How to Play the LORD OF THE RINGS the Living Card Game

[@k1ngadazmus]

This game has been sitting on my shelf for literally years, thanks for the playthrough and teach, now to get it to the table :)

[@LordVampire1985]

Picked up a revised core set yesterday, just here to see a good play through, so thank you!

[@uluairi]

Completing LOTR LCG collection is one of the milestones i got in my life. A masterpiece of a game indeed.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Diego That's a lot of game there with a complete collection!! :)

[@TheTheshadow32]

Also important: Over the years they launched an “easy mode” play that can be downloaded on the official FFG website. Only 2 rules added: you get ONE extra resource per hero at the start of the game AND some of the difficult cards are taken out before starting a specific scenario. Since they introduced that mode several years ago, the game became much more attractive and allows to play without reconstructing your decks completely between each seperate scenario.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

Thanks for the info!! :)

[@b0x1nG]

Ow cool, maybe they put the rules in the new Revised set?

[@TheTheshadow32]

@@b0x1nG Yes. These new revised sets not only contain the easy rules changes but they also reprinted the cards that have the “harder” modes signs on them so you can take these out when the challenge is too hard for your deck.

[@edward.miranda]

@@TheTheshadow32 Is the additional resource for each hero every ‘resource’ phase or just at the setup?

[@werdna9006]

@@edward.miranda Just the setup

[@TheTheshadow32]

The first of the colo/coop LCG’s. I have almost all content. It depends on my mood setting which of these LCG’s I like best. I think in general the Marvel Champions LCG has the best replayability per box purchased. I find the Arkham Horror LCG the best story telling and excellent 4 player mode. The Lord of the Rings is the oldest and most demanding one for deck construction. A small design problem with it is the unlimited card in hand aspect which results in constructing decks with endless card draw and “pre view next card” mechanics. All Nate French designs btw. Glad you show it.

[@mattmartin326]

OK. This is crazy. I just barely pulled out my LoTR LCG yesterday because a friend was asking about a "fantasy" version of Marvel Champs. I told him that this was loosely the closest thing and he was getting excited. Great video.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Matt Martin I hope your friend enjoys the game!! :)

[@dg9030]

Yesss Dale playing LOTR LCG, love it!

[@matthiasmaccabeus9215]

Been playing this one since it came out. It has a great following and has been fun playing through everything all these years.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Matthias Maccabeus I'm just glad to see the packs available again so people can get into the game. :)

[@DadsGamingDK]

Your explain things so simple. What an awesome channel you have! 👏

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

Thanks, very much appreciated! :)

[@jenniel6555]

This is my favorite solo game but it’s TOUGH! I take breaks for a month or two when my frustration gets too high.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Jennie L My group played it a few times when it originally came out ... and I remember it being a tough game to win and having to really specialize decks to get the win. I'm not the best "deck-customizer" but oddly find comfort and have fun suffering with friends during a coop game ... not so much solo. :D

[@COTRPodcast]

Well....you know I'm happy to see this video!!!!

[@benm912]

I bought this recently on a whim (I love LotR) but my word, watching this play-through really highlights how difficult it is. It seems like there's so many cards that get drawn against you each round. Great video as always, love your stuff!

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Ben Morris Thanks for watching, and of the LCGs from Fantasy Flight, I think this is the toughest one for sure! Good luck in your adventures! :)

[@katewesterfeld4411]

I was so excited this morning when I saw the notification that you were playing LotR LCG! This is my favourite co-op LCG, edging out AH due to theme and my love of deckbuilding. Hopefully some more new players pick up the game due to reprints. My advice to new players is to 1) net-deck (look up decks online) if you're not familiar/do not like deckbuilding, 2) if you like the game, get 2 Core boxes and 3) if you decide to expand out your collection, pick a theme you like (Dwarves, Gondor, Hobbits etc.) and buy those Cycle packs. Also, minor rules nit-picks about the Shadow cards: You always deal the Shadow cards to the enemy with the highest engagement first then go in descending order. As well, if the Encounter deck runs out of cards in any phase other than the Quest phase you don't reshuffle the deck - so some enemies might not have Shadow cards on them.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Kate I think this game will continue to do well, and thanks for the great advice!! :)

[@writerguy911]

I wanted to get in to this a few years back but I was late to the party and there seemed like so much content that I felt way out of my depth. This video is an absolute godsend, as I had no idea it was back in stock. One I am definitely going to explore a bit more. Cannot wait for a playthrough. Cheers!

