With Distorted Reflection just around the corner, lets check out the starter decks. First up is Diana, Moonpiercer, the Water/Astra Ranger deck! The deck releases on July 25th with an MSRP of $14.99. Make sure you always support your LGS, but you can always grab your Diana, Moonpiercer Starter Deck on TCG Player through my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do.
The List
Material Deck Spirit of Water x 1 Diana, Aether Dilettante x 1 Diana, Judgment’s Arrow x 1 Diana, Moon Piercer x 1 Bauble of Abundance x 1 Foresight Lens x 1 Ranger Boots x 1 Refluxal Ribbon x 1 Seeker’s Aetherwing x 1 Tariff Ring x 1 Aquamirage Whisper x 1 Pleiades, Celestial Genesis x 1
Main Deck Aetheric Calibration x 4 Backstep x 4 Charge the Soul x 4 Idle Thoughts x 3 Prudent Nock x 4 Reposition x 4 Stalwart Shieldmate x 4 Corsair Captain x 3 Dissuading Aether x 4 Drown in Aether x 4 Undercurrent Vantage x 3 Astra Sight x 3 Constellation’s Blessing x 4 Guided Starlight x 2 Meteoric Volley x 2 Poised Occlusion x3 Sidereal Spellshot x 3 Starbirth x 2
Universus sent the Critical Role: Heroes of Exandria clash decks, the Grog playmat, and a few packs to cover on my blog. While I am very grateful, these will be my honest opinions of the set. I will be using TCG Player affiliate links where possible, but make sure you always support your LGS.
What is Critical Role: Heroes of Exandria?
As of writing this, Heroes of Exandria was Universus’ last set. Universus is a unique card game that sort of feels like a fighting game. If you’ve never tried it, you should at least get a couple decks to try them out. The game uses various popular IPs as flavor, and the mechanics are sound. Now Heroes of Exandria is a very good looking collaboration done with popular IP, Critical Role. The set includes 8 Chrome rares, which you’re going to want to collect, and some very good looking art if you’re a fan of the series. What makes Heroes of Exandria unique is the inclusion of unique boss cards for an even more unique PVE experience.
PVE Boss Cards and Rules
Heroes of Exandria introduced PVE rules to shake up the hobby. There are 6 bosses to defeat, each with a unique ruleset and flavor. I am a little bummed the cards are included as a randomized boxtopper, but its nice of them to provide the rules and proxies online for free. Make sure you go to the official site for the complete rule breakdown, but I’ll leave the images of the cards bellow. The Briarwoods is definitely my favorite, but the all the cards look pretty cool.
The Chrome Rares
I love the art in this set, and the chrome rares are no exception. As a collector, I definitely want to go broke chasing these serialized beauties. As a fan of the series, I can only appreciate the amount of flavor that went into each and every card. Since I lack the luck to pull any of these cards, here is what they look for to get you hyped:
Ultra Rare Alt Art
Heroes of Exandria definitely has some of my favorite art of the card game. Even the commons in this set look good, but I really like the IP so there is some clear bias. That said, the Ultra Rare Alt Art cards are the reason to buy into this set because they are just beautiful. I love the use of color, the character design, and the amount of flavor that goes into each and every card. I don’t want this post to be too long, so I pain painstakingly chose a few of my favorites, but maybe I’ll do a post with all of them in the future. You can find the entire visual card list on the official Universus site as well.
Character Alt Art
The character alts for this game is simply amazing. Hell, the regular version of the characters in this set are worth collection. I’ve always been a fan of how Universus handles their character cards, but they’ve truly outdone themselves with Critical Role. I love the retro fantasy vibe of the artstyle, and if they are anything like the Attack on Titan Alt arts, they are going to shine on any table. Again, because I don’t want this post to get too long, here are some of my favorite:
The Clash Decks
I did receive the sets two clash decks for free and have the deck lists available for both Percy and Beau. If you’re new to the card game, clash decks are Universus beginner product. They are basic decks aimed to help beginners learn the fundamental mechanics of the game. If you’re trying to get into the competitive scene, this product isn’t worth it. You aren’t going to find any meta defining cards, and they avoid the games more complex mechanics. These decks are designed for people who have never played a TCG.
That said, I had a lot of fun with the Heroes of Exandria decks. They are a lot better than the Attack on Titan clash decks, but you’re still not getting anything you can take to locals. The decks feel pretty balanced, although I preferred the Percy deck because the character art is cooler, and his abilities came up more often. If you’re just trying to play some casual Universus, or trying to teach someone the game, this is a fantastic product to add to your collection. Collectors are also going to want to pick these up because the character art is very cool.
