Getting into The Lord of the Rings: The Living Card Game can be a bit of a nightmare. Although lots of people do start with the Core Box, they often find themselves introduced into the universe through a progression of questing through the scenarios. Realistically a hint from the final stage of the Core Box (I am talking about you Escape from Dol Guldor): you are going to need more cards to stand a chance as heroes in Middle-earth.

Updated Core Set // The Lord of the Rings Card Game

Grab Your The Lord Of The Rings: The Card Game Revised Core Set

Recently, Fantasy Flight Games have released their Revised Core Set, updating certain aspects of the starter set for an overarching 4-player experience. There are some pre-made deck examples in there already if you're just jumping in and want to start playing with the idea of building a deck. You might just want to stick to a particular sphere of influence, or mix it up a little, but the game is designed for you to play it your way. And that means getting hold of cards scattered across a multitude of different releases - which are not in the core box and miles away in the story.

The cards in the Core Box work as a fantastic introduction of the world, tied to three of the scenarios that teach the fundamental basics of the game. But if you have found this tough, and are looking to venture off into Adventure Packs through The Shadows of Mirkwood or Darrowdelf - you're going to need a better deck past the Core Box without headaches and worrying about winning off of sheer luck.

Starter Decks // The Lord Of The Rings: The Card Game

Aligned with the new Revised Edition, Fantasy Flight Games have released four new pre-made decks for you to flex some heroes into battle. And they have been drawn together by theme: The Dwarves of Durin, The Elves of Lorien, The Defender of Gondor and The Riders of Rohan - all of which play very different. So let's take a look in brief at what deck brings to the table:

Dwarves Of Durin // The Lord Of The Rings: The Card Game

The Dwarves of Durin bring force and might to the forefront. Calling on the strength and might across all Dwarven-folk, these bad boys have the opportunity to swarm the tabletop in a brute force of axe-wielding terror. Containing the likes of Fili, Kili and Dain Ironfoot: there are plenty of characters to get stuck into when working out the savage playstyle of the Dwarves.

Elves Of Lorien // The Lord Of The Rings: The Card Game

The Elves of Lórien brings tactics to the table, as wood-elves must cooperate to ensure play keeps the villain on their toes. Bringing on Celeborn, Galadriel and Haldir - these elves have some nasty tricks up their sleeves. They must flex their connection to their Silvan allies, to ensure they can return to the table time and time again for some flawless ability takedowns.

The Defenders of Gondor are ready if you like living life on the edge. These champions will be hacking and slashing their way through enemies, placing allies on the front line with an unbelievable payoff. It is just whether you want to gamble the unforgiving odds that LOTR LCG brings.

Riders Of Rohan // The Lord Of The Rings: The Card Game

Finally, the Riders of Rohan: if you are quick-minded for strategy and tactical play Rohan will answer. Bringing out hard hitters onto the stage, with a hit-and-run tactic. They will have effects after the character leaves play churning in and out the calvary for days. Some of my favourite cards have been Rohan-based, bringing the likes of Eomer into battle.

If you have purchased into the expansions and adventure packs like myself - do not worry, there are no new cards in these Starter packs - so you are not missing out. These Starter Packs are being released alongside the new Revised Edition, helping new players access the game.

Revised Edition Preview // The Lord of the Rings Card Game

So if you are looking for a specialised deck that matches your playstyle and want to delve deeper into The Lord of the Rings The Living Card Game without having to pick up packs upon packs to build a solid deck from the get-go, these Starter Decks will be sure to see you fit to cooperate against a challenge as you stumble on new characters joining your fellowship as you adventure on if you have not gone further than the Core Set.

In my opinion, any of these packs with just the core set solo, Gondor will prove worthy at the early stages of the game but still challenging, and Rohan will certainly prove useful at later cycles. A diverse deck in early games is your favour until the card pool is bigger, so I wouldn't tie myself down to one particular theme. However, teamed up with many different players cooperatively - the early game options have certainly become more diverse.

Everybody plays differently so pick a deck that you will have fun playing with, the game is diverse and incredibly unforgiving. Having a flawless deck that wins each time would simply be boring! Knowing your deck and the threat you are facing and the tactics you divide with your set of heroes and characters will be the defining win. I would love to know how you slash your way through each scenario Middle-earth has to throw as you, and the deck you are using.

The decks are now released, and you can find them online and at your FLGS store today!

Me, I am comfortable with my tailored Vilya Deck enjoying the adventure with both brutal challenges and a fulfilling journey. Would you be interested in the new Starter Decks?