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Changes: World of Warcraft Trading Card Game

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(not sure where that bit about "the description on the card" came from, it's not in the linked tweet)
 
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{{Infobox
⚫
[[File:TCG logo.png|right|300px|Official logo]]
  
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|bodystyle = width: 23em;
⚫
[[File:WoWTCG-Full.jpg|thumb|250px|WoW: TCG card back]]
  
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|above = World of Warcraft<br>Trading Card Game
  ⚫
|image = [[File:TCG logo.png|300px]]
  +
|caption = Official logo
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|label1 = Designed by
  +
|data1 = Mike Hummel<br>Brian Kibler<br>Danny Mandel
  +
|label2 = Published by
  +
|data2 = Upper Deck Entertainment<br>(October 2005 - March 2010)<br>Cryptozoic Entertainment<br>(March 2010 - August 2013)
  +
|label3 = Announced date
  +
|data3 = August 18, 2005<ref name="announcedate">{{Ref web|url=http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/ude/en/articles.aspx?aid=748|title=Upper Deck Entertainment Inks Deal With Blizzard Entertainment® To Bring World Of Warcraft® To Trading Card Game Players|publisher=Upper Deck Entertainment|date=2005-08-18|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051210101940/http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/ude/en/articles.aspx?aid=748|archivedate=2005-12-10}}</ref>
  +
|label4 = First set
  +
|data4 = ''[[Heroes of Azeroth]]''<br>October 2006
  +
|label5 = Latest set
  +
|data5 = ''[[Reign of Fire]]''<br>July 2013
  +
|label6 = Status
  +
|data6 = Discontinued<br>([[World of Warcraft Trading Card Game Reborn|Reborn by fans]])
  +
}}
  ⚫
[[File:TCG Card Back 2010.png|thumb|250px|WoW: TCG card back since 2010]]
 
{{TCG}}
  
{{TCG}}
   
  +
The '''''World of Warcraft Trading Card Game''''', commonly referred to as "the TCG", is a physical collectible card game based upon ''[[World of Warcraft]]''. It was announced on 18 August 2005<ref name="announcedate" /> and was first released in October of 2006 by {{wp|Upper Deck Company|Upper Deck Entertainment}}. In March 2010, they lost the license from [[Blizzard Entertainment]]<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.upperdeck-international.com/tabid/56/language/en-US/Default.aspx?AnnouncementID=20|title=Announcement From Upper Deck International|publisher=Upper Deck International||archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100221025901/http://www.upperdeck-international.com/tabid/56/language/en-US/Default.aspx?AnnouncementID=20|archivedate=2010-02-21}}</ref> and {{wp|Cryptozoic Entertainment}} announced the acquisition of the game's license on 24 March 2010.
−
The '''''World of Warcraft Trading Card Game''''', commonly referred to as "the TCG", is a physical collectible card game based upon ''[[World of Warcraft]]''.
  
   
  ⚫
The TCG was produced for nearly seven years, when it was announced on 23 August 2013 that Set 21, ''Timewalkers: Reign of Fire'' would be the last set made.<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://us.battle.net/wow/en/blog/10734217/World_of_Warcraft_Trading_Card_Game_-8_23_2013|title=World of Warcraft Trading Card Game|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=2013-08-23|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827102656/http://us.battle.net/wow/en/blog/10734217/World_of_Warcraft_Trading_Card_Game_-8_23_2013|archivedate=2013-08-27}}</ref><ref>{{Ref web|url=http://wowtcg.cryptozoic.com/articles/world-warcraft-trading-game|title=World of Warcraft Trading Game|publisher=Cryptozoic Entertainment|date=2013-08-23|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828070754/http://wowtcg.cryptozoic.com/articles/world-warcraft-trading-game|archivedate=2013-08-28}}</ref> The announcement came a week after the closed beta started for the digital card game ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]'', a spiritual successor to the TCG which features many of the same characters, abilities and artwork.
−
The TCG was first released in October of 2006 by [http://entertainment.upperdeck.com/ Upper Deck Entertainment]. In March 2010 they lost the license from [[Blizzard Entertainment]], and on March 24th, 2010 [http://www.cryptozoic.com/ Cryptozoic Entertainment] announced the acquisition of the game's license.
  