My Impressions
Heroes of Exandria is easily my favorite Universus set, but I am strictly speaking as a collector. I enjoy playing the game, but I play very casually and can’t speak on how it fits in the current meta. That said, if you are a fan of Critical Role, there is a lot of value in this set in both art and flavor. I very much enjoy all the little details and references that is seen throughout the set, and the cards look great in person. Unfortunately, the print line on the foils still exists, and it drives me crazy. Its not bad enough where I wouldn’t buy the set, but I can’t ignore that it happens.
Either way, you can pick up all your Critical Role: Heroes of Exandria product from TCG Player using my affiliate link, but please make sure you support your LGS first.
Universus sent me a few packs and a playmat to cover their game. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let sway my opinions. I will be doing pack opening and a review of the playmat so stay tuned for that. I will also be using my TCG Player affiliate links throughout the article, but always support your LGS first.
Attack on Titan: Apocalypse
Universus has just released their newest expansion, Attack on Titan: Apocalypse, and I already see a few cards I want for my collection. If you haven’t had chance to play Universus, it is definitely worth trying once. The game has a unique flow and flavor, and it includes some very recognizable IPs. I recommend picking up a couple clash decks to get a feel for what to expect. I had a lot of fun with the Solo Leveling deck, but you can always pick your flavor.
Apocalypse is introducing 180 new cards to finish off the Attack on Titan saga. Players are going to want to chase the six serialized chrome cards with special art from the creator of the anime, but there are some neat cards I wouldn’t mind cracking.
Chrome Rares
The serialized chrome rares, and I am sad I will never get to see one in real life. The art on these look so good, and you know there are going to shine on the table (even the flimsy plastic ones). I can only hope they don’t have the foil lines that seems to be common issue across the thread. I don’t mind it too much on regular foils, but I would expect the serialized cards to be perfect. Either way, good luck finding your copy! I’m aiming for Erin, but will settle for any.
Armin Arlert, Power of the ColossusEren Yeager, UsurperLevi Ackerman, Vengeance-DrivenMikasa Ackerman, Hizuru’s HopeReiner Braun, Marley’s ShieldBeast Titan, Finale
Ultra Rares
The problem with the attack on titan set, at least from a collectors perspective, is the manga art doesn’t grab the attention like other games. At least the common ones anyway. After seeing them in my binder and seeing the whole story, the game grew on me. What this game does have going for it are its ultra rares and alt arts. The unique art for the Attack on Titan cards are incredible, especially in person. Some have a very nice texture to them. I am a huge fan of the use of color. Here are some of my favorites from the Apocalypse set:
Ultra Rare Alt Arts
It is a shame that the images for the alt art cards do not do them justice. I have pulled a couple from the Attack on Titan alt art cards, and they are amazing. I am a huge fan of the texture and the hand drawn feel. They are definitely worth chasing. Here are my favorites from Apocalypse, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go hunting for everything else!
Character Alt Art
This is where the set disappointing a bit. While there are some alt cards I wouldn’t mind pulling, there are some that I would be sad if I did. Maybe they look better in person, but I prefer the Heroes of Exandria alt cards better. That said, here are my favorites Apocalypse alt art cards:
Secret Rares
The secret rare design is my absolute favorite part of the Attack on Titan cards. They have such a unique style and presentation, and they look so good in person. I do have a couple, and while they aren’t going to buy me a house, they are my favorite parts of my collection. I don’t think Apocalypse has the strongest collection of secret rares, but it does have a few pieces I want for my collection.
Impressions
I only play casually and mostly just collect. I do get the cards for free, but I don’t let that sway my opinion. Apocalypse doesn’t excite me as much as Heroes of Exandria did, at least the art doesn’t. I think the manga art is fine, but it doesn’t have the same pop the comic book style of Heroes of Exandria. As a casual player, there are some cards I want to add to a couple of my decks. That said, I need to open a few more packs and watch how the meta shifts to form a better idea on the set.
If you want to pick up Universus Attack on Titan: Apocalypse, always ask your LGS, but TCG Player has what you need if that isn’t an option.
Grand Archive has officially turned two, and we got a fun and informative stream to get us hyped for the games growth. Make sure to check it out. The most exciting news were the Mercurial Heart Alter Edition spoilers! The Alter Edition is a reprint with a few new cards you’re going to want to add to your collection. It is also a fantastic place to start your collection. The set will be reprintable for up to three years, which is great news for those just getting into the hobby. Make sure you always support your LGS, but you can always buy Grand Archive product from TCG Player using my affiliate links. It really helps me out.
If you’re new, Re:Collection decks are Grand Archive’s premium product that come with a high quality deck box, dragonshield art sleeves, three packs special packs, and a competitive deck. The box also includes a play set of all the cards in the deck so you don’t need to buy multiple copies, unless you want to chase that sweet collector rare:
You can wait for opened boxes and the prices to dip, but historically, you aren’t saving much. Especially if the deck defines the meta like Silvie did. If you’re starting out, the hardest part is choosing what flavor you want but either deck is a solid place to start. Always support your LGS, but you can pick up the Guo Jia, Heaven’s Favored Re:Collection Deck on TCG Player through my affiliate link. Get in before you’re paying scalper prices.
