Arkham Horror: The Card Game is an enthralling deck-building experience where you can tailor your decks to match the dark themes of the game. As a cooperative game, you and your fellow players work together to combat the chilling horrors lurking within. This game is a cherished part of the expansive Arkham Horror Files universe, which also includes board games and the accessible Arkham Horror: The Role-Playing Game (available on Amazon), along with its expansive rulebook.
Since its debut in 2016, Arkham Horror: The Card Game has evolved with numerous expansions and updates. Navigating the purchase of the game beyond the base deck and campaign can be a bit tricky, as there are various ways to customize and enhance your gameplay experience.
Featured in this article
### Arkham Horror: The Card Game
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dunwich Legacy Campaign Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dunwich Legacy Investigator Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Path to Carcosa Campaign Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Path to Carcosa Investigator Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Forgotten Age Campaign Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Forgotten Age Investigator Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Circle Undone Campaign Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Circle Undone Investigator Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Edge of The Earth Campaign Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Edge of The Earth Investigator Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Scarlet Keys Campaign Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Scarlet Keys Investigator Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dream-Eaters Campaign Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Dream-Eaters Investigator Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Innsmouth Conspiracy Campaign Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Innsmouth Conspiracy Investigator Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Feast of Hemlock Vale Campaign Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Feast of Hemlock Vale Investigator Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Drowned City Campaign Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Drowned City Investigator Expansion
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Stella Clark Starter Deck
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Nathaniel Cho Starter Deck
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Jacqueline Fine Starter Deck
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Harvey Walters Starter Deck
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Winifred Habbamock Starter Deck
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Murder at the Excelsior Hotel Scenario Pack
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Fortune and Folly Scenario Pack
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - War of The Outer Gods Scenario Pack
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - Machinations Through Time Scenario Pack
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### Arkham Horror: The Card Game - The Labyrinths of Lunacy Scenario Pack
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### 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 includes everything you need to start your adventure. With five pre-built investigator decks, you can dive straight into the Night of the Zealot campaign, offering a captivating and replayable introduction to the Arkham Horror Card Game world. If you're hooked, a vast array of expansions awaits your exploration.
Arkham Horror Card Game Expansions
Arkham Horror's card game expansions differ from the board game expansions. While board game expansions include complete stories, scenarios, and new investigators, the card game splits these into campaign expansions for new stories and investigator expansions for new characters. This allows you to tailor your gaming experience, choosing to explore new scenarios with or without the new 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 Dunwich Legacy was the first expansion released, offering a gentle step up from the base game with user-friendly scenarios. You'll search for missing investigators, a theme that mirrors how the franchise grows by adding new investigator sets with each expansion.
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 AmazonThis expansion introduces a theater production to Arkham, featuring user-friendly yet challenging rules for both new and seasoned players. If you own the first edition, the second edition's differences might still entice you to upgrade.
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 an adventure through an Aztec city's ruins, facing a mystery that could unravel time itself. This challenging campaign is best suited for players who've already explored other expansions. It's now on its second edition.
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 AmazonDubbed "the witches pack," this expansion introduces powerful new investigators alongside a tough campaign. If you're planning to tackle this campaign, the investigators are highly recommended.
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 AmazonExplore the antarctic tundra, a classic setting for Lovecraftian horrors. Choose your steps wisely in this perilous environment, with or without the coordinating 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 AmazonThis expansion takes you on a global quest to uncover an international conspiracy involving key collection and the Red Coterie. Its less linear nature allows for varied exploration.
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 campaign offers two four-part storylines: Dream Quest and the Web of Dreams. You can play them separately or combine them into an epic eight-part story.
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 can flood locations, adding a dynamic layer to your strategic decisions.
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, you'll explore Hemlock Vale, where residents unknowingly prepare for a festival amidst mutated wildlife and a sinister presence. Investigate the strange happenings over three days, with varying dynamics based on day or night.
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 newest expansion, The Drowned City, pits you against the awakened Lovecraftian lord of the deep. It's up to you and your team to save the day.
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 WalmartIf you're interested in adding a new character without diving into a full expansion, starter decks are a more affordable option. These decks introduce new investigators to aid your gameplay, though they might not be as robust as those found in campaign expansions. Choose from Harvey Walters, Nathaniel Cho, Jacqueline Fine, Winifred Habbamock, and Stella Clark, all priced at $16.99, often available at a discount.
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 provide a more concise gameplay experience, ideal for those wanting a taste of action before committing to larger expansions. Priced at $21.99 each, options include Murder at the Excelsior Hotel (entry-level), Fortune and Folly, Machinations Through Time, War of the Outer Gods, Labyrinths of Lunacy, and The Blob That Ate Everything.
Return to Boxes
Return to boxes offer revamped and additional content for select campaigns, requiring the original campaign set to play. These are considered luxury items for dedicated fans, and some may be challenging to find due to discontinuation or limited availability. Available options include Night of the Zealot (the original starter box campaign), The Dunwich Legacy, The Path to Carcosa, The Circle Undone, and The Forgotten Age. Notably, The Forgotten Age is said to refine some of the complexities of its original version.
Parallel Investigator Packs
Parallel investigators are alternate versions of existing investigators, featuring different abilities and stats. Like Return to Boxes, these may not be readily available at major retailers, requiring some effort to find.
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 cooperative play, with endless replayability across its vast universe. However, be prepared for a challenging experience with a significant element of chance, which adds to both replayability and potential frustration. While setup and learning time can be a bit lengthy, the card game is generally easier to manage than the board game, especially without expansions, making the journey through the horrors less daunting.
