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Universus

Why Heroes of Exandria is my Favorite Universus Set

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Disclaimer

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.

Other TCGs

Universus – Attack on Titan: Apocalypse First Impressions

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Disclaimer

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 Colossus
Eren Yeager, Usurper
Levi Ackerman, Vengeance-Driven
Mikasa Ackerman, Hizuru’s Hope
Reiner Braun, Marley’s Shield
Beast 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 TCG

Grand Archive: All the Mercurial Heart Alter Edition Spoilers So Far

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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.

Uncommons

Rares

Super Rares

Ultra Rare Alt Arts

Collector Rares!

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive: Distorted Reflections Teased at Ascent Seattle

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There are a few exciting announcements that dropped that you might have missed. Grand Archive’s 7th set has been announced, and the hype is real. If you’re looking to pick up product, always support your LGS, but using my TCG Player affiliate links to pick up product like the newest Guo Jia and Diao Chan Recollection Decks or a box of Abysal Heaven.

Worlds Reminder

As a reminder, worlds is coming up in June so make sure you are grinding those points efficiently. Tickets are still on sale and it would be a good idea to start planning accommodations.

Distorted Reflections

Distorted Reflections has been leaked for a July release, and it looking like the magical girl set I didn’t know I needed in my life. The set will focus on the Guardian and Ranger classes, with a whimsical flavor I am most excited about.

The set takes archivist to Wonderland, a world ruled by the Queen of Heats. If you are a fan of the literary classic, this might be the set for you.

The set will introduce 222 unique cards, with 234 foil variations. This will be a 24 twelve pack booster box. MSRP:

  • Pack: $4.49
  • Box: 107.99

As a reminder, 1st Edition boxes will include unique art, so make sure you buy in early. Once it’s gone, its gone.

Ciel, Mirage’s Grave Starter Deck

Ciel will hit the format as one of the sets two starter decks. Ciel is a fire/umbra deck launching with a MSRP of $14.99.

Diana Moonpiercer Starter Deck

Diana is back, and with a new flavor. She is still a ranger, but this time fighting using the Water and Astra elements. Hopefully this will bring her back into the scene. The starter deck also MSRPs at $14.99. I am very excited to see what the CSR for this line looks like.

Universus

Universus TCG: Heroes of Exandria – Percy Starter Deck List

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Where to Buy

Always support your LGS, but you can pick up the Percy Starter Deck and any other Heroes Exandria products on TCG Player using my affiliate links. It really helps me out. You can also get both Starter decks bundled for cheap on Game Nerdz if you’re buying enough for the free shipping.

Introduction

Universus just released their Heroes of Exandria set, and it is already my favorite set of the year. The art is great, the card quality is nice, and flavor is all there. Fans of the series will want to at the very least get in on collecting. Can’t speak on the power level since I just got the starter decks, but I’ll come back after some proper testing. More on that later.

I got my hands on the Percy starter deck and I’ll leave the decklist for your convenience. Spoilers, you’re going to want to get this deck just to collect the beautiful Percy champion card. It’s not as cool as the art cards, but its cool enough for any collection.

Deck List

Champion

Percival De Rolo III: Pepperbox Sharpshooter

The Deck

4x Weapon at the Ready
4 x Tarot Reading
4 x Show Off
4 x Inspired Design
4 x Imprisoned Noble
4 x Found Family
2 x Electric Resilience
4 x Collecting Components
2 x Shaun Gilmore
4 x Tinker Shot
4 x Pepperbox Fire
2 x Merciless Lead
3 x Golem Beating
3 x Bang Bang
3 x Alchemical Satchel Toss
3 x The List
2 x Quest Board
2 x Science Bros (Foil)
2 x Bad News Bullet (Foil)

Visual List

Bang Bang
Bad News Bullet
The List
Alchemical Satchel Toss
Collecting Components
Merciless Lead
Shaun Gilmore
Quest Board
Electric Resilience
Tarot Reading
Show Off
Golem Beating
Weapon at the Ready
Science Bros
Inspired Design
Imprisoned Noble
Found Family
Tinker Shot
Pepperbox Fire
Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive: Diao Chan Re: Collection Deck List

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Introduction

Abyssal Heavey has officially released, and that means we finally have the Diao Chan Re:Collection deck list!

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 Water
Diao Chan, Enchantress
Diao Chan, Dreaming Wish
Diao Chan, Idyll Corsage
Cleric Robes
Glimmer Essence Amulet
Scepter of Fascination
Tariff Ring
Crystalline Mirror
Hairpin of Transience
Keleidoscope Barrette
Staff of Blossoming Will

Material Deck (Visual)

Fractal of Insight
Idle Thoughts
Shimmering Refraction
Unstable Fractal
Acquiescing Rejection
Chill to the Bone
Dissuading Halt
Eventide Lure
Fractal of Refreshment
Frostbind
Frostlorn Caress
Frostnip Pirouette
Glimmering Refusal
Protective Fractal
Redirect Flow
Refracting Missile
Torpid Fractal
Bloom: Summer’s Glow
Bloom: Winter’s Chill
Blossoming Denial
Ripples of Atrophy
Season’s End
Shivering Vines

Tokens

Lycoria
Nightshade
Baihua
Flowebud
Floodbloom
Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG – Guo Jia Re:Collection Deck List

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Introduction

Abyssal Heavey has officially released, and that means we finally have the Guo Jia, Heaven’s Favored Re:Collection Deck list

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

Main Deck (Visual)

Spirit of Fire
Guo Jia, Chosen Disciple
Guo Jia, Blessed Scion
Guo Jia, Heaven’s Favored
Fated Keepsake
Life Essence Amulet
Portentous Tanggu
Rousing Rattle Drum
Tariff Ring
Band of Burning Verdict
Fabled Azurite Fatestone (Front)
Fabled Azurite Fatestone (Back)
Incandescent Reliquary
Arcane Blast CR (Not included)

Main Deck (Visual)

Companion Fatestone (Front)
Companion Fatestone (Back)
Craggy Fatestone (Front)
Craggy Fatestone (Back)
Expel the Departed
Fatestone of Revelations (Front)
Fatestone of Revelations (Back)
Foraging Fox
Idle Thoughts
Journey’s Beginning
Obscuring Threads
Strengthen the Bonds
Broken Promises
Fatestone of Unrelenting (Front)
Fatestone of Unrelenting (Back)
Flamewreath Call
Lavaplume Fatestone (Front)
Lavaplume Fatestone (Back)
Shatter the Brittle
Arcane Blast
Advent of the Shenju
Fatestone of Heaven (Front)
Fatestone of Heaven (Back)
Light the Hunt
Peacock of Prosperity
Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG: Abyssal Heaven Spoiler Season is Upon Us!

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Introduction

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!

Spoilers

Grand Archive TCG

GA TCG: Abyssal Heaven Dev Stream Kicks off Spoiler Season

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Intro

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.

Grand Archive TCG

2025 Grand Archive Ascent Utrecht Closing Ceremony Highlights

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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.