−  
⚫
The TCG was produced for nearly seven years, when it was announced on August 23, 2013 that Set 21, ''Timewalkers: Reign of Fire'' would be the last set made.<ref>http://us.battle.net/wow/en/blog/10734217/World_of_Warcraft_Trading_Card_Game_-8_23_2013</ref> The announcement came a week after closed beta started for the digital card game ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]'', a spiritual successor to the TCG which features many of the same characters, abilities and artwork.
  
   
 
Unlike most TCGs, the game has a larger focus on multiplayer, having both raids and battlegrounds.
  
Unlike most TCGs, the game has a larger focus on multiplayer, having both raids and battlegrounds.
   
 
==Game details==
  
==Game details==
  +
[[File:TCG Card Back.png|thumb|Original card back with Upper Deck Entertainment logo until 2010.]]
−
Each player uses a hero card and a deck consisting of allies and other supporting cards. In booster and starter packs, gamers can find cards representing weapons, abilities, armor, items and quests. Some booster packs also contain legendary rares, or ''loot cards'' (i.e. special versions of normal cards) which contain a scratch-off code. This code can then be redeemed in the online game for a virtual prize. The prizes include special tabards, gimmick items, noncombat pets, and mounts.
 +
Each player uses a hero card and a deck consisting of allies and other supporting cards. In booster and starter packs, gamers can find cards representing weapons, abilities, armor, items and quests. Some booster packs also contain legendary rares, or ''loot cards'' (i.e. special versions of normal cards) which contain a scratch-off code. This code can then be redeemed in the online game for a virtual prize. The prizes include special [[tabard]]s, gimmick items, [[Companion|non-combat pets]], and [[mount]]s.
   
 
During play, players start with a single hero, and then play additional cards to augment the hero's powers or add additional members to his or her party. As in games such as ''[[wikipedia:Magic: The Gathering|Magic: The Gathering]]'', the goal is to reduce the remaining health of the opponent to zero. Unlike ''Magic'', combat attacks are always directed at individual heroes or allies, rather than simply declaring an attack with a number of creatures. Furthermore, damage done to characters accumulates between turns, making combat more expensive for both the attacker and defender.
  
During play, players start with a single hero, and then play additional cards to augment the hero's powers or add additional members to his or her party. As in games such as ''[[wikipedia:Magic: The Gathering|Magic: The Gathering]]'', the goal is to reduce the remaining health of the opponent to zero. Unlike ''Magic'', combat attacks are always directed at individual heroes or allies, rather than simply declaring an attack with a number of creatures. Furthermore, damage done to characters accumulates between turns, making combat more expensive for both the attacker and defender.
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* '''Hero''' - The character which a given player is playing as. Each player starts with a hero, and it is the hero which determines what other cards can be utilized or included in the deck (e.g., Horde heroes can only have Horde allies). The hero card provides information about starting health, race, class, specializations, and professions. Lastly, each hero has a unique power which can be used once per game (after which the hero card is turned face down).
 
* '''Hero''' - The character which a given player is playing as. Each player starts with a hero, and it is the hero which determines what other cards can be utilized or included in the deck (e.g., Horde heroes can only have Horde allies). The hero card provides information about starting health, race, class, specializations, and professions. Lastly, each hero has a unique power which can be used once per game (after which the hero card is turned face down).
−  
 
* '''Master Hero''' - Master Hero cards replace a player's hero in favor of a new card. However, Master Heroes still work like regular cards with a casting cost. The original hero is removed from the game and any damage, abilities, equipment, tokens or attachments that were on the hero beforehand are brought onto the Master Hero. Master Heroes, unless specified otherwise, can use all equipment and abilities, but abilities on cards that look for specific types cannot be activated. Abilities originally on heroes do not carry on to the Master Hero.
  
* '''Master Hero''' - Master Hero cards replace a player's hero in favor of a new card. However, Master Heroes still work like regular cards with a casting cost. The original hero is removed from the game and any damage, abilities, equipment, tokens or attachments that were on the hero beforehand are brought onto the Master Hero. Master Heroes, unless specified otherwise, can use all equipment and abilities, but abilities on cards that look for specific types cannot be activated. Abilities originally on heroes do not carry on to the Master Hero.
−  
 
* '''Ability''' - Cards played from the hand to cause some immediate impact to the game. Abilities can either be of the standard type, able to played only during one's turn, or can be ''instant abilities'', able to be played at virtually any time. As with a number of the cards, many abilities include a ''trait icon'', which limits what classes can include the card in their decks.
  
