How To Play Arkham Horror Card Game
Introduction
Welcome to Arkham, Massachusetts, a realm steeped in mystery, madness, and ancient, unspeakable horrors. In Arkham Horror: The Card Game, you and your fellow investigators take on the roles of valiant heroes, delving into the depths of this enigmatic town to uncover its terrifying secrets. Whether you’re new to the Arkham Horror universe or a seasoned veteran, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to embark on your thrilling investigative journey.
How to Play Arkham Horror: Card Game Step by Step
1. Game Setup:
a) Gather Your Components: Lay out the game board, scenario guide, player cards, investigator cards, and encounter decks. b) Choose Your Investigators: Each player selects and reveals their investigator, setting up their respective decks and tokens. c) Place the Act and Agenda Decks: Prepare the Act and Agenda decks based on the scenario instructions.
2. Understanding Game Phases:
a) Investigate Phase: Investigate locations, gather clues, and interact with the game world. b) Encounter Phase: Draw encounter cards to determine events, challenges, or threats you’ll face. c) Upkeep Phase: Manage your resources, heal, and prepare for the next turn. d) Mythos Phase: Advance the game’s narrative, shuffle encounter decks, and draw Mythos cards.
3. Navigating the Game Board:
a) Locations: Move between locations by spending actions, collecting clues, and encountering various challenges. b) Gates: Discover portals to other dimensions, leading to alternate locations and unique challenges. c) Treacheries: Beware of treachery cards that can hinder your progress and test your sanity.
4. Managing Resources:
a) Actions: Perform actions to move, investigate, interact with cards, and activate investigator abilities. b) Clues: Collect clues to advance the investigation and uncover valuable information. c) Resources: Manage your resources, such as sanity, health, and money, to overcome obstacles and survive.
5. Combat and Tests:
a) Combat: Engage in combat against enemies, using your investigator’s unique abilities and weapons. b) Skill Tests: Overcome challenges by rolling dice and matching or exceeding the target number. c) Sanity and Health: Maintain your sanity and health to avoid dire consequences and mental breakdowns.
How to Play Arkham Horror: The Card Game for Beginners
Choose a Beginner-Friendly Scenario:
a) The Gathering: A straightforward scenario that introduces the game’s mechanics and basic concepts. b) The House Always Wins: Explore a haunted casino while learning about deckbuilding and resource management. c) The Dunwich Legacy: A longer and more challenging campaign, perfect for those ready for a deeper dive.
Start with a Smaller Investigator Pool:
a) Roland Banks, Daisy Walker, and Skids O’Toole: These investigators are relatively easy to learn and provide a balance of abilities. b) Try Pre-built Decks: Use the pre-constructed decks provided in the game to get a feel for different investigator playstyles.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help:
a) Community Resources: Join online forums, Discord servers, and playthrough videos to learn from experienced players. b) Read the Rules Thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with the game’s mechanics, card types, and special abilities. c) Adapt and Learn: As you play more, you’ll discover new strategies and ways to overcome challenges.