The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game – Revised Core Set

Fantasy Flight Games, ADC Blackfire Entertainment, Galápagos Jogos · Board game · 2022
1–4 · best 2 Solo 30–120 min Weight 3.6/5
8.9 rating Ludopedia
8.4 rating BGG
8.9 rating Ludopedia
8.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy a good cooperative adventure and are a fan of Tolkien's universe, this LCG is a treat, with insane replayability and constant challenges.

Highlights
  • Immersive cooperative adventure
  • Strategic deck building
  • Excellent solo mode
  • Engaging narrative campaign
  • Compatible with expansions
Keep in mind
  • Initial learning curve
  • Requires deckbuilding dedication
  • Can be punishing
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
The revised edition of The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game is here, ready to take you on an epic journey through Middle-earth! This is a cooperative card game where you and up to three friends (or just you, if you prefer the solo challenge!) take on the roles of iconic heroes like Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. The goal is simple, but the execution is complex: form a team of adventurers and face the threats of Sauron in perilous missions that unfold across famous locations, from the fields of the Shire to the depths of Mirkwood and the realms of Gondor and Rohan.

The Revised Core Set is fully compatible with all previously released content, but brings some significant improvements. Now, a single core box supports up to four players, unlike the original version which required two boxes for larger groups. Furthermore, you'll find three copies of each of the 61 player cards from the original set, ensuring more deck-building options right from the start. The big news is a narrative campaign that links the three included scenarios, transforming them into a cohesive and immersive story. And to make everyone's life easier, there are quality-of-life improvements, such as new numbered resource, progress, and damage tokens, plus a revised 'Learn to Play' rulebook for new adventurers, with two additional decklists for those who want to go beyond the four starter decks.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 BEST
2 BEST
3 REC
4 OK
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Game details

Families

Authors: J.R.R. Tolkien Collectible: Living Card Game (Fantasy Flight Games) Game: The Lord of the Rings – The Card Game (LCG) Mechanism: Campaign Games Theme: Wizards
Publisher Fantasy Flight Games, ADC Blackfire Entertainment, Galápagos Jogos, Geekach LLC, HIT Games
Designer Nate French
Artist Alexandr Shaldin, Alexandru Sabo, Amanda Sartor, Andrew Olson, Angela Sung, Anna Christenson, Ben Zweifel, Christopher Hosch, Daarken, Daryl Mandryk, David Auden Nash, David Horne, David Lecossu, Dominik Kasprzycki, Drew Whitmore, Erfian Asafat, Even Mehl Amundsen, Florian Stitz, Frank Walls, Fredrik Tyskerud, Gabrielle Portal, Henning Ludvigsen, Igor Kieryluk, Ijur, Jason Ward, Jeff Himmelman, Jen Zee, John Stanko, John Wigley, Katherine Dinger, Kaya, Kevin Childress, Kristina Gehrmann, Leonardo Borazio, Lius Lasahido, Loren Fetterman, Lucas Graciano, Magali Villeneuve, Marc Scheff, Marco Caradonna, Margaret Hardy, Mark Winters, Mathias Kollros, Matthew Starbuck, Mike Nash, Nicholas Cloister, Nikolay Stoyanov, Noah Bradley, Rio Sabda, Ryan Barger, Sandara Tang, Santiago Villa, Sara Biddle, Soul Core, Tiziano Baracchi, Tom Garden, Tony Foti, West Clendinning, WiL Springer, Winona Nelson, Yoann Boissonnet
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game – Revised Core Set?
This revised set supports 1 to 4 players, which is great! The original version required two core sets to play with 3 or 4 people, but now one box is enough.
What is the average playtime for a game?
A game can last from 30 to 120 minutes, depending on the scenario, the complexity of your deck, and the number of players. Get ready for a good gaming session!
Is it a very complex game for beginners?
It has a medium-high complexity (BGG weight of 3.59/5), but the revised rulebook and starter decks help a lot. There is a learning curve, but the immersion is well worth it!
What's new in this revised edition compared to the original?
The main new features are support for up to 4 players with a single box, three copies of each player card (previously 1 or 2), a narrative campaign that connects the scenarios, and quality-of-life improvements like new tokens and a more user-friendly rulebook.
Do I need the original set to play this one?
No, this is a complete and self-contained Core Set! It is 100% compatible with previous content, so if you already own it, you can mix them. If not, this is the ideal starting point.
Is this game a Living Card Game (LCG)? What does that mean?
Yes, it's an LCG! This means that instead of random booster packs (like in TCGs), expansions come with a fixed set of cards. You know exactly what you're buying to expand your collection and strategies.