* '''Ability''' - Cards played from the hand to cause some immediate impact to the game. Abilities can either be of the standard type, able to played only during one's turn, or can be ''instant abilities'', able to be played at virtually any time. As with a number of the cards, many abilities include a ''trait icon'', which limits what classes can include the card in their decks.
−  
 
* '''Ally''' - Other individuals and companions who assist and fight on behalf of the main hero. Most allies are affiliated with either the Horde or the Alliance, so only cards matching the hero's own affiliation are permitted in a deck. Neutral allies can be included in either faction. Once brought into play by paying the appropriate cost, allies remain until destroyed or removed from play. Allies can attack (or be attacked), and can also provide special powers or abilities.
  
* '''Ally''' - Other individuals and companions who assist and fight on behalf of the main hero. Most allies are affiliated with either the Horde or the Alliance, so only cards matching the hero's own affiliation are permitted in a deck. Neutral allies can be included in either faction. Once brought into play by paying the appropriate cost, allies remain until destroyed or removed from play. Allies can attack (or be attacked), and can also provide special powers or abilities.
−  
 
* '''Armor''' - Defensive cards which protect heroes from damage. Once played, by paying the appropriate resource cost, armor can be ''exhausted'' each turn in order to reduce damage dealt to a player's hero. Players are limited in how many different pieces of armor they may equip on any given "body part" (e.g., only one piece of chest armor at a time). Armor cards may also have additional effects above and beyond their defensive value.
  
* '''Armor''' - Defensive cards which protect heroes from damage. Once played, by paying the appropriate resource cost, armor can be ''exhausted'' each turn in order to reduce damage dealt to a player's hero. Players are limited in how many different pieces of armor they may equip on any given "body part" (e.g., only one piece of chest armor at a time). Armor cards may also have additional effects above and beyond their defensive value.
−  
 
* '''Weapon''' - Offensive cards which can augment a hero's melee or ranged capabilities, as well as provide other benefits. As with armor cards, players are limited on how many weapons they may have equipped at once. In order to use a weapon card to increase attack power during combat, a player must pay a resource cost associated with the weapon. Weapons can be used when either attacking or defending, but usually only one weapon can be used per combat.
  
* '''Weapon''' - Offensive cards which can augment a hero's melee or ranged capabilities, as well as provide other benefits. As with armor cards, players are limited on how many weapons they may have equipped at once. In order to use a weapon card to increase attack power during combat, a player must pay a resource cost associated with the weapon. Weapons can be used when either attacking or defending, but usually only one weapon can be used per combat.
−  
 
* '''Item''' - Gear your hero can have in addition to weapons and armors. Rings, potions, and trinkets are examples of items.
  
* '''Item''' - Gear your hero can have in addition to weapons and armors. Rings, potions, and trinkets are examples of items.
−  
 
* '''Quest''' - Special cards which act as resource cards, but with additional abilities. Quests can be completed by fulfilling a condition described on the card. When this is done, a reward is earned (e.g., drawing additional cards) and the quest is normally turned face down.
  
* '''Quest''' - Special cards which act as resource cards, but with additional abilities. Quests can be completed by fulfilling a condition described on the card. When this is done, a reward is earned (e.g., drawing additional cards) and the quest is normally turned face down.
−  
 
* '''Location''' - Location cards are similar to quest cards, but are not turned face down to use their abilities. Only one location can be controlled at a time, even if locations have different names.
  
* '''Location''' - Location cards are similar to quest cards, but are not turned face down to use their abilities. Only one location can be controlled at a time, even if locations have different names.
−  
 
* '''Loot''' - Loot cards are special versions of cards which can be used within the card game (e.g. as normal allies), but which also contain a scratch-off code. This code can be entered into the website for the online game, which will provide a unique in-game item.
  
