The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game – The Drowned Ruins

Fantasy Flight Games, Edge Entertainment, Galakta · Board game · 2016
1–2 Solo 30–60 min Weight 3.0/5
10.0 rating Ludopedia
8.2 rating BGG
Buy
10.0 rating Ludopedia
8.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you love underwater challenges and want more sphere synergies, The Drowned Ruins will surprise you.

Highlights
  • Silvan hero cards
  • Unique sphere mechanics
  • LCG expansion
  • Underwater challenges
Keep in mind
  • Requires LCG base
  • Medium‑high complexity
  • Up to 60 min playtime
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In 2016, the Dream Chaser cycle of the LCG added another chapter: The Drowned Ruins. If you’ve already sailed the seas of Tolkien, faced corsairs and sea monsters, it’s time to dive into an underwater temple full of traps and creatures that only the most cautious will overcome. The pack brings 60 cards that expand the cycle with new Silvan heroes, Scout and Warrior allies, and reinforces the sphere‑influence theme with cards that grant bonuses when you pay with another sphere. In addition, the underwater setting introduces unique monsters and locations that require players to plan each move carefully, as water can be both ally and deadly obstacle.

For those familiar with the base, the expansion adds new cards for Hobbit, Dúnedain, and Trap decks, and a Secrecy title that supports decks built for two or fewer heroes. If you enjoy collectibles, the pack offers more options for the Living Card Game, keeping the flow of new cards that guarantee the game never feels repetitive. The Drowned Ruins keeps the cooperative focus, with each player receiving unique powers that change how you interact with the game. Hand management remains central, demanding you decide when to play or hold cards to protect your strategy.

In terms of time, each session lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, ideal for those wanting something quick yet immersive. The complexity level sits between medium and high, recommended for those already experienced with the LCG and looking to test new synergies. If you’re after a game that blends adventure, strategy, and Tolkien’s atmosphere, The Drowned Ruins is the right pick. Get ready to dive in, because the temple is full of secrets only the careful will uncover.

Expansion for

Published additional content

1 items

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–2 players
1 OK
2 OK

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Authors: J.R.R. Tolkien Collectible: Living Card Game (Fantasy Flight Games) Game: The Lord of the Rings – The Card Game (LCG) Players: Games with Solitaire Rules
Publisher Fantasy Flight Games, Edge Entertainment, Galakta, Heidelberger Spieleverlag
Designer Nate French
Artist Aleksander Karcz, Andreia Ugrai, Beth Sobel, Drazenka Kimpel, Federico Musetti, Guillaume Ducos, Jake Bullock, Jordan Saia, Joshua Cairós, Ken McCuen, Łukasz Jaskólski, Marius Bota, Mariusz Gandzel, Niten, Sara Winters, Timo Karhula

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can play?
1-2 players, but it works cooperatively with up to 2.
How long does a game last?
30 to 60 minutes, depending on how quickly you navigate the challenges.
What is the difficulty level?
Medium to high, recommended for those familiar with LCG.
What components are included?
60 cards, including heroes, allies, monsters, titles, and resource tokens.
Does it play alone or need the base game?
It requires the LCG base game; it’s an expansion.
Is it suitable for solo play?
Yes, it can be played solo using solitaire rules.