Arkham Horror Card Game: Ultimate Buying Guide

Arkham Horror: The Card Game is a captivating series of deck-building card games that allows you to tailor your experience to your dark heart's content. As a cooperative game, it invites you and your fellow players to unite against the looming horrors of the Lovecraftian universe.

Part of the expansive Arkham Horror Files family, which includes board games, card games, and the accessible Arkham Horror: The Role-Playing Game (available on Amazon) along with its expansive rulebook, the card game has been enchanting players since its launch in 2016. With numerous expansions and updates, the game offers a rich, evolving experience. However, navigating the array of options beyond the base deck and campaign can be complex, as the game allows for extensive customization and personalization.

Featured in this article

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dunwich Legacy Campaign Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dunwich Legacy Investigator Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Path to Carcosa Campaign Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Path to Carcosa Investigator Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Forgotten Age Campaign Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Forgotten Age Investigator Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Circle Undone Campaign Expansion

0See it at Walmart### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Circle Undone Investigator Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Edge of The Earth Campaign Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Edge of The Earth Investigator Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Scarlet Keys Campaign Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Scarlet Keys Investigator Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dream-Eaters Campaign Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dream-Eaters Investigator Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Innsmouth Conspiracy Campaign Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Innsmouth Conspiracy Investigator Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Feast of Hemlock Vale Campaign Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Feast of Hemlock Vale Investigator Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Drowned City Campaign Expansion

0See it at Asmodee Store### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Drowned City Investigator Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Stella Clark Starter Deck

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Nathaniel Cho Starter Deck

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Jacqueline Fine Starter Deck

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Harvey Walters Starter Deck

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Winifred Habbamock Starter Deck

0See it at Walmart### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Murder at the Excelsior Hotel Scenario Pack

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Fortune and Folly Scenario Pack

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - War of The Outer Gods Scenario Pack

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Machinations Through Time Scenario Pack

0See it at Walmart### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Labyrinths of Lunacy Scenario Pack

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Blob That Ate Everything Scenario Pack

0See it at AmazonHere's a swipe-able, all-in-one carousel of everything discussed in the article, for those who feel confident enough about their Arkham Horror: The Card Game knowledge to skip the blurbs. For everyone else, keep on reading.

The Base Game

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $59.95 USDPlayers: 1-4Playtime: 45 mins per playerAges: 14+The core set is your gateway into the chilling world of Arkham Horror. It comes with five pre-built investigator decks, allowing you to dive straight into the Night of the Zealot campaign. This initial experience provides a rich, replayable introduction to the game, and if it captures your imagination, a vast array of expansions awaits.

Arkham Horror Card Game Expansions

Unlike the board game versions, the expansions for Arkham Horror: The Card Game are split into campaign expansions, which introduce new stories, and investigator expansions, which add new characters. This separation lets you choose your level of investment, enabling you to enjoy new scenarios with or without the latest investigators.

The Dunwich Legacy

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dunwich Legacy Campaign Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dunwich Legacy Investigator Expansion

0See it at AmazonThe first expansion, The Dunwich Legacy, serves as an approachable step up from the base game, introducing new scenarios and the search for lost investigators. It's a seamless continuation of the game's narrative, enhancing the overall experience.

The Path to Carcosa

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Path to Carcosa Campaign Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Path to Carcosa Investigator Expansion

0See it at AmazonIn this expansion, a mysterious theatre production comes to Arkham, adding a new layer of intrigue. It's user-friendly yet challenging enough to keep seasoned players engaged. If you own the first edition, the second edition's enhancements may still entice you.

The Forgotten Age

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Forgotten Age Campaign Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Forgotten Age Investigator Expansion

0See it at AmazonEmbark on a perilous journey through the ruins of an ancient Aztec city in this challenging expansion. It's best for players who have already delved into other expansions, as its second edition offers refined gameplay.

The Circle Undone

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Circle Undone Campaign Expansion

0See it at Walmart### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Circle Undone Investigator Expansion

0See it at AmazonNicknamed "the witches pack," this expansion introduces powerful investigators and a formidable campaign. The new investigators enhance your ability to tackle the complex scenarios, making this a must-have for dedicated players.