Deck List
Materal Deck 1 x Spirit of Water 1 x Diao Chan, Enchantress 1 x Diao Chan, Dreaming Wish 1 x Diao Chan, Idyll Corsage 1 x Cleric Robes 1 x Glimmer Essence Amulet 1 x Scepter of Fascination 1 x Tariff Ring 1 x Crystalline Mirror 1 x Hairpin of Transcience 1 x Kaleidoscope Barrette 1 x Staff of Blossoming Will
Main Deck 3 x Fractal of Insight 2 x Idle Thoughts 3 x Shimmering Refraction 3 x Unstable Fractal 3 x Acquiescing Rejection 3 x Chill to the Bone 4 x Dissuading Halt 4 x Eventide Lure 3 x Fractal of Refreshment 2 x Frostbind 3 x Frostlorn Caress 3 x Frostnip Piroutte 2 x Glimmering Refusal 2 x Protective Fractal 1 x Redirect Flow 2 x Refracting Missile 2 x Torpid Fractal 3 x Bloom: Summer’s Glow 2 x Bloom: Winter’s Chill 3 x Blossoming Denial 2 x Ripples of Atrophy 3 x Season’s End 2 x Shriveling Vines
Material Deck (Visual)
Spirit of WaterDiao Chan, EnchantressDiao Chan, Dreaming WishDiao Chan, Idyll CorsageCleric RobesGlimmer Essence AmuletScepter of Fascination Tariff RingCrystalline MirrorHairpin of TransienceKeleidoscope BarretteStaff of Blossoming Will
Material Deck (Visual)
Fractal of InsightIdle ThoughtsShimmering RefractionUnstable FractalAcquiescing RejectionChill to the BoneDissuading HaltEventide LureFractal of RefreshmentFrostbindFrostlorn CaressFrostnip PirouetteGlimmering RefusalProtective FractalRedirect FlowRefracting MissileTorpid FractalBloom: Summer’s GlowBloom: Winter’s ChillBlossoming DenialRipples of AtrophySeason’s EndShivering Vines
If you’re new, Re:Collection decks are Grand Archive’s premium product that come with a high quality deck box, dragonshield art sleeves, three packs special packs, and a competitive deck. The box also includes a play set of all the cards in the deck so you don’t need to buy multiple copies, unless you want to chase that sweet collector rare:
You can wait for opened boxes and the prices to dip, but historically, you aren’t saving much. Especially if the deck defines the meta like Silvie did. If you’re starting out, the hardest part is choosing what flavor you want but either deck is a solid place to start. Always support your LGS, but you can pick up the Guo Jia, Heaven’s Favored Re:Collection Deck on TCG Player through my affiliate link. Get in before you’re paying scalper prices.
The Deck List
Material Deck 1 x Spirit of Fire 1 x Guo Jia, Chosen Disciple 1 x Guo Jia, Blessed Scion 1 x Guo Jia, Heaven’s Favored 1 x Fabled Azurite Fatestone 1 x Portentious Tanggu 1 x Fated Keepsake 1 x Rousing Rattle Drum 1 x Life Essence Amulet 1 x Tariff Ring 1 x Band of Burning Verdict 1 x Incandescent Reliquary
Main Deck 4 x Foraging Fox 4 x Fatestone of Revelations 4 x Companion Fatestone 4 x Craggy Fatestone 4 x Lavaplume Fatestone 4 x Fatestone of Unrelenting 4 x Journey’s Beginning 4 x Strengthen the Bonds 2 x Obscuring Threads 3 x Expel the Departed 2 x Idle Thoughts 4 x Broken Promises 2 x Shatter the Brittle 2 x Flamewreath Call 3 x Advent of the Shenju 3 x Peacock of Prosperity 4 x Fatestone of Heaven 3 x Light the Hunt
Companion Fatestone (Front)Companion Fatestone (Back)Craggy Fatestone (Front)Craggy Fatestone (Back)Expel the DepartedFatestone of Revelations (Front)Fatestone of Revelations (Back)Foraging FoxIdle ThoughtsJourney’s BeginningObscuring ThreadsStrengthen the BondsBroken PromisesFatestone of Unrelenting (Front)Fatestone of Unrelenting (Back)Flamewreath CallLavaplume Fatestone (Front)Lavaplume Fatestone (Back)Shatter the BrittleArcane BlastAdvent of the ShenjuFatestone of Heaven (Front)Fatestone of Heaven (Back)Light the HuntPeacock of Prosperity
The Abyssal Heaven spoiler season has officially started! As always, I will collect all the spoilers in one convenient spot, and will be updating this post as soon as I can, but new updates should be up by the end of the day. The newest spoilers will always be on top. Make sure you get your preorders in, and don’t forget to support the official creators!