[@snieves4]

Theyve now released the game in different formats. They have a hero set from a campaign and a set with all the scenarios for that campaign. This is for every campaign in the game. You can pick and choose what you want.

[@momozatheone3650]

So nice to see Dale playing LOTR LCG when there're not many good playthroughs on KZbin!! Great timing, just when I started playing it :)

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

Good luck with your fellowship!!

[@momozatheone3650]

@@DaletheCasualGamer great game and video Dale :)

[@MartinBraonain]

Fantastic introduction - shows how you can breeze through the game and have fun

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Martin Braonain Thanks for watching! :)

[@ragnotgreymane]

I was surprised to see you play this but very very happy you did. Does this mean this will be the first of a series of LOTR LCG videos? I hope so. I am just trying to get back into the game itself so I could do with your tips.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Ragnot This was just me noticing it wasn't out of stock everywhere and wanted to give it a try. Deck construction for this game is a bit more involved, in my opinion, than the other LCGs ... it's a tough game! If there is a big dry spell of other games, other LCGs are definitely a possibility! :)

[@tymurphy8564]

Excellent content as always. Fell in love with MC and now want to try this while it is in print!

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

Ty, hope you enjoy! Happy gaming!! :)

[@XHuntinatorX]

Didn’t realize they had a reprint. There are a ton of expansions for it... and I am still waiting for some of the Arkham Horror cycles to become available. Too many games... too little money :-).

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@XHuntinatorX ... And not enough time to play them all! ;)

[@MattMcCoasters]

I just got this game as well and really enjoying it. Solo and with my wife.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

Sounds like you've got a good fellowship! Good luck in your quests! :)

[@MattMcCoasters]

Indeed we do just have to watch out for the grabby hobbits while we play these days.

[@andreastremerewaya]

This game is taking me to places...love that imaginative aspect of gameplay. Nice game mister!

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

Thanks for watching!! Have fun playing. :)

[@IronShepherd5771]

Thank you so much for doing this! I'm surprised it took me so long to find it. With the Revised Core Set announced and the Dwarves, Elves, Gondor and Rohan Starter Decks announced I think more videos will be even more relevant! This is such a great video will recommend this one for sure. (Also there is an "action window" after adding a card to the Staging Area where you could have discarded to add Willpower only if you actually needed to. The Action Windows are only listed online or on the original printing of the rule book I believe. Also if the Encounter Deck runs out I think you just get a free pass when adding s shadow Cards. Then you reshuffle as part of end of round stuff).

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Iron Shephard Thanks for watching! I also think the revised set will have rules updated instead of having to look online ... so that is a big plus! Happy gaming!!

[@srrkato]

Im here after the anouncement of the Revised core cant wait to get i to the game now 🔥

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Srrkato Haha ... maybe I should have waited a few months. :) Hope you enjoy the new box!

[@SaschaKleiber]

Wish they‘d finally add a campaign mode to this game. I really liked it, but the ridiculously high difficulty and no campaign mode like in Arkham are a total killer to me. Unfortunately. They could have done such a great campaign mode for it…

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

​ @Sascha Kleiber A campaign mode for LOTR definitely makes sense!

[@srrkato]

Revised core Game is coming on january 28 and has campaing mode

[@SaschaKleiber]

@@srrkato Yeah, not really, just some campaign cards… still nothing compared to a real campaign mode like Arkham Horror.

[@robkeeley1570]

So happy to have found this, I don't know whether to get this or AH LCG, I currently play marvel champions LCG

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Rob Keeley Tough choice for sure! Try to save the fellowship in LOTR, or test your sanity in AH. Good luck in your choice! :)

[@forbode]

Nice to see LOTR LCG, one of my favourites. Minor rules blip as Gleowine is unique can only have one in play at a time. Though the game would be far more forgiving if we could have multiple stewards of gondor.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

I could have sworn she one of identical triplets! ;) Thanks!

