Additionally, players can optionally use an "Agenda" card. In 2nd edition, a player forms his decks by choosing a Faction card (such as House Baratheon), which allows him to use all loyal AND non-loyal cards from that faction. Furthermore, players can easily share a collection with a friend or two by divvying up the 8 factions. The Core set and deluxe expansions will not rotate but rather remain "evergreen". The LCG model makes Thrones a relatively cheap investment compared to collectible card games like Magic, Yugioh and Pokemon. To ease the burden of entry for new players and keep the tournament scene fresh, chapter packs rotate out of the tournament-legal card pool after about 4 years (so starting in 2019). Tyrell, Stark, Lannister, Martell, and Night's Watch boxes are currently available, beginning with Wolves of the North. As of April 2018, there are 23 chapter packs available, beginning with Taking the Black.Įach deluxe expansion features one faction prominently, but includes some cards from all 8 factions.
You know exactly what you're getting when you buy a pack - no chasing rares, and no shelling out big bucks just to play on equal footing in tournaments.Ĭhapter packs contain 2 different cards per each of the 8 factions factions, plus 4 different neutral cards, all at 3x each for a total of 60 cards.
Both product types contain a fixed distribution of cards, and each card comes 3x so you have a full play-set immediately. $15 MSRP) and bi-annual deluxe expansions (approx. Under the LCG model, additional cards are released in monthly chapter packs (approx. If you've already enjoyed playing with a single Core set, consider enhancing and customizing your decks with cards from additional Core sets, Chapter packs or Deluxe boxes. Casual gamers may find one Core sufficient, but tournament players need three Cores to obtain a full play-set of every card. You get single copies of most cards, but a few neutral ones are duplicated to reach a total of 234 cards in the box. The Core box for 2nd Edition contains 211 distinct cards. For reviews of the Core set, check out Ars Technica, Shut up and Sit Down, Paste Magazine, and Drive Thru Review.
The Thrones LCG can by played head-to-head (called " joust" - the usual format for competitive tournaments) or with 3-6 players (called " melee" - more like a board game). The 2nd edition Core set hit shelves in October 2015, with small expansions following monthly. For Fantasy Flight's reasons behind the reboot, please read lead designer Nate French's letter to the community.
However, the new edition does maintain the essential game elements (plot deck, three challenge types, victory condition) of the first edition. Previous cards are not compatible across editions. In August 2015, the game rebooted again, still with the LCG distribution model but with streamlined rules, sleek new designs, and additional factions.
In 2008 the game rebooted to accommodate a switch to LCG (living card game) format. It was designed by Eric Lang at Fantasy Flight Games and based on the novels written by George R.R. The Game of Thrones card game launched as a CCG (collectible card game) in 2002. You can start exploring them with this Faction-by-faction primer , which explains key play-styles and strategies. Players choose to represent one of eight factions vying for control of or influence over the Iron Throne: Targaryen, Lannister, Baratheon, Stark, Martell, Greyjoy, Tyrell, and the Night's Watch. To achieve their goals, players launch military attacks against their opponents, undermine their opponents’ plans with intrigues of their own, and make brazen power plays to win the support of the realm. In the Game of Thrones LCG players use customized decks to assume leadership of one of the great houses of Westeros vying for control of King's Landing and the Iron Throne. Welcome to the comprehensive FAQ & guide to community resources.