Why I'm Sticking to Grand Archive
- Moog Nothing
- Dec 13
- 2 min read
by Moog
Grand Archive is a game that caught my attention with its hero oriented strategies and hand based resource system. The creators describe their game as “an Anime TCG with western game design” which means it draws heavily on the creature based combat from games such as Magic the Gathering, Star Wars Unlimited and Lorcana.
It stands out with dynamic gameplay, low value breakpoints, and the use of RPG elements such as having classes with specific bonuses as well as specialized equipment readily available from your extra deck. Yes, there is also an extra deck, similar to Yu-Gi-Oh in name alone, consider this extra deck your hero’s pack or loadout, with the allowance of using or equipping one item per turn. You might be thinking this sounds like a Frankenstein of the most popular games, and it is! But Grand Archive’s play experience truly speaks for itself in a way that makes you forget that these mechanics were tastefully borrowed and reinforces unique play patterns that feel powerful yet balanced.
This idea of balance means a lot to the creators of this game. They are not afraid to make timely decisions on Banned & Restricted announcements or create temporary cards that can be proxied and are designed to answer unfavorable meta. They have even announced reprints of underprinted high rarity cards to maintain a reasonable price on the secondary market; this keeps the game accessible to new players who wish to play at a competitive level. Grand Archive also provides some of the best starter products available with their Re: Collection Deck line. These premium starter kits provide not only a ready-to-play deck, but also provides playsets of every card included in the deck, sleeves with a depiction of the chosen champion, and a high quality storage box for everything included. Grand Archive represents a true grassroots game with creators that are dedicated to maintaining a sustainable model during a time when larger TCG’s fatigue the playerbase with use of established IPs and oversaturation of set releases.
Grand Archive prides itself on its compelling character design and overarching story, providing deeper lore dives with every new set. From inspired tales of Arthurian Legend, to the Three Kingdoms Saga, to a Steampunk Metropolis, to now Underland, World beyond the Looking Glass. Borrowing settings from stories of old, the game inserts their own characters amidst the inception of calamity. Allowing for an altered story to unfold with the influence of the endearing champions that have fought to protect the original state of lore. From the story to the print quality of every card, you can tell Grand Archive was meticulously crafted with love and care, putting the player first and setting a new standard for TCG’s to come.
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