Buying Guide: Hero Realms Expansions – Which Ones Are Essential?

Quick Answer

Start with the Hero Realms Base Game & Character Bundle if you're new—it gives you the core game plus five character packs at a steep discount. If you already own the base game, prioritize character packs that match your preferred class, and add The Ruin of Thandar Campaign Deck when you want cooperative play.

Hero Realms is a fantasy deck-building game that shines with its expansions. But with character packs, campaign decks, and bundles available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide breaks down the essential expansions and helps you decide which ones deserve a spot in your collection.

We'll focus on what each expansion adds, who it's for, and how to get the most value. Whether you're a solo player, a group of friends, or a retailer, you'll find clear recommendations here.

Understanding Hero Realms Expansions

Hero Realms expansions fall into two main categories: character packs that replace your personal deck with a themed class, and campaign decks that add cooperative or solo play. The base game itself is competitive, but expansions can transform it into a cooperative adventure.

Character packs are the most common expansion. Each pack includes a character card, unique ability cards, and a 10-card personal deck tailored to a class like Cleric or Fighter. These packs change how you play, adding variety and replayability without altering the core rules.

Campaign decks, like The Ruin of Thandar, introduce a story-driven experience. You and your friends work together against AI-controlled foes, earning experience and unlocking new skills over multiple sessions. This is a significant shift from the competitive base game.

• Character packs are ideal for players who want to specialize and experiment with different classes.
• Campaign decks are perfect for groups that prefer cooperative challenges over head-to-head matches.

Key Factors to Consider

Before buying, think about your play style. Do you mostly play 1v1, or do you host game nights with three or more? Character packs are great for head-to-head games, while campaign decks shine with a group of friends.

Budget also matters. Bundles offer the best value if you're starting from scratch, but buying individual packs lets you pick only the classes you want. Consider how often you'll play and whether you'll use every component.

Finally, think about replayability. If you tire of the same decks quickly, multiple character packs or a campaign deck with progression will keep the game fresh. A campaign deck also adds a narrative element that some players find more engaging.

• Match the expansion to your typical player count.
• Calculate cost per session to gauge value.
• Consider whether you prefer competitive or cooperative play.

Comparing Character Packs and Campaign Decks

Character packs are modular and affordable. They replace your starting deck with a themed one, giving you new abilities and strategies. For example, the Cleric pack lets you heal allies and smite foes, while other packs offer different playstyles. Each pack is self-contained and works with the base game.

Campaign decks, on the other hand, are a bigger investment in time and money. They require a group and multiple sessions to fully enjoy. The Ruin of Thandar, for instance, is a cooperative deck that turns Hero Realms into an adventure game. It's a different experience altogether.

Your choice depends on what you value: quick variety or deep, ongoing campaigns. If you play sporadically, character packs are easier to slot in. If you have a regular group, a campaign deck might be more rewarding.

• Character packs: low cost, high variety, immediate impact.
• Campaign decks: higher cost, longer commitment, cooperative experience.

Decision Rules for Buying Hero Realms Expansions

• If you're new to Hero Realms: Buy the Hero Realms Base Game & Character Bundle. It gives you the core game and five character packs plus two boss decks for one low price. Best value for beginners.
• If you already have the base game and want variety: Pick individual character packs that match your favorite class. For example, the Cleric pack offers healing and support play. Adds replayability without extra bulk.
• If you play with a regular group and want cooperative games: Invest in The Ruin of Thandar Campaign Deck. It transforms the game into a team adventure with progression between sessions. Essential for co-op fans.
• If you're a retailer or run a game club: Consider the Cleric Display of 12 to stock up on a popular class pack, or the Base Game & Character Bundle as a complete starter kit. Buy in bulk for discounts.

Expansion Spotlight: What You Get

• Hero Realms Base Game & Character Bundle: This bundle contains: Hero Realms Base Game Cleric Character Pack Fighter Character Pack Ranger Character Pack Thief Character Pack Wizard Character Pack Dragon Boss Deck Lich Boss Deck This is the ultimate starting point. You get the core game plus five character packs and two boss decks at a fraction of the individual cost, making it the best value for new players.
• Hero Realms Character Packs: Cleric Display of 12: Play Hero Realms as a holy Cleric. Heal the injured and lead your devout followers in battle. With your faith (and your mace), prepare to smite the wicked! This Character Pack replaces a player's personal deck in the Hero Realms Deckbuilding Game. Included are 15 cards: a Cleric character card, the Resurrect and Bless ability cards, two unique scorecards, and a new 10-card personal deck (Prayer Beads, Spiked Mace, 2... If you love the Cleric class or want to run multiple games, this display of 12 is perfect for groups or retailers. It ensures everyone can play the same class without sharing cards.
• Hero Realms: The Ruin of Thandar Campaign Deck: Gather your friends. Choose your characters. Fight together against deadly foes. This Ruin of Thandar Campaign Deck transforms Hero Realms into a cooperative, adventuring deckbuilding game. Go on a quest with your team of heroes. Complete missions and earn experience points that you can spend between sessions to gain new skills and abilities. Win previous treasures including powerful magic items that you can add to... This is the essential cooperative expansion. It adds a campaign mode with progression, making it ideal for groups that want a shared adventure over multiple game nights.

Which Expansion Fits You?

Best for

• New players who want the full experience at a discount: Hero Realms Base Game & Character Bundle.
• Groups that enjoy cooperative campaigns: Hero Realms: The Ruin of Thandar Campaign Deck.
• Players who want to specialize in a specific class: individual character packs like the Cleric pack.

Not for

• Players who only play solo and don't want to manage multiple character decks – stick to the base game.
• Those who prefer purely competitive play and dislike cooperative modes – skip the campaign deck.

Choosing the right Hero Realms expansion comes down to your play style and budget. The Base Game & Character Bundle is the best starting point, while character packs add variety and the campaign deck brings a cooperative twist. Use these guidelines to build a collection that keeps your game nights exciting.