Thought I’d continue the bandwagon ride for Keyforge with a brief look at the Keyforge starter set.
It should be pointed out this is not a review, or a commentary about the game itself. Others do that stuff so much better than me. So go find them. I won’t mind.
This image taken off the internet shows basically what you get for your money.
The only thing it doesn’t show is the quick start rule sheet you get in the box, and the little marketing booklet for FFG games.
Unusually for FFG this starter set is everything 2 players need for the game. Technically the other starter sets they produce have been also, however if you wanted to deck build, or construct the decks so you can play without swapping cards between decks, you’d have to buy a second starter set. But this is more due to the nature of the game than anything FFG did on purpose.
I like that they provide 2 “learning” decks, but they will after you have played one or two games be consigned to the box, and only bought out to teach new players with. It should be noted these 2 decks can’t be used in organised play.
Including 2 unique decks to move onto, is a great touch. It gives players that path to grow. It introduces them to the concept of the unique decks, and starts exposing them to potentially more powerful cards and new keywords/mechanics.
This starter set is the only place to get official tokens for Keyforge from. Which has been one of the reasons some players have been buying the set. Although it’s not hard to use alternatives as long as it’s clear to both players what the alternatives represent. I for one will be replacing the ember tokens. But the cardboard used is the usual FFG quality, which is pretty good.
One thing I think this starter set is missing is a couple of player aids summarising the turn structure. Something like this one from MtG.
On the flip side or another card is also a diagram of the board showing areas of where cards go.
It’s not a big thing, and definitely not a costly addition, fractions of a cent for FFG to add them. But it would make that learning and teaching much easier.
Overall I think FFG have done a good job with the contents of the starter set. Decks can be picked up or around £8. So does this starter set represent good value for money? As an introduction to the game for new players, I think just about. Although it’s debatable whether you could realistically give the 2 learning decks the same value as the unique decks. The starters do after all have a limited life. Then it comes down to how much value is attached to the cardboard tokens and token cards.
It should be noted that there was not enough starter sets to meet demand/preorders, however a new printing hits stores in December (just in time for Christmas). So if you haven’t got a starter set and want one, you may find it really hard to come by one until the restock. Although it does appear that there is enough unique decks to meet demand. So if you can’t wait you can buy a unique deck, use alternatives for tokens, download the rules and start playing.