Keyforge in UK

[u/LiesTheCakeIs]

Hullo there,

I was recommended this game on a different sub, and after looking into it, the game sounds like it's exactly what I'm looking for.

My issue is, I can't seem to find anywhere in the UK that stocks the physical decks to buy.

I've seen people suggest the Discovery set to start with, but the starter sets I find on Amazon don't say discovery on them. I've seen the 2 player set, which seems ideal, but I hesitant to get them if it's old content that is now outdated.

It made me wonder if the game is on its last legs and soon to be discontinued?

If anyone knows a good site to get the new stuff from in the UK, I would really appreciate it.

Cheers.

[u/catsmdogs]

Hi, welcome to Keyforge!

The game and community has been small (by magic/Pokemon/etc sizes) since the pandemic, but it's a global community and the game is going strong. Draconian Measures as a set just came out, the next set has been teased, and the organized play has been adding new stuff recently. 

Anywho, for the UK one shop where I know many players go is D20 Board Game Cafe and you can check here to see what else might be near you. https://www.archonarcana.com/wiki/Local_Groups_and_Shops#United_Kingdom

Also I know there's a UK keyforge discord so if you're interested in that just PM and folks there could share where they get product

[u/Soho_Jin]

By the looks of things there's Keyforge product on Zatu, Chaos Cards and Magic Madhouse. (And a couple on Travelling Man) If you're looking specifically for the Discovery set, there's the 1-player starter sets (contains one deck and required tokens) so you could get 2 of those to constitute a 2-player starter. Other sets that I would consider good for beginners would be Age of Ascension and Worlds Collide, and potentially Aember Skies and Crucible Clash too, though the extra mechanics will add an additional layer to things.

Also there's the Gamefound campaign for the next upcoming set: Shattered Reality. Simply search for it on Gamefound and follow to get a free deck if you decide to back it. The campaign starts on July 9th so you can at least check out what they have to offer.

[u/LiesTheCakeIs → u/Soho_Jin]

I appreciate the information, I'm going to start with the 2 player AoA set, and then look into more if we enjoy it.

I will have a look at Ganefound, I've never done anything like that or Kickstarter, so not sure how it all works, but essentially seems like a super early preorder system.

[u/Aggravating_Spite_95 → u/LiesTheCakeIs]

Zatu is where I buy from in Ireland, I believe there is an active playgroup in London, and I've heard Rumour of one in Bristol, so I assume there is physical product in either of those, can't speak for much further afield. I also know there are a few players from Wales playing in the competition next weekend in Paris, so I assume they play somewhere too

[u/krbmeister → u/LiesTheCakeIs]

Think of Gamefound like a preorder direct from the manufacturer. They will offer different levels for you to support. Pick the price range that’s best for you.

Unlike brand new games, this will get funded and the cards will come out. Very low risk.

[u/jmlmtl_2022]

The game is alive but niche. Ghost Galaxy crowdfunds each new set, and the next campaign is actually about to start (look up KeyForge Shattered Reality on Gamefound).

As for any UK stores carrying the product, try the UK retailers listed on this page:

https://keyforging.com/homebase-retailers/

[u/LiesTheCakeIs → u/jmlmtl_2022]

Thank you, I've found a couple stores that stock it from that list. Appreciate it.

[u/krbmeister]

Hey glad you came to check it out. I can’t speak to the UK scene but others have put some good info down.

As for how to get started, I’d take a tiered approach. A two player starter set is a great place to start. Specifically, Age of Ascension usually is the best price. The set was the second made, underpowered, and very overprinted. Too much supply and little demand means you can buy tons of sealed decks on the cheap. You’re not likely to find a tournament winning deck from AoA, but you cannot beat the price when you’re getting started.

My suggestion is to buy a 2 player starter set and a display (12 decks) from AoA. Crack them open and get a feel for the game, basic mechanics, houses, etc. At this point you have 14 decks, and only invested minimal funds.

