Arkham Horror: The Card Game is an enthralling series of deck-building card games that allows you to craft and personalize your experience to your heart's content. As a cooperative game, you and your fellow players collaborate to combat the sinister forces lurking within the game's universe. It's a part of the expansive Arkham Horror Files family, which includes various board games, card games, and the latest addition, the accessible Arkham Horror: The Role-Playing Game, along with its expansive rulebook, available on Amazon.
Launched in 2016, Arkham Horror: The Card Game has evolved with numerous expansions and updates, offering players a rich and varied gaming experience. While purchasing the game starts with the base deck and campaign, the journey doesn't stop there. The game offers multiple pathways to build, curate, and personalize your deck, making your foray into the Lovecraftian universe uniquely yours.
Featured in this article
### Arkham Horror: The Card Game
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dunwich Legacy Campaign Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dunwich Legacy Investigator Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Path to Carcosa Campaign Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Path to Carcosa Investigator Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Forgotten Age Campaign Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Forgotten Age Investigator Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Circle Undone Campaign Expansion
0See it at Walmart### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Circle Undone Investigator Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Edge of The Earth Campaign Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Edge of The Earth Investigator Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Scarlet Keys Campaign Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Scarlet Keys Investigator Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dream-Eaters Campaign Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dream-Eaters Investigator Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Innsmouth Conspiracy Campaign Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Innsmouth Conspiracy Investigator Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Feast of Hemlock Vale Campaign Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Feast of Hemlock Vale Investigator Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Drowned City Campaign Expansion
0See it at Asmodee Store### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Drowned City Investigator Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Stella Clark Starter Deck
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Nathaniel Cho Starter Deck
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Jacqueline Fine Starter Deck
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Harvey Walters Starter Deck
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Winifred Habbamock Starter Deck
0See it at Walmart### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Murder at the Excelsior Hotel Scenario Pack
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Fortune and Folly Scenario Pack
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - War of The Outer Gods Scenario Pack
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Machinations Through Time Scenario Pack
0See it at Walmart### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Labyrinths of Lunacy Scenario Pack
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Blob That Ate Everything Scenario Pack
0See it at AmazonHere's a swipe-able, all-in-one carousel of everything discussed in the article, for those who feel confident enough about their Arkham Horror: The Card Game knowledge to skip the blurbs. For everyone else, keep on reading.
The Base Game
### Arkham Horror: The Card Game
0See it at AmazonMSRP: $59.95 USDPlayers: 1-4Playtime: 45 mins per playerAges: 14+The core set is your gateway into the dark world of Arkham Horror. It includes five pre-built investigator decks, ready for you to dive into the first scenario: the Night of the Zealot campaign. This offers a replayable introduction to the game's universe, and if you find yourself captivated, a vast array of expansions awaits to further enrich your journey.
Arkham Horror Card Game Expansions
The expansions for Arkham Horror: The Card Game differ from those of the board game version. While the board game expansions include full stories, scenarios, and new investigators, the card game separates these elements. You can purchase campaign expansions for new stories and investigator expansions for new characters, allowing you to tailor your experience. This flexibility lets you invest in the level of gameplay you desire, with the option to play new scenarios using existing investigators.
The Dunwich Legacy
### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dunwich Legacy Campaign Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dunwich Legacy Investigator Expansion
0See it at AmazonThe Dunwich Legacy was the first expansion released, offering a gentle escalation from the base game with user-friendly scenarios. It involves a search for lost investigators, reflecting the game's theme of building upon itself with each new investigator set introduced in expansions.
The Path to Carcosa
### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Path to Carcosa Campaign Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Path to Carcosa Investigator Expansion
0See it at AmazonIn this expansion, a mysterious theatre production arrives in Arkham. It introduces user-friendly rules for new players yet remains engaging for veterans. Those with the original edition may find the second edition's changes compelling enough to upgrade.
The Forgotten Age
### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Forgotten Age Campaign Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Forgotten Age Investigator Expansion
0See it at AmazonThis expansion sends you to explore the ruins of an Aztec city, facing a time-altering mystery. It's notably challenging, recommended for players who've experienced other campaigns. The second edition enhances the original's complexity.
The Circle Undone
### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Circle Undone Campaign Expansion
0See it at Walmart### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Circle Undone Investigator Expansion
0See it at AmazonAffectionately known as "the witches pack," this expansion introduces investigators with powerful bonuses, vital for the challenging campaign it presents. Acquiring the investigators is highly recommended if you're tackling this expansion.