[@andycheung9760]

LOL I was just going to make a post on Reddit asking if there are any play through of this game as high quality as Dale’s Marvel Champions videos

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Andy Cheung lol Thanks! I don't see me getting into this like Marvel Champions, but at least this can get you started. :)

[@devinreplays5876]

I have completely fallen in love with this game and this is a great overview, I've actually just started my own series but I'm struggling a little with camera quality. yours looks great though, what camera are you using?

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

Good luck with your channel! I use an iphone 8. I think the biggest thing is lighting to help the camera out. I have a couple LED lights shining in from the sides. I didn't get expensive lights (light link - amzn.to/3ixcHBO ) Hope that helps!

[@devinreplays5876]

@@DaletheCasualGamer yes, lighting has absolutely been a pain haha, I'll take a look, thanks so much

[@zzgkmzz]

Just started playing. It helped. Thank you.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

zzgkmzz. Thanks for watching, and happy gaming! :)

[@zzgkmzz]

If I have 1 card defending but it already blocked an attack and the rest of the hero's are commited to the quest. Can I put the undefended attack hit points into any hero I choose(hero's commited to quest as well)?

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@@zzgkmzz Yes. Undefended attacks can go to any hero you control. :)

[@joshuacamper1831]

I have played LOTR LCG since 2011. It is the game that got me hooked on FFG's LCGs. The Saga Expansions have been my absolute favorites where you take the One Ring to Mount Doom! I am looking forward to watching your experience with LOTR!

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

A decade of experience … I may need you to lead this fellowship!

[@lucasbaia566]

Please, more playtroughs in the Future 😬

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Lucas Baia Haha ... I think I can only handle one LCG at a time, but wanted to "refresh" my memory in this one since it seems to be available now! :)

[@rafad3475]

Thanks for the tutorial and playthrough. This game is as awesome as Marvel Champions. :)

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@kamb26]

Dude! LOTR LCG! Caleb Grace’s baby until he moved on to a little game called Marvel Champions. Fun fact: The Nick Fury basic ally in Marvel Champions was basically the new version of Gandalf from LOTR. :)

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

Those guys did feel very similar!! :)

[@Castorshells]

So much frustration playing this game. I still have core box and one expansion but haven't touched it in a long time. Great video!

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Shawn Gabrish Such a tough game for sure! :)

[@bigplaychad8]

I always thought this game looked fun, but never got into it. Maybe I will give it a go! Thanks.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Mark Spitzig I think it is a more challenging game to play, and if you enjoy deck construction, and LOTR, this is a great game to get into and the recent reprint helps getting copies at a regular price! :)

[@bigplaychad8]

@@DaletheCasualGamer Guess I will have to pick it up. Thanks for costing me so much money, Dale!

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@@bigplaychad8 lol That's what us gamers do, "force" other gamers to buy stuff. ;)

[@bigplaychad8]

@@DaletheCasualGamer Update: I got it and have been playing it (on easy mode) and really liking it.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@@bigplaychad8 Easy mode for all the LCG's makes for less stressful and more relaxing games. :D

[@Jesperc888]

I have a question. At 21:55 the Forest Spider has 2 attack, but it gets a bonus +1 attack when it engages a player (making it 3 attack). Then the Dol Guldur Orcs give a +1 attack as a shadow effect to your defending hero. Isn't it 4 attack vs 3 defence then? Resulting in 1 damage token.

[@Danipenn]

this game couldn't be more complicated :D

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

It's a tough game for sure!

[@NZLPsycho]

Great video thanks! 😁

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@alex judd Thanks for watching! :)

[@sedlak87]

You made me try it! I already have AH + Marvel collection

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Matus Sedlak Haha! You have now entered the trilogy of LCG's!!

[@j_atkinson]

Great intro to the game! This is something I've always gone back and forth about getting. It look kind of intimidating, but now having played a lot of Marvel Champions, it looks less so and much more enjoyable. Problem is affording both MC and LOTR ;-)

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

True story! So many games, so little money ... and time. :)

[@angelparedes920]

So... are you going into the game? As in, adventure packs, sagas, expansions, getting a life size balrog statue for your bedroom?

