansion Options
Starter Decks
Add investigators at a lower cost than full expansions, though their effectiveness may be less than campaign investigators.
Scenario Packs
Standalone scenarios offering a smaller, more focused experience. "Murder at the Excelsior Hotel" is often cited as a good entry point.
Return to Boxes & Parallel Investigator Packs
These are revamps and alternate versions of investigators, respectively, often harder to find and considered collector's items.
Conclusion
Arkham Horror: The Card Game offers a compelling Lovecraftian experience, playable solo or with friends. While challenging and incorporating elements of chance, its replayability and relatively easier setup compared to the board games make it a worthwhile adventure for fans of the genre.