* '''Loot''' - Loot cards are special versions of cards which can be used within the card game (e.g. as normal allies), but which also contain a scratch-off code. This code can be entered into the website for the online game, which will provide a unique in-game item.
  +
  +
==List of sets==
  +
===Standard sets===
  +
{{Col-begin}}
  +
{{Col|4}}
  +
Azeroth Block
  +
*''[[Heroes of Azeroth]]'' — October 2006
  +
*''[[Through the Dark Portal]]'' — April 2007
  +
*''[[Fires of Outland]]'' — August 2007
  +
  +
Burning Crusade Block
  +
*''[[March of the Legion (TCG)|March of the Legion]]'' — November 2007
  +
*''[[Servants of the Betrayer]]'' — April 2008
  +
*''[[The Hunt for Illidan]]'' — June 2008
  +
{{Col|4}}
  +
Drums of War Block
  +
*''[[Drums of War (TCG)|Drums of War]]'' — October 2008
  +
*''[[Blood of Gladiators]]'' — March 2009
  +
*''[[Fields of Honor (TCG)|Fields of Honor]]'' — June 2009
  +
  +
Scourgewar Block
  +
*''[[Scourgewar]]'' — November 2009
  +
*''[[Wrathgate (TCG)|Wrathgate]]'' — May 2010
  +
*''[[Icecrown (TCG)|Icecrown]]'' — September 2010
  +
{{Col|4}}
  +
Worldbreaker Block
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*''[[Worldbreaker]]'' — December 2010
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*''[[War of the Elements]]'' — April 2011
  +
*''[[Twilight of the Dragons]]'' — July 2011
  +
  +
Aftermath Block
  +
*''[[Throne of the Tides (TCG)|Throne of the Tides]]'' — October 2011
  +
*''[[Crown of the Heavens]]'' — February 2012
  +
*''[[Tomb of the Forgotten]]'' — June 2012
  +
{{Col|4}}
  +
Timewalkers Block
  +
*''[[War of the Ancients (TCG)|War of the Ancients]]'' — October 2012
  +
*''[[Betrayal of the Guardian]]'' — February 2013
  +
*''[[Reign of Fire]]'' — July 2013
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*''[[Timewalkers (TCG)|Timewalkers]]'' (Hero Set)
  +
{{Col-end}}
  +
  +
===Raid and dungeon decks===
  +
{{columns|count=3|minwidth=25em|
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*''[[Onyxia's Lair (TCG)|Onyxia's Lair]]'' ([[Onyxia Treasure|treasure]]) — November 2006
  +
*''[[Molten Core (TCG)|Molten Core]]'' ([[Molten Core Treasure|treasure]]) — May 2007
  +
*''[[Magtheridon's Lair (TCG)|Magtheridon's Lair]]'' ([[Magtheridon's Lair Treasure|treasure]]) — January 2008
  +
*''[[Black Temple (TCG)|Black Temple]]'' ([[Black Temple Treasure|treasure]]) — September 2008
  +
*''[[Naxxramas (TCG)|Naxxramas]]'' ([[Naxxramas Treasure|treasure]]) — December 2009
  +
*''[[Assault on Icecrown Citadel]]'' ([[Assault on Icecrown Citadel Treasure|treasure]]) — March 2011
  +
*''[[Shadowfang Keep (TCG)|Shadowfang Keep]]'' ([[Dungeon Decks 2011 Treasure|treasure]]) — November 2011
  +
*''[[Scarlet Monastery (TCG)|Scarlet Monastery]]'' ([[Dungeon Decks 2011 Treasure|treasure]]) — November 2011
  +
*''[[The Deadmines (TCG)|The Deadmines]]'' ([[Dungeon Decks 2011 Treasure|treasure]]) — November 2011
  +
*''[[Battle of the Aspects]]'' ([[Battle of the Aspects Treasure|treasure]]) — August 2012
  +
*''[[Caverns of Time (TCG)|Caverns of Time]]'' ([[Caverns of Time Treasure|treasure]]) — April 2013
  +
}}
  +
  +
===Other sets and promos===
  +
{{col-begin}}
  +
{{col|4}}
  +
;Promos
  +
*[[TCG Burning Crusade Promo|Burning Crusade Promo Set]]
  +
*[[TCG WotLK Promo|WotLK Promo Set]]
  +
*[[TCG Cataclysm Promo|Cataclysm Promo Set]]
  +
*[[TCG Blood of Gladiators Promo|Blood of Gladiators Promo Set]]
  +
*[[2011 Showdown: Goblins of Anarchy]]
  +
*[[BlizzCon (TCG)|BlizzCon cards]]
  +
{{col|4}}
  +
;Special Editions
  +
*''[[Feast of Winter Veil (TCG)|Feast of Winter Veil]]''
  +
*''[[Darkmoon Faire (TCG)|Darkmoon Faire]]''
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*''[[Arena Grand Melee]]''
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*''[[Feast of Winter Veil 2012 (TCG)|Feast of Winter Veil 2012]]''
  +
*[[Epic Collections]]
  +
{{col|4}}
  +
;Premade decks
  +
*[[TCG Champion Decks|Champion Decks]]
  +
*[[TCG Class Starters|Class Starters]]
  +
*[[TCG Class Starter - Retail|Class Starters - Retail]]
  +
*[[TCG 2011 Class Starters - Spring|2011 Class Starters - Spring]]
  +
*[[TCG 2011 Class Starters - Fall|2011 Class Starters - Fall]]
  +
*[[TCG 2013 Class Starters - Spring|2013 Class Starters - Spring]]
  +
*[[TCG Death Knight Deluxe Starter|Death Knight Deluxe Starter]]
  +
{{col|4}}
  +
;Misc.
  +
*[[TCG Tokens|Tokens]]
  +
*[[Archives (TCG)|Archives]]
  +
*[[TCG Crafting Redemption|Crafting Redemption Program]]
  +
**[[TCG Badge of Justice Redemption|Badge of Justice]]
  +
{{col-end}}
   