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Angel Paredes The life size balrog statue for the bedroom actually is on my to-do list, the other things not so much. I think I can only handle one LCG at a time. But time will see if one pops up on occasion or not. I did buy one other pack because there were a lot of "Dale's" in the set - Wilds of Rhovanion :D

[@DavidHargis]

Your card sleeves seem extremely clear. What brand are they?

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@David Hargis For cards getting shuffled I use Dragon Shield clear matte sleeves, and then for the character identity card, main villain card, and main schemes I use FFG sleeves (basically any premium sleeve that is clear on both sides). The Dragon Shield clear matte sleeves are "blurry" on one side, so not the best for dual sided cards but I love the way they feel. Hope that helps, and happy gaming!! :)

[@JJEMcManus]

Interesting from a historical perspective. All the tweaks to difficulty and card variety. I also note that this and AH have more story than MC. “Once a fat hobbit from Bree. Took an arrow, right to the knee, Something something Something something It was John Cena all along”

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

I've never heard that poem ... and I agree, MC is the least "story" driven of the 3.

[@SaschaKleiber]

Weird. Now youre doing a video about the lotr when I sold my collection cause everything from cycle 3 onward is not available anymore... :-(

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

I'm just 11 years late to this game. Not sure if it was a total reprint for the game or just early content.

[@snieves4]

Thank you! If i may make a suggestion, instead of saying “that” name the card and tell is what it does and power/defense?

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

Thanks for watching and the suggestion! :)

[@inwoolee4051]

Gotta ask, how would you compare this to MC? Which do you prefer for solo play?

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Inwoo Lee I think MC, LOTR, & Arkham Horror are all very similar ... so I would first recommend the theme you like most. Arkham is very story driven, LOTR a bit more story, and I think MC has the least story, which I prefer as I prefer one-shot games vs longer story arcs. And with that said, I'd happily play any. :)

[@popmon6446]

This game, along with Legendary, is what got me into gaming years ago. Give Dol Guldur a try and post that :-)

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

Two great games to get started in this hobby!! :)

[@popmon6446]

@@DaletheCasualGamer Indeed!

[@allenlee78]

Hey Dale, glad you got LotR LCG. Even though the game is a bit older than the other LCGS I am enjoying this game immensely. So is this game a keeper and are you going to get the more LotR LCG products? I picked up two full cycles and having a blast. I know Marvel Champions you cover regularly, Im kinda curious if your going to cover LotR LCG on a regular basis. You are already probably maxed out on game coverage. So little time and so many great games. Thanks again Dale!

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Mr.L You summed it up, so many games and so little time. I played a little when it originally came out, but it was hard to find others to play with. I remembered it being super hard, and this return to the game proved that. It was also super hard to find, but recently FFG reprinted most of the product so I thought I'd pick it up to pay homage to the LCG that started us down the path of the solo/cooperative card games! :)

[@picklexis]

Great video! And I may have missed it somewhere, but what brand of card sleeves are you using here? :)

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Alex Morris For standard sized cards (for all my games) I'm using Dragon Shield clear matte. A bit on the expensive side, but I love the way they feel. Thanks for watching!

[@picklexis]

@@DaletheCasualGamer I thought so! Thank you!

[@MrKkrraattooss]

Thanks for giving the game some attention. Its the best LCG and shouldnt die out. Anybody who likes Marvel or Arkham LCG should try this one as well

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

No problem, and agreed, if you like the lore of LOTR and enjoy Marvel Champions or Arkham Horror, give this game a try! :)

[@kleezer1]

is there a minimum/maximum card amount you must have in your deck? Not for tournaments just the game

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Teal It's a 50 card minimum for deckbuilding. Hope that helps, and happy gaming!

[@MyKonaRC]

What happens when we have all the heroes committed to travel and two enemies attacking? How does combat work? I can't defend, do the heroes still incur damage?

