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Arkham Horror Card Game: Ultimate Buying Guide

By AlexanderMay 05,2025

Arkham Horror: The Card Game offers a thrilling deck-building experience that you can tailor to your darkest desires. As a cooperative game, you and your fellow investigators will unite to face the chilling horrors lurking in the shadows. This game is a cornerstone of the expansive Arkham Horror Files universe, which also includes various board games, card games, and the recently introduced Arkham Horror: The Role-Playing Game (available on Amazon), along with its comprehensive rulebook.

Since its launch in 2016, Arkham Horror: The Card Game has evolved through numerous expansions and updates, enriching the gameplay with new content and mechanics. Purchasing the game can be a bit complex beyond the core set and initial campaign, as the game offers various ways to build, customize, and enhance your gaming experience.

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 provides everything you need to embark on your journey. It includes five pre-built investigator decks, allowing you to dive straight into the Night of the Zealot campaign. This initial experience offers a rich, replayable introduction to the Arkham Horror Card Game world. Once hooked, you'll find a vast array of expansions to further your adventures.

Arkham Horror Card Game Expansions

Unlike the board game expansions, the card game expansions are split into campaign and investigator sets. Campaign expansions add new stories, while investigator expansions introduce new characters. This separation allows you to choose the level of investment in your gaming experience, as you can play 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 Dunwich Legacy was the first expansion, offering a gentle escalation from the base game with user-friendly scenarios. It revolves around the search for lost investigators, seamlessly integrating with the game's theme of expanding character sets with each release.

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 theatre production in Arkham, with user-friendly rules yet challenging enough for veteran players. The second edition offers enough new content to justify a purchase even if you own the original.

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 AmazonExplore the ruins of an Aztec city in this challenging campaign that threatens the fabric of time itself. It's recommended for experienced players and is now in 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 AmazonOften called "the witches pack," this expansion introduces powerful investigators and a tough campaign. Acquiring the investigator set is highly recommended alongside the campaign.

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 AmazonJourney to the antarctic tundra, a classic setting for Lovecraftian horrors. Navigate the perilous environment with or without the matching 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 chase involving an international conspiracy and a collection of keys. Its non-linear structure 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 AmazonFeaturing two four-part storylines, you can play them separately or combine them for an extended eight-part adventure.

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 AmazonIn this expansion, the world changes dynamically with rising water levels, adding strategic depth to your gameplay.

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 AmazonThis newer expansion takes you to Hemlock Vale, where you must unravel mysteries during a festival, with different challenges during day and 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 latest expansion features the awakening of a Lovecraftian deity, challenging you 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 new investigators without committing to a full expansion, starter decks are a cost-effective option. While they may not match the power of campaign-linked investigators, they offer variety at $16.99 each, 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 offer a more manageable dose of action than full expansions, priced at $21.99 each. Murder at the Excelsior Hotel is considered entry-level, perfect for those hesitant to dive into larger expansions.

Return to Boxes

Return to boxes enhance and revise specific campaigns, requiring the base set to play. They are considered luxury items and can be challenging to find, as some are discontinued. Five are currently available, with some enthusiasts noting that the Forgotten Age box simplifies the original expansion's complexities.

Parallel Investigator Packs

Parallel investigators offer alternative versions of existing characters with new abilities and stats. Like Return to Boxes, they are not always easy to find at major retailers, requiring collectors to search diligently.

The Bottom Line

For fans of the Lovecraft mythos, Arkham Horror: The Card Game is an essential exploration. Its cooperative nature and solo play options, combined with endless replayability, make it a must-have. However, be prepared for a challenging experience with a significant element of chance, and a setup that, while simpler than the board game, still requires some time to master.

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