Protector of Lorien, Trollshaw Scout, Watcher of Bruinen...

The reason "turtle" decks are so popular is because the newer the quest, the more difficult it is to race through with just heroes. I wouldn't even think about playing a deck with less than 18 allies when you have an enemy that just thumps on you repeatedly. More and more I think this is a pigeon hole card game, meaning designers try to cram specific deck concepts down the players' throats rather than opening up design space. Outlands is a great example. I understand every sphere should have strengths and weaknesses but the way I see this game is in a series of tiers.

Tier 1 - questing. You've got to start off with the ability to quest. This means spirit or dwarves. Playing solo you can and should add in some fighting and healing ability. But questing is how you win.

Tier 2 - fighting. If you have a partner, his or her job is to fight enemies. Where questing heroes and allies is paramount in deck 1 with a nominal amount of combat support, the opposite is true for the second player deck. Sentinel and ranged are key here. A nominal amount of questing support is necessary as backup. Legolas is a must.

Tier 3 - control. You want the third player to be the person countering that third flip. This means a back up bank of cancel cards and threat reduction. Leadership belongs here. Sneak attack and various attachments get you through the game. Better bring Sam and Eleanor if you want to win.

Tier 4 - fighting all the way. This is the deck that is either straight tactics or goes leadership/tactics with the twins + Theodred.

Until we get more high wp heroes, expect the trend to continue.

Until we get more high wp heroes, expect the trend to continue.

This is a trend?

I must have missed the memo because I don´t see lore represented and I prefer lore all the way these days.

Lets me better prepare for what is to come and direct encounter deck manipulation is sweet as well.

The trend being turtling with lots of allies.

I also use lore. Both my tier 1 and tier 2 decks include lore cards. Check out my solving the game thread in the strategy section for more info.

there has been two weeks since the last preview ... I think we should get something guys there in FFG

Yes, they should show us the 2nd hero

We are not going to see the 2nd hero IMO till the release

I know, but IMO we won't see preview until Christmas

I want to see the announcement for The Ring-Maker Cycle and The Road Darkens saga expansion!

I want to see the announcement for The Ring-Maker Cycle and The Road Darkens saga expansion!

I would think we should see an annoucement for both soon, looking at the hobbit expansions, on the doorstep was announced roughly a month after over hill and under hill was released so we are right in that time frame now for The Road Darkens.

The against the shadow packs started getting previews about a month BEFORE HoN released so it really depends on when VoI comes out now that it was pushed back. Could be January, could be March (boy would that be rough..)