The Edge of the Earth

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Edge of The Earth Campaign Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Edge of The Earth Investigator Expansion

0See it at AmazonVenture into the antarctic tundra, a classic setting for Lovecraftian horror. This expansion challenges you to navigate perilous environments, with or without the accompanying investigators.

The Scarlet Keys

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Scarlet Keys Campaign Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Scarlet Keys Investigator Expansion

0See it at AmazonExplore an international conspiracy in this less linear expansion, where you race against the Red Coterie to collect keys. It's a thrilling addition to your collection, whether or not you include the new investigators.

The Dream Eaters

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dream-Eaters Campaign Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dream-Eaters Investigator Expansion

0See it at AmazonThis expansion offers two four-part storylines that can be played separately or combined into an epic eight-part saga. It's perfect for players looking for flexible gameplay options.

The Innsmouth Conspiracy

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Innsmouth Conspiracy Campaign Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Innsmouth Conspiracy Investigator Expansion

0See it at AmazonNavigate an ever-changing world where water levels dictate your strategy. This dynamic element adds a fresh twist to the gameplay, making it a standout expansion.

The Feast of the Hemlock Vale

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Feast of Hemlock Vale Campaign Expansion

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Feast of Hemlock Vale Investigator Expansion

0See it at AmazonIn this newer expansion, investigate the mysterious happenings in Hemlock Vale over three days, with different challenges based on the time of day. It's a gripping addition to the series.

The Drowned City

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Drowned City Campaign Expansion

0See it at Asmodee Store### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Drowned City Investigator Expansion

0See it at AmazonThe latest expansion pits you against a newly awakened Lovecraftian entity. It's a thrilling challenge for seasoned players.

Other ways to expand your deck-building adventures in Arkham

Starter Decks

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Stella Clark Starter Deck

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Nathaniel Cho Starter Deck

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Jacqueline Fine Starter Deck

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Harvey Walters Starter Deck

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Winifred Habbamock Starter Deck

0See it at WalmartFor those interested in adding new characters without committing to a full expansion, starter investigator decks are an affordable option. Priced at $16.99 each, these decks feature characters like Harvey Walters, Nathaniel Cho, Jacqueline Fine, Winifred Habbamock, and Stella Clark, and can often be found on sale.

Scenario Packs

### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Murder at the Excelsior Hotel Scenario Pack

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Fortune and Folly Scenario Pack

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - War of The Outer Gods Scenario Pack

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Machinations Through Time Scenario Pack

0See it at Walmart### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Labyrinths of Lunacy Scenario Pack

0See it at Amazon### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Blob That Ate Everything Scenario Pack

0See it at AmazonStandalone scenario packs offer smaller, focused doses of gameplay. Priced at $21.99 each, they include titles like Murder at the Excelsior Hotel, Fortune and Folly, Machinations Through Time, War of the Outer Gods, Labyrinths of Lunacy, and The Blob That Ate Everything. They're perfect for players looking to dip their toes into new stories.

Return to Boxes

Return to boxes enhance and add to existing campaigns, requiring the base campaign set to play. Considered luxury items, they're ideal for dedicated fans. However, some are out of print, making them collector's items. Available return-to-boxes include Night of the Zealot, Dunwich Legacy, Circle of Carcosa, Circle Undone, and Forgotten Age, with the latter said to improve the original's complexity.

Parallel Investigator Packs

Parallel investigators are alternate versions of existing characters with new abilities and stats. These packs are harder to find at major retailers, appealing to collectors seeking unique gameplay options.

The Bottom Line

If you're a fan of Lovecraftian themes, the Arkham Horror universe is a must-explore. Arkham Horror: The Card Game offers both solo and multiplayer experiences, with extensive replayability. However, be prepared for a challenging game with a significant element of chance, which can enhance both replayability and frustration. While setup and learning time are manageable, the game's complexity remains a hallmark of the series.