 
==World of Warcraft reward items==
  
==World of Warcraft reward items==
−
[[File:ridingturtle.jpg|thumb|250px|An in-game [[Riding Turtle]] mount reward from the rare [[Saltwater Snapjaw]] loot card.]]
 +
[[File:Ridingturtle.jpg|thumb|250px|An in-game [[Riding Turtle]] mount reward from the rare [[Saltwater Snapjaw]] loot card.]]
  +
−
===[[Loot Cards]]===
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===Loot cards===
  +
{{Main|Loot cards}}
 
The TCG offered "legendary" loot cards. These cards are special versions of the normal card, however, they have a scratch off bar which contains a long hexadecimal code. These cards are entered on the Blizzard web site which converts them to a similar code that is specific to the realm of your choice. You then use the code with [[Landro Longshot]], a vendor in [[Booty Bay]], to obtain the item. The codes are single-use, so you get one item on one character on one server for each loot card code you get. You do not get the item on all your characters, unlike the collector's edition pets. If you are having trouble with your loot cards, check out the [[How to redeem a loot card|loot card]] walk-through.
  
The TCG offered "legendary" loot cards. These cards are special versions of the normal card, however, they have a scratch off bar which contains a long hexadecimal code. These cards are entered on the Blizzard web site which converts them to a similar code that is specific to the realm of your choice. You then use the code with [[Landro Longshot]], a vendor in [[Booty Bay]], to obtain the item. The codes are single-use, so you get one item on one character on one server for each loot card code you get. You do not get the item on all your characters, unlike the collector's edition pets. If you are having trouble with your loot cards, check out the [[How to redeem a loot card|loot card]] walk-through.
   
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*Very rare - A very rare loot card.
  
*Very rare - A very rare loot card.
   
  ⚫
===UDE Points===
−
For more information, see [[Loot Cards]].
  
  +
{{Main|TCG UDE points}}
−  
⚫
===[[TCG UDE points|UDE Points]]===
  
 
One of the original "pulls" of the WoW TCG was that each booster pack had a guaranteed UDE points card, which featured 100 UDE points on it. These cards could be turned in at the Upper Deck website, and be used to buy various items. After a while, the points cards became material cards, while still featuring points. The UDE points program did not transfer with the TCG when it moved to Cryptozoic, so material cards released after [[Wrathgate (TCG)|Wrathgate]] no longer have UDE points on them.
  