The Edge of the Earth
### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Edge of The Earth Campaign Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Edge of The Earth Investigator Expansion
0See it at AmazonJourney to the antarctic tundra, a classic Lovecraftian setting, where peril awaits at every turn. Whether you choose to play with or without the coordinating investigators, strategic decision-making is crucial.
The Scarlet Keys
### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Scarlet Keys Campaign Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Scarlet Keys Investigator Expansion
0See it at AmazonEmbark on a global quest involving an international conspiracy and the collection of keys, racing against the Red Coterie. This expansion offers a less linear exploration compared to others, providing flexibility in gameplay.
The Dream Eaters
### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dream-Eaters Campaign Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dream-Eaters Investigator Expansion
0See it at AmazonThis campaign includes two four-part storylines, Dream Quest and the Web of Dreams, which can be played separately or combined into a longer narrative, catering to different playtime preferences.
The Innsmouth Conspiracy
### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Innsmouth Conspiracy Campaign Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Innsmouth Conspiracy Investigator Expansion
0See it at AmazonThis expansion features a dynamic world influenced by changing water levels that can flood locations, adding a strategic layer to your gameplay experience.
The Feast of the Hemlock Vale
### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Feast of Hemlock Vale Campaign Expansion
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Feast of Hemlock Vale Investigator Expansion
0See it at AmazonIn this newer expansion, you're drawn to Hemlock Vale, where the residents are preparing for a festival amidst lurking dangers. You have three days to unravel the mysteries, with gameplay dynamics varying by day and night.
The Drowned City
### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Drowned City Campaign Expansion
0See it at Asmodee Store### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Drowned City Investigator Expansion
0See it at AmazonThe latest expansion pits you against the awakened squiddy lord from Lovecraftian lore, challenging you and your team to save the day.
Other ways to expand your deck-building adventures in Arkham
Starter Decks
### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Stella Clark Starter Deck
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Nathaniel Cho Starter Deck
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Jacqueline Fine Starter Deck
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Harvey Walters Starter Deck
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Winifred Habbamock Starter Deck
0See it at WalmartIf you're looking to add a new character to your roster without committing to a full expansion, consider the starter investigator decks. These decks are more affordable and introduce new investigators to enhance your gameplay. While they may not match the prowess of campaign-linked investigators, they offer a cost-effective way to expand your options. Choose from Harvey Walters, Nathaniel Cho, Jacqueline Fine, Winifred Habbamock, and Stella Clark, all priced at $16.99, with occasional discounts available.
Scenario Packs
### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Murder at the Excelsior Hotel Scenario Pack
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Fortune and Folly Scenario Pack
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - War of The Outer Gods Scenario Pack
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Machinations Through Time Scenario Pack
0See it at Walmart### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Labyrinths of Lunacy Scenario Pack
0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Blob That Ate Everything Scenario Pack
0See it at AmazonFor a smaller dose of action, standalone scenario packs are available at $21.99 each. Murder at the Excelsior Hotel is considered an entry-level scenario, ideal for those hesitant to dive into full expansions. Other packs include Fortune and Folly, Machinations Through Time, War of the Outer Gods, Labyrinths of Lunacy, and The Blob That Ate Everything.
Return to Boxes
Return to boxes offer revamps and additions to specific campaigns, requiring the base campaign set to play. These are considered luxury items for dedicated fans, and some may be hard to find due to discontinuation or limited availability. Currently available are Night of the Zealot, Dunwich Legacy, Circle of Carcosa, Circle Undone, and Forgotten Age. The Forgotten Age return-to-box is said to address some of the original's complexities.
Parallel Investigator Packs
Parallel investigators offer alternate versions of existing investigators with different abilities and enhanced stats. Like Return to Boxes, these may not be readily available at major retailers, requiring collectors to search for them.
The Bottom Line
For fans of the Lovecraft mythos, Arkham Horror: The Card Game offers an immersive universe ripe for exploration. Its cooperative nature allows for solo or group play, with endless replayability across its various expansions. However, be aware that the game leans towards the challenging side, with elements of chance that can heighten both replayability and frustration. While setup and learning may take some time, the card game is generally quicker to set up than its board game counterparts, making the journey through the dark world of Arkham less daunting.