Hi, I'm new to all this LCG (and CCG) stuff so please forgive my stupid questions.

Are the linked expansions actually linked gameplay-wise? On the back of each box there's a very brief synopsis but the cards from one pack don't seem to be dependent on any other battle pack cards. Do you have to get the packs in sequence?

You should just save yourself the headache and buy them all at once

Seriously, though. I haven't seen much difference. I have purchased the core set along with the first and last battle pack of the Corruption cycle. The battle packs seem to follow a basic theme within themselves individually, but as far as new and crazy rules.. nothing major. They feel like natural extensions of the core set to me.

The first deluxe expansion has the other two faction decks. I hope to pick that up soon.

The new battle pack cycle just started. That one may be and feel different when compared to the first cycle, especially if you buy one of the old packs and the new one. The Corruption packs have 40 cards and the new one has 60(with 3x copies of each card).

I feel your pain. I just started playing a month ago and am trying to organize my purchases in order to catch up/see if there is product to keep me interested.

No, they are not linked and you can buy them in any order you want.