The Abyssal Heaven developer stream officially kicks off the set’s spoiler season, and there is a lot to go over. I’ve compiled all the important bits in one convenient spot, but make sure you check out the official stream. Always support your LGS, but if you are looking for Abyssal Heaven or any Grand Archive product, pick it up on TCG Player using my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do.
The Stream
Diao Chan Re:Collection
The Diao Chan Re:Collection deck releases March 7th, so make sure you put your preorders when you can because its going to be a banger. Re:Collection decks will have art and cards unique to the deck, and a chance at some very cool rares. These have been very powerful decks, and you aren’t going to want to miss picking them up.
Gua Jia Re:Collection
Abyssal Heaven Spoilers
Dual Card CSR
Ascent Promo
The ascent promo for Seattle, Kaula Lampur, and worlds is going to be Incapacitate, and it is beautiful. it is time to get good because you are going to especially want the day 2 promo in your collection!
Ascent Day 2 Promo
Changes for Day 2 Qualification
There will be changes to qualify for day 2 starting with the HVN season. Players are now required to earn 16 or 18 points (depending on the size of the event) to move to day to. That means no more bubbling!
Ascent Worlds
Worlds Judge Promo
Words Promos (Non-Foil)
Worlds Packages
Worlds Prizing
Worlds Top 8
Worlds Top 4
Lu Bu Deck Box
Spoiler Season
I’ll be posting all of the spoilers in one convenient spot as I get them, but you can always check out the creators to get them there first.
The first European Ascent event was held in Utrecht this weekend, and it was an exciting time for the game. Make sure you check out the VOD on the official Grand Archive Youtube channell for high quality coverage of the event. The production keeps getting better with each event, and its a great place to start learning the meta.
Aside from its exciting gameplay, there was some exciting news that you aren’t going to want to miss. As always, I’ve collected all the important details in one place for you to enjoy! If you’re looking to pick up some Grand Archive, always support your LGS. If that isn’t an option, you can always get product from TCG Player using my affiliate link.
2025 Nationals Schedule Announced!
The schedule for Nationals have been announced. Specific dates are too come, but we have locations and months! It’s time to get grinding for Nationals!
Day 2 Promos
Like last year, players who qualify for Day 2 will receive a unique Sword of Seeking promo you aren’t going to want to miss out. This card is so pretty and it makes me wish I was better at the game.
Nationals Prize Card
Nationals finalists will get their hands on a beautiful Eternal Magistrate alt art. If haven’t been motivated to get good this season, you’re going to want to after seeing it.
Nationals Pre-registration Gift
Players who pre-register for Nationals will receive a special backpack. I’ll try to make the announcement as soon as pre-registration goes live, but the official Discord is a fantastic place to stay on top of the announcements.
Ascent Worlds
Ascent worlds will be in Anaheim this year, June 27 to the 29th. Tickets go on sale on the February 2nd, so make sure you start planning accordingly. Remember, this year you can qualify for worlds through normal means or the gauntlet, so keep on grinding!
Worlds Promo
This year’s worlds promo is a beautiful Spurn to Ash that belongs in everyone’s collection.
and there is a VIP variant!
Developer Stream Announcement
The most exciting news is the Developer stream happening on February 1st. This will officially kick of the Abyssal Heaven spoiler season, and have some important notes on the upcoming supplement set. You aren’t going to miss out, but I’ll be covering the key points shortly after. Stay tuned for that.
I was at Gamestop the other day and decided to treat myself with a new deck box for my Grand Archive deck. The one I was using at the time was ratty and falling apart. I chose to pick up the GameStop Premium Trading Card Deck Box, but this thing was anything but premium.
What I liked
The deck box has a slick black vinyl texture with red stitching along its edges that gives the box its alluring elegant feel. There are strong magnets on the flap for secure storage, and two plastic dividers to keep your cards organized. The inside also has this sleek black for the matching aesthetic. It’s a nice looking box, but those looks fade fast.
Review
The plastic covering the bottom of the deckbox came undone on the second day, exposing my cards to the box’s cheap interior cardboard. I should have taken this moment to get my money back, but I wanted to see what would happen. The red stitching that runs along the edges started to come undone shortly after. After my third locals, I started to notice the inside fold of the flap starting to tear away. I am very careful with my trading card and accessories and was surprised at how rough the box looked after only a few uses. It would have been better if I bought cheap plastic ones instead.
I wasn’t expecting a high quality product that would last me forever, but I did expect it to at least make it through the year. I might have gotten a defective unit, but if Gamestop is truly attempting to make their transition to an LGS, they need to do better. If you only have 20 bucks to spend on a deck box, you can do better.
