Hello all,

I will admit that I have never picked up a LOTR card in my life but the gameplay videos I have watched have intrigued me enough to plan on purchasing the core set. The fact that this can be a solo or multiplayer game along with the deckbuilding nature makes it seem slightly more interesting than sentinels of the multiverse.

Saying all of that, what would the community recommend for the initial expansion purchases? While I am aware that I will most likely purchase most if not all of the cards eventually, a guy needs to start somewhere. Are there any deluxe expansions that stand out more than others? Or do any of the adventure packs contain certain "must have" cards?

I look forward to joining the fight against the encroaching darkness!

I think the general consensus is to buy them in order as they were released.

That said, Grey Havens advertises itself as a good entry point, so I suppose you could try that too.

This is also helpful https://talesfromthecards.wordpress.com/2013/09/13/new-player-buying-guide/

After the Core Set, buy the Saga/Deluxe expansions, because not only you'll get more player cards, but also you'll be able to play the scenarios. Leave the Adventure Packs for the last. The two Hobbits saga expansions might be a good place to start since they bring some good player cards. If you want good player cards asap, some good Adventure Packs might be:

- The Watcher in the Water

- Foundations of Stone

- Shadow and Flame

- The Steward's Fear

Those come from the top of my head. You can always browse around for the cards you like/need and find out in which expansion or Adventure Pack they come in

If you are going to start with AP. I would also pick up return to mirkwood. Dain ironfoot is a must have for dwarf decks

That said, Grey Havens advertises itself as a good entry point, so I suppose you could try that too.

It does? Where? And most important: Is there any truth to it?

personally I enjoyed buying them in order as the first mirkwood cycle almost works as an extended intro to the game as it covers some standard concepts such as big boss fight, location lock, healing escort etc.. It also evolves as the designers were seeing/releading it.

For me the narative of that worked really well.

Definitely be prepared to make changes to your decks to tailor them to a specific quest for awhile.

That said, Grey Havens advertises itself as a good entry point, so I suppose you could try that too.

It does? Where? And most important: Is there any truth to it?

Grey Havens a good starting point? I wouldn't agree with that at all personally. I don't know other feel. But I wouldn't consider Noldor an easy trait to use. And quests are a little rough.