One of the original "pulls" of the WoW TCG was that each booster pack had a guaranteed UDE points card, which featured 100 UDE points on it. These cards could be turned in at the Upper Deck website, and be used to buy various items. After a while, the points cards became material cards, while still featuring points. The UDE points program did not transfer with the TCG when it moved to Cryptozoic, so material cards released after [[Wrathgate (TCG)|Wrathgate]] no longer have UDE points on them.
   
  ⚫
==Rules and errata==
−
For more information, see [[TCG UDE points]].
  
  ⚫
The current version of rules is 7.4 (updated July 23, 2013).
  +
*Comprehensive rules in .pdf format (v7.4)
  +
**[[File:Wowpedia icon stamp.png|22px]] [[Media:WoW TCG CR v7.4.pdf|Hosted on Wowpedia]]
  +
**{{Elink|site=Hosted on wowcards.info|link=http://www.wowcards.info/files/wow_cr_v7.4_130723_00.pdf}}
  ⚫
*{{Elink|site=(Old version) Comprehensive rules in .pdf format (v5.0)|link=http://slowmail.com/cryptozoic/WoW_CR_v50_101214.pdf}}
   
  +
Official Card Reference (updated July 23, 2013):
⚫
==Rules and errata==
  
  +
*{{Elink|site=Hosted on wowcards.info|link=http://www.wowcards.info/files/wow_ocr_130723.pdf}}
⚫
The current version of rules is 5.0.
  
⚫
{{elink|icon=cryptozoic|site=Comprehensive rules in .pdf format|link=http://slowmail.com/cryptozoic/WoW_CR_v50_101214.pdf}}
  
   
 
==Canonicity==
  
==Canonicity==
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==External links==
  
==External links==
−
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 +
<!-- Please read https://wowpedia.fandom.com/Wowpedia:External_links_policy before adding new links. -->
−
Links that do not conform to the rules will be DELETED.
  
−
Repeat violations may result in a BAN.
  
−
Have a nice day. :) -->
  
 
{{Elink|link=http://www.wowtcg.com/|site=WoWTCG|desc=World of Warcraft Trading Card Game website}}
  
{{Elink|link=http://www.wowtcg.com/|site=WoWTCG|desc=World of Warcraft Trading Card Game website}}
 
{{Elink|link=http://www.cryptozoic.com/|site=Cryptozoic|desc=Cryptozoic Entertainment website}}
  
{{Elink|link=http://www.cryptozoic.com/|site=Cryptozoic|desc=Cryptozoic Entertainment website}}
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{{Elink|link=http://newsletter.vugames.com/bz0806nl01/#insiderArticle3|site=VUGames Newsletter|desc=WoW: The Trading Card Game Launches in October at [http://newsletter.vugames.com/bz0806nl01/ WoW Insider newsletter #9]}}
  
{{Elink|link=http://newsletter.vugames.com/bz0806nl01/#insiderArticle3|site=VUGames Newsletter|desc=WoW: The Trading Card Game Launches in October at [http://newsletter.vugames.com/bz0806nl01/ WoW Insider newsletter #9]}}
   
−
{{TCGSets}}
  
 
{{Games|state=collapsed}}
  
{{Games|state=collapsed}}
   

Latest revision as of 23:35, 7 February 2022

World of Warcraft
Trading Card Game
TCG logo
Official logo
Designed by Mike Hummel
Brian Kibler
Danny Mandel
Published by Upper Deck Entertainment
(October 2005 - March 2010)
Cryptozoic Entertainment
(March 2010 - August 2013)
Announced date August 18, 2005[1]
First set Heroes of Azeroth
October 2006
Latest set Reign of Fire
July 2013
Status Discontinued
(Reborn by fans)
TCG Card Back 2010

WoW: TCG card back since 2010

Trading Card Game
This article contains information from the Trading Card Game which is considered non-canon.

The World of Warcraft Trading Card Game, commonly referred to as "the TCG", is a physical collectible card game based upon World of Warcraft. It was announced on 18 August 2005[1] and was first released in October of 2006 by Upper Deck Entertainment. In March 2010, they lost the license from Blizzard Entertainment[2] and Cryptozoic Entertainment announced the acquisition of the game's license on 24 March 2010.

The TCG was produced for nearly seven years, when it was announced on 23 August 2013 that Set 21, Timewalkers: Reign of Fire would be the last set made.[3][4] The announcement came a week after the closed beta started for the digital card game Hearthstone, a spiritual successor to the TCG which features many of the same characters, abilities and artwork.

