Starter Decks: Difference between revisions

From LOTR-TCG Wiki
mNo edit summary
(updated wording)
 
(11 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
'''Starter Decks''' were boxed ready-made simple decks that were intended to be easy enough for brand-new players to pick up and play.  Each set typically had two starter decks, each one focusing on different cultures and strategies, so one could conceivably purchase both with a friend and get a good taste of what the game as a whole had to offer. 


Unlike actual legal decks, starter decks had only about 50 cards, and the Shadows and Free Peoples sides did not always have the same number of cards.  Combined with the fact that the starter rulebooks didn't explain all of the rules of the game (but only rules needed to play the decks provided, plus a starter-only rule that allowed you to reshuffle the discard pile), the decks themselves where valuable from a learning perspective but not very usable in a normal play environment.
[[File:starter-decks-sized.jpg|right]]


To offset the fact that veteran players would not need the starter packs, Decipher included 2 P-rarity cards in each starter pack that were not obtainable in booster packs. Also, for most sets, Decipher packed 3 random rares with each starter deck, giving collectors additional reason to purchase them (it was sometimes cheaper to buy boxes of starters instead of boxes of boosters, as each box of starters included 36 rares.) In ''Battle of Helm's Deep'' and ''Ents of Fangorn'', Decipher did away with the random rares and instead included 3 predetermined rares, with the idea being to make sure that included rares went according to the theme of the starter deck (predetermined rares also saved printing costs, as it allowed the entire deck to come from one print sheet instead of two.) Fixed rares annoyed players, as it removed the incentive for veterans to purchase the decks, and it reduced the value of the 6 rares affected in each setWith ''Return of the King'' Decipher reverted to the original random rare distribution for starter packs.
'''Starter Decks''' are ready-made simple decks that are intended to be easy enough for brand-new players to pick up and play.  Each set typically had two starter decks, each one focusing on different cultures and strategies, so one could conceivably purchase both with a friend and get a good taste of what the game as a whole had to offer.   


{{  cardmedia:starter-decks-sized.jpg  }}
Starter decks were also used in [[Sealed]] formats as a foundation for deckbuilding to be supplemented by other random cards, meaning that starter decks tended towards generic flexibility rather than fine-tuned specialization.


==Deluxe Starter Sets==
To offset the fact that veteran players would not need an introduction to the game, Decipher included 2 exclusive nonfoil P-rarity cards in each starter pack that were not obtainable in booster packs. Also, for most sets, Decipher packed 3 random rares with each starter deck, giving collectors additional reason to purchase them (it was sometimes cheaper to buy boxes of starters instead of boxes of boosters; each box of starters included 36 rares vs the 32 of a booster box.)
For the ''Fellowship of the Ring'' and ''The Two Towers'' blocks, Decipher also released Deluxe starter sets, which besides including a starter deck also had booster packs from each set in that block as well as a card box and glass tokens. Unlike other starter sets, Deluxe starters did not include starter-only cards. Due to the inclusion of boosters, a Deluxe Rulebook was included in lieu of the Starter Rulebook, to make sure that players would have access to all the rules if needed.  No Deluxe Starter Set was released for any other block.


==Gemp-LotR Starter Decks==
In [[Battle of Helm's Deep]] and [[Ents of Fangorn]], Decipher did away with the random rares and instead included 3 predetermined rares, with the idea being to make sure that included rares went according to the theme of the starter deck (predetermined rares also saved printing costs, as it allowed the entire deck to come from one print sheet instead of two.) Fixed rares annoyed players, as it removed the incentