Arkham Horror: The Card Game – The Scarlet Keys: Campaign Expansion

Fantasy Flight Games, Galakta, Hobby World · Board game · 2022
1–4 · best 2 Solo 45–180 min Weight 4.2/5
8.7 rating Ludopedia
8.1 rating BGG
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8.7 rating Ludopedia
8.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love branching narratives and want to feel the scale of a global adventure. The non-linear system is the highlight!

Highlights
  • Innovative non-linear campaign
  • Epic global scale
  • High scenario replayability
  • Engaging mystery atmosphere
Keep in mind
  • Requires separate investigator expansion
  • Long and complex campaign
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Get ready for a mystery that challenges memory itself. In 'The Scarlet Keys', you and your fellow investigators face a disturbing phenomenon in Arkham: people, animals, and objects are simply vanishing, and the worst part is that almost no one remembers they ever existed. Only you — and the mysterious sender of an enigmatic letter — hold these memories. This sparks an epic journey that pulls the investigators out of their comfort zone and takes them across the globe, all under the deadly gaze of the Red Coterie.

The real game-changer here is the narrative structure. For the first time in Arkham Horror LCG, we have a completely non-linear campaign. After the prologue, the destination is in the group's hands: you choose where to go, and that decision determines which scenario is played next. This introduces an incredible level of replayability, as the order of scenarios (excluding the start and the finale) is flexible. But be warned: time is your greatest enemy. Given the massive scale of the story, it is unlikely you will be able to visit every location in a single playthrough. You'll have to prioritize paths, knowing that some answers may remain forgotten forever.

Keep in mind that the experience is split. This Campaign Expansion focuses exclusively on the scenarios and the plot. If you want the new characters and deck cards, you'll need the corresponding Investigator Expansion. This is the most ambitious expansion in the franchise to date, expanding the Mythos horizons beyond the borders of Massachusetts and delivering a global adventure feel that changes the game's scale. If you love the feeling of being a detective in a collapsing world while trying to assemble a cosmic puzzle, this journey is a must.
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Game details

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Game: Arkham Horror – The Card Game
Publisher Fantasy Flight Games, Galakta, Hobby World, Korea Boardgames
Designer Aaron Haltom, Jeremy Zwirn, Josiah Harrist, MJ Newman
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need other expansions to play?
You need the Arkham Horror LCG core set. Additionally, to get the new characters, you'll need The Scarlet Keys Investigator Expansion.
Can I play it solo?
Yes! The game is excellent in solo mode, maintaining all the tension and complexity of the investigation.
How long does each session take?
Sessions vary widely, from 45 minutes up to 3 hours, depending on the scenario and the group's experience.
Is it too hard for beginners?
The weight is high (4.16). It's recommended that you are already familiar with the core game rules before diving into this campaign.
What does 'non-linear campaign' mean?
It means you choose your travel destination, and that choice determines which scenario you play, allowing for different paths in each playthrough.