Unlike most TCGs, the game has a larger focus on multiplayer, having both raids and battlegrounds.

Game details

TCG Card Back

Original card back with Upper Deck Entertainment logo until 2010.

Each player uses a hero card and a deck consisting of allies and other supporting cards. In booster and starter packs, gamers can find cards representing weapons, abilities, armor, items and quests. Some booster packs also contain legendary rares, or loot cards (i.e. special versions of normal cards) which contain a scratch-off code. This code can then be redeemed in the online game for a virtual prize. The prizes include special tabards, gimmick items, non-combat pets, and mounts.

During play, players start with a single hero, and then play additional cards to augment the hero's powers or add additional members to his or her party. As in games such as Magic: The Gathering, the goal is to reduce the remaining health of the opponent to zero. Unlike Magic, combat attacks are always directed at individual heroes or allies, rather than simply declaring an attack with a number of creatures. Furthermore, damage done to characters accumulates between turns, making combat more expensive for both the attacker and defender.

Raid Decks

In addition to standard 2-player game play, the game also features "Raid Decks", representing struggles involving large numbers of players against epic foes. These need 1 "Raid Master" and 3 to 5 other players. The Raid Master controls all monsters and foes, while the other players control the characters participating in the raid. Players who are victorious may be able to win certain "loot" cards from the treasure pack that came with the deck. A treasure pack contains holofoils, and sometimes contains a random insertion of a "loot" card. Upper Deck Entertainment also made treasure packs available from their UDE points store, although the cards in these packs are not holofoil.

As of 2010, five Raid Decks have been released, each based on a location in the WoW MMORPG: Onyxia's Lair, Molten Core, Magtheridon's Lair, The Black Temple, and Naxxramas. The next raid to be released was Assault on Icecrown Citadel.

Card types

The following types of cards are featured in the game:

  • Hero - The character which a given player is playing as. Each player starts with a hero, and it is the hero which determines what other cards can be utilized or included in the deck (e.g., Horde heroes can only have Horde allies). The hero card provides information about starting health, race, class, specializations, and professions. Lastly, each hero has a unique power which can be used once per game (after which the hero card is turned face down).
  • Master Hero - Master Hero cards replace a player's hero in favor of a new card. However, Master Heroes still work like regular cards with a casting cost. The original hero is removed from the game and any damage, abilities, equipment, tokens or attachments that were on the hero beforehand are brought onto the Master Hero. Master Heroes, unless specified otherwise, can use all equipment and abilities, but abilities on cards that look for specific types cannot be activated. Abilities originally on heroes do not carry on to the Master Hero.
  • Ability - Cards played from the hand to cause some immediate impact to the game. Abilities can either be of the standard type, able to played only during one's turn, or can be instant abilities, able to be played at virtually any time. As with a number of the cards, many abilities include a trait icon, which limits what classes can include the card in their decks.
  • Ally - Other individuals and companions who assist and fight on behalf of the main hero. Most allies are affiliated with either the Horde or the Alliance, so only cards matching the hero's own affiliation are permitted in a deck. Neutral allies can be included in either faction. Once brought into play by paying the appropriate cost, allies remain until destroyed or removed from play. Allies can attack (or be attacked), and can also provide special powers or abilities.
  • Armor - Defensive cards which protect heroes from damage. Once played, by paying the appropriate resource cost, armor can be exhausted each turn in order to reduce damage dealt to a player's hero. Players are limited in how many different pieces of armor they may equip on any given "body part" (e.g., only one piece of chest armor at a time). Armor cards may also have additional effects above and beyond their defensive value.
  • Weapon - Offensive cards which can augment a hero's melee or ranged capabilities, as well as provide other benefits. As with armor cards, players are limited on how many weapons they may have equipped at once. In order to use a weapon card to increase attack power during combat, a player must pay a resource cost associated with the weapon. Weapons can be used when either attacking or defending, but usually only one weapon can be used per combat.
  • Item - Gear your hero can have in addition to weapons and armors. Rings, potions, and trinkets are examples of items.
  • Quest - Special cards which act as resource cards, but with additional abilities. Quests can be completed by fulfilling a condition described on the card. When this is done, a reward is earned (e.g., drawing additional cards) and the quest is normally turned face down.
  • Location - Location cards are similar to quest cards, but are not turned face down to use their abilities. Only one location can be controlled at a time, even if locations have different names.
  • Loot - Loot cards are special versions of cards which can be used within the card game (e.g. as normal allies), but which also contain a scratch-off code. This code can be entered into the website for the online game, which will provide a unique in-game item.