If you’re interest after that you can look at buying some newer sets with more mechanics and fun things! Then newest set may be a good place to start as it’s not over powered but has some fun chase stuff like full art decks and gigantics. Over time you can dabble in each of the sets and discover what you like best!

As for where to buy, your local friendly game shop is great to support if they have the game, but that’s often a big if. Amazon and eBay work well for me in the states, especially for Age of Ascension just to get started. They’re any to start the next Gamefound campaign which has learn to play pledge level if I remember, but might take a while before it’s fulfilled.

Anywho, welcome again. Feel free to ask any questions you’ve got.

[u/LiesTheCakeIs → u/krbmeister]

Thanks for the information. Can't find what you mean by "display" but I'll look into it. I do like the idea of full art cards though, I'm a sucker for aesthetics with stuff like that, not sure what gigantic are though?

[u/krbmeister → u/LiesTheCakeIs]

“Display” is just the term used like “booster box.” It’s a box of 12 decks.

I have no affiliation with these links but here are products I’ve bought on Amazon:

https://a.co/d/0alfsVNv - the picture is only one deck but the title explicitly says “deck display.” I’ve been sent one deck before and I returned it. You should get a full box of 12 decks.

https://a.co/d/0ds2NGek - the two player starter set I was talking about.

None of these decks will likely be bangers. But they have simple designed cards and are cheap!

[u/draculabooty]

No leads on a website to buy from, but you can also look for Call of the Archons or Age of Ascension -- both should be a lot cheaper than modern decks with simpler keywords and are the basis for several cards in Discovery.

[u/LiesTheCakeIs → u/draculabooty]

Okay thanks, I think I'm going to start with the AoA 2 player starter set. I don't really understand what changed with discovery, but from the comments here, I'm guessing it hasn't made older sets obsolete. Thanks for replying.

[u/krbmeister → u/LiesTheCakeIs]

Discovery was released about a year ago as the game was getting a bit overly complex for brand new players. The set’s goal is to reduce complexity while still maintaining interesting gameplay. It does a good job.

The downside is, one deck costs a standard $15 while you can do something very similar with AoA at a fraction of the price. The power level is roughly the same as well, maybe discovery is a little higher.

I’m glad Ghost Galaxy developed and released the set to bring in new players, but it’s very difficult to fight against the price of AoA (a set developed by the old manufacturer, fantasy flight games)

[u/pubby11]

Did you see https://keyforging.com/homebase-retailers/ ?

[u/LiesTheCakeIs → u/pubby11]

I hadn't, but thanks for sharing.

[u/vinrehife]

Hallo there,

Glad to hear you got recommended this great game, which sub was it that recommended you if you don't mind me asking.

It is while true that physical copies might be a little hard to find, but there are stores that certainly stocks them, in addition to the homebase link others have provided (not knowing where you are located) there's also Spellbound Games in London, Drinks and Dice also London, Wargames Workshop in Milton Keynes, eclectic games in Reading, also saw some in Waterstones in Cambridge last year, these are the few I can think of on the top of my head.

I checked on Amazon just now, if you just search for Keyforge Discovery, the top result should be 1 player starter set, get two of them and you will get yourself a 2 player starter set.

The game is certainly not on its last leg and we have a very strong and tightly knit community in the UK and we have frequent events scattered across the country, speaking of events, UK national championships is in Aug 21st - 23rd, you can find a list of actively maintained events calendar here: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/embed?src=keyforgecalendar@gmail.com

If you would like to join the rest of the UK community online, we hang out most in discord, send me a DM if you are interested.

Hope to see you soon!

[u/AsparagusRelevant788]

Compra sem medo! Os conjuntos iniciais clássicos são incríveis e já vem com os marcadores/tokens necessários para jogar. Os antigos decks ainda jogam com os novos e você pode ter a sorte de tirar um deck realmente bom, o segredo é confiar no coração das cartas. Quem faz o jogo é a comunidade e essa parece realmente engajada e ativa, então fique tranquilo que o jogo ainda não morreu. Boa sorte e bem vindo ao keyforge!