Arkham Horror: The Card Game

Fantasy Flight Games, Arclight Games, asmodee · Board game · 2016
1–2 · best 2 Solo 60–120 min Weight 3.6/5
8.7 rating Ludopedia
8.1 rating BGG
8.7 rating Ludopedia
8.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you're looking for a deeply thematic, narrative-driven card game with RPG elements, Arkham Horror: The Card Game will pull you into its Lovecraftian mysteries. It's perfect for players who enjoy building a story as much as building a deck.

Highlights
  • Immersive Lovecraftian narrative and atmosphere
  • Deep character customization and deck building
  • Engaging blend of RPG and card game
  • Rich, evolving campaign experience
Keep in mind
  • High complexity for new players
  • Requires multiple core sets for 3-4 players
  • Ongoing investment for full content
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our interactive rules guide and exclusive illustrated infographic.
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About the game
Get ready to dive into the dark mysteries of Arkham Horror: The Card Game, an experience that blends RPG and card game in a way only the Lovecraftian universe can. Here, you and up to three friends (with two core sets) take on the role of investigators in the quiet New England town of Arkham. But don't think it's just about skills: your characters come with their own flaws and traumas, perhaps a dangerous flirtation with the Necronomicon or the need to hide terrible truths from the general population. All of this is reflected in your custom deck, which will be your tool to unravel terrifying secrets.

Each adventure in this LCG (Living Card Game) pulls you deeper into the plot. You'll encounter sinister cultists, macabre rituals, haunted houses, and bizarre creatures, all while the Ancient Ones try to break through the barriers to our world. The main mode of play is the campaign, where every choice and action you take has consequences that extend far beyond the current scenario. Your decisions can earn you valuable experience, allowing you to better prepare your investigator for the challenges yet to come. It's an intense cooperative journey where the narrative is built with your choices, ensuring that each game is unique and full of tension.
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Arkham Horror: The Card Game English · PDF
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Game details

Families

Collectible: Living Card Game (Fantasy Flight Games) Game: Arkham Horror – The Card Game Mechanism: Campaign Games Mechanism: Tableau Building Players: Games with expansions that change player count Players: Games with Solitaire Rules
Publisher Fantasy Flight Games, Arclight Games, asmodee, Asterion Press, Edge Entertainment, Galakta
Designer MJ Newman, Nate French
Artist Christopher Hosch, Henning Ludvigsen, Ignacio Bazán Lazcano, Marcin Jakubowski, Mercedes Opheim, Zoe Robinson
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can participate in a game of Arkham Horror: The Card Game?
The base game is designed for 1 to 2 players, but if you have two core sets, you can expand the experience to include up to 4 investigators. Perfect for a night of mysteries with friends!
What is the average game duration?
Prepare for an immersive session! A game typically takes 60 to 120 minutes, depending on the scenario and the complexity of your decisions. It's a game you savor.
Is it a complex game to learn?
It has a BGG weight of 3.5658/5, indicating a medium-high complexity. It's not a 'filler,' but the learning curve is worth it for the depth and immersion it offers. Think of it as a card-based RPG!
Do I need expansions to enjoy the game?
The core set already offers a complete campaign and many hours of gameplay. However, the Arkham Horror LCG universe is vast, and expansions add new stories, investigators, and challenges, deepening the experience. It's a 'Living Card Game,' so new content is constant!
Who is Arkham Horror: The Card Game for?
It's ideal for H.P. Lovecraft fans, players who enjoy cooperative games with strong narrative and RPG elements, and those who aren't afraid of a game with a lot of text and strategic decisions. If you like building decks and seeing your choices impact the story, you've found your game!
Are the components of good quality?
Yes, Fantasy Flight Games is known for the quality of its components. The cards are well-illustrated and made of good material, and the game's art greatly contributes to the dark and immersive atmosphere.
Is the game highly language dependent?
Yes, the game is quite language dependent. There's a lot of text on scenario, investigator, and skill cards, making a good grasp of English or the use of community-translated materials almost essential.