List of sets

Standard sets

Raid and dungeon decks

Other sets and promos

World of Warcraft reward items

Ridingturtle

An in-game Ability hunter pet turtle [Riding Turtle] mount reward from the rare Saltwater Snapjaw loot card.

Loot cards

Main article: Loot cards

The TCG offered "legendary" loot cards. These cards are special versions of the normal card, however, they have a scratch off bar which contains a long hexadecimal code. These cards are entered on the Blizzard web site which converts them to a similar code that is specific to the realm of your choice. You then use the code with Landro Longshot, a vendor in Booty Bay, to obtain the item. The codes are single-use, so you get one item on one character on one server for each loot card code you get. You do not get the item on all your characters, unlike the collector's edition pets. If you are having trouble with your loot cards, check out the loot card walk-through.

These loot cards are divided into three categories:

  • Common - Common loot card, which is now usually a consumable item.
  • Rare - A rare loot card.
  • Very rare - A very rare loot card.

UDE Points

Main article: TCG UDE points

One of the original "pulls" of the WoW TCG was that each booster pack had a guaranteed UDE points card, which featured 100 UDE points on it. These cards could be turned in at the Upper Deck website, and be used to buy various items. After a while, the points cards became material cards, while still featuring points. The UDE points program did not transfer with the TCG when it moved to Cryptozoic, so material cards released after Wrathgate no longer have UDE points on them.

Rules and errata

The current version of rules is 7.4 (updated July 23, 2013).

Official Card Reference (updated July 23, 2013):

Canonicity

While the artwork of some cards was overseen and sometimes edited with Blizzard's Creative Development department input,[5][6] with Chris Metzen suggesting some of the cards[7] and being particularly vigilant about the way named heroes were handled,[8] Blizzard declared that the Trading Card Game is not considered canon, and neither are its cards descriptions. Moreover, contrary to Hearthstone, "there is no tie-in story for the TCG and it is not a mini-game within World of Warcraft".[9][10][11]

Other products

References

 
  1. ^ a b Upper Deck Entertainment Inks Deal With Blizzard Entertainment® To Bring World Of Warcraft® To Trading Card Game Players. Upper Deck Entertainment (2005-08-18). Archived from the original on 2005-12-10.
  2. ^ Announcement From Upper Deck International. Upper Deck International. Archived from the original on 2010-02-21.
  3. ^ World of Warcraft Trading Card Game. Blizzard Entertainment (2013-08-23). Archived from the original on 2013-08-27.
  4. ^ World of Warcraft Trading Game. Cryptozoic Entertainment (2013-08-23). Archived from the original on 2013-08-28.
  5. ^ Mike Sacco on Scrolls of Lore
  6. ^ Mike Sacco on Scrolls of Lore
  7. ^ Mike Sacco on Scrolls of Lore
  8. ^ Mike Sacco on Scrolls of Lore
  9. ^ Jeremy Feasel on Twitter (2016-11-28).​ “Ah, gotcha, there was no tie-in story for the TCG, no, and not considered canon.”
  10. ^ Alex Afrasiabi on Twitter (2017-01-12).
  11. ^ Alex Afrasiabi on Twitter (2017-01-12).​ “if it's in WoW then it's canon. The TCG doesn't dictate what is canon in WoW. Sorry.”

External links

External link WoWTCG World of Warcraft Trading Card Game website
External link Cryptozoic Cryptozoic Entertainment website
External link WoW TCG Game Complete Set Lists with Images & Pricing Info
External link Warcraft Loot Cards Database of Warcraft Loot Card Sets
External link WoW Insider TCG news
External link WoW TCG Content and Decklists WoW TCG community content and decklists from big events
External link VUGames Newsletter WoW: The Trading Card Game Launches in October at WoW Insider newsletter #9
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