KeyForge: Dark Tidings – Archon Deck

Fantasy Flight Games, Hobby World, Korea Boardgames · Board game · 2021
7.9 Ludopedia 7.8 BGG 2–4 · best 2 45–90 min Weight 2.5/5
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7.9 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

KeyForge: Dark Tidings is the perfect expansion for those who already enjoy the KeyForge universe and are looking for a fresh injection of novelty and strategy. The introduction of the Unfathomable House and the tide mechanic bring incredible freshness, changing the dynamics of matches and opening up a range of new tactics. If you love the thrill of discovering a unique deck and adapting to it, this collection will win you over with its twists and the possibility of 'evil twin decks.'

Highlights
  • New control mechanics
  • Innovative Unfathomable House
  • Strategic tide dynamics
  • Unique 'evil twin decks'
  • Refreshes KeyForge experience
Keep in mind
  • Requires base game
  • Initial learning curve
  • Luck of the deck draw
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to dive into the depths of the Crucible with KeyForge: Dark Tidings – Archon Deck, the fifth collection of Archon decks for the world's only Unique Deck Game! This expansion brings a wave of novelties, introducing the Unfathomable House, which replaces Dis in the current card pool. The Unfathomable are masters at controlling their opponents, exhausting enemy creatures to dominate the battlefield. But the surprises don't stop there! Each House now has the ability to summon the tides of the Crucible, allowing players to take advantage of high tide and avoid the dangers of low tide, adding an unprecedented strategic layer to the game. And for those who love twists, Dark Tidings also presents the chance to find intriguing 'evil twin decks.' In these decks, many cards are replaced by their 'evil twin' versions, which come with alternative abilities, graphic designs, and completely different art, ensuring an even more unpredictable and exciting gaming experience. If you're already a KeyForge fan, this expansion is a full plate to renew your strategies and discover explosive new combinations!

Expansion for

Published additional content

1 items

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 BEST
3 OK
4 OK

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Components: Unique Game Game: KeyForge
Publisher Fantasy Flight Games, Hobby World, Korea Boardgames, Rebel Sp. z o.o.
Designer Richard Garfield

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

461owners
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7want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
Is KeyForge: Dark Tidings a complete game or an expansion?
It's an expansion! To play KeyForge: Dark Tidings, you need the KeyForge base game, as it adds new decks and mechanics to the existing system.
How many players can participate and what's the average game duration?
KeyForge is designed for 2 players in its most common format, but with some variants or extra decks, it can be played by up to 4. A game usually lasts between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on player experience and deck complexity.
What's the main new feature that Dark Tidings brings to the game?
The big star is the Unfathomable House, which replaces Dis and focuses on exhausting enemy creatures. Additionally, the Crucible's tide mechanic adds a strategic layer, with effects that change depending on whether the tide is high or low. Oh, and the 'evil twin decks' are a fun surprise!
Is it a very complex game for beginners?
KeyForge has a medium complexity (BGG weight 2.5/5). The basic rules are easy to learn, but mastering the interactions between cards and the strategies of each unique deck requires a few plays. Dark Tidings adds more layers, so a beginner might want to start with a simpler deck before venturing into this expansion.
What are these 'evil twin decks'?
These are special decks within the Dark Tidings collection that contain alternative versions of some cards. These 'evil twin' cards have different abilities, art, and graphic designs from their 'normal' versions, making the deck even more unique and unpredictable.
Do I need a specific deck to play with the new tide mechanics?
No! The tide mechanic is introduced in all Dark Tidings decks and affects all Houses, giving all players a chance to interact with this new dynamic, regardless of the House they are playing.
Is KeyForge: Dark Tidings a collectible card game like 'Magic'?
Not exactly! While it is a card game, KeyForge is a 'Unique Deck Game.' This means you buy a pre-built, sealed deck that is the only one of its kind in the world, and there's no deck building or buying individual boosters like in Magic. You play with the deck you receive, and that's part of the fun!