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@MyKonaRC With no ready characters to defend, you choose a hero to take the full damage. That's gonna hurt!! Good luck with your fellowship! :)

[@MyKonaRC]

@@DaletheCasualGamer so if im out numbered, some heroes can get hit twice? I'm new to this.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@@MyKonaRC It's been a while since I've played, but thats how I remember it. I'll be rereading the rules when the reprint arrives. :)

[@gamesforgamers6017]

For East Mode i believe each Hero starts with an extra Resource for a total of 2 each. Also try 2 handed with Easy Mode.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Games For Gamers Thanks! I always like more resources ... they are my precious! :)

[@RJLNetwork]

So Gandalf is the "Nick Fury" of LOTR! 😏

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

Some would say Nick Fury is the "Gandalf" of Marvel Champions. ;D

[@apollonia6656]

Problem! I am already lost because I cannot see the tiny card numbers ( one needs an electron microscope to do that ) and not sure which cards for the basic solo mode of play.....found the enemy I am to encounter ( because of the symbols ....spiders etc) but the playing cards after that ?!???? Which ones and how many ? Please help! I have the old rule book and it is not clear at all. Thank you in advance.

[@apollonia6656]

BTW: There is no mention of solo play in the rule book which looks different from yours.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@apollonia For an up to date rules reference, you can go to FFG's web site at: www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/products/the-lord-of-the-rings-the-card-game/ I had an old set, and rules used was from that, and maybe online. It's been a while since I did that play. Good luck, it really is a hard game. :)

[@apollonia6656]

Thank you. I remember that it was hard.....but have been playing so many different games since then....I forgot which cards are in the solo mode for simple scenario! Anyway, much appreciate your help......again, thanks.

[@apollonia6656]

I have found this game rather hard yes, even on easy mode. Generally, I love lcg but for some reason I cannot get into liking this one. Pity because I bought expansion sets thinking the game would live up to the artwork. Never had any problems with Arkham Horror lcg and enjoyed playing the base game and the expansions. Anyway, I hate being defeated! I must return and try to learn the " complicated " rules of this game. Thanks and kind regards from the UK.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@apollonia Comparing LOTR, Arkham Horror and Marvel Champions, I felt LOTR was the most difficult game to win. It really took some thought at deck construction (which is not one of the things I like to do). Basically, if I was in charge of the fellowship, they would not have made it far. ;)

[@bobmcbobg1696]

I’m thinking this is marvel champions with lord of the rings characters… NOPE. Thank you for saving me some Monday.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

Very similar system for sure! Glad to save you some money! :)

[@kleezer1]

Thank god for this tutorial. All the other ones are terrible and long

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@Teal I'm straight and to the point in most things ... thanks for watching, and good luck on your quests! :)

[@kleezer1]

@@DaletheCasualGamer It was a very good video thank you. Also is there a minimum/maximum card amount you must have in your deck? Not for tournaments just the game

[@danthecrow1701]

Thanos is coming..... oops wrong game 👍

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

lol Galaxy's Most Wanted and Thanos are reminding me of how hard LOTR is. :)

[@Guzzer_78]

Great game. I sold my massive collection few years ago as it takes a lot of time investment and not very user friendly to introduce players. Also it is very out of game deck building dependent. Much prefer Marvel LCG where you can pick up and play right away. Hope you enjoy it.. be prepared for some frustrating games ☺️

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

I’ve found LCGs a bit difficult to teach to players that haven’t played many card games ... a lot of rules, timing triggers and keywords. I’m not planning on a deep dive into LOTR, I think one LCG is enough for me at the moment. :)

[@Guzzer_78]

@@DaletheCasualGamer LOTR is a great game but quite complex that if you don't have the right deck you lose even before you start. I think Marvel Champions is great as the deck building is easy plus you can best any villain with any combo + easy to teach. Still the artwork for LOTR is amazing.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

@@Guzzer_78 I remember LOTR being brutal when I tried it when it originally came out ... and I still stand by that statement. :)

[@danstepanov6873]

uh. The digital one seems a lot better

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

Definitely easier to carry around the whole collection. :)

[@Muhd_Akmal]

A bit too slow for my liking but it was ahead of its time

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

Those hobbits like the long journey. ;)

[@the250mikec]

Comment

[@Dmv216661]

I really wish people that did these tutorials wouldn’t come at it from the perspective of reaching someone who’s already experienced with games like these. Stop glossing over important details.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

A summary of how to play and doing a playthrough isn't going to contain all the details from a rulebook. Good luck and happy gaming!

[@littlebear1990]

If you were experienced with games like these, you wouldn't be here watching a tutorial. Get out of here with that and just appreciate the help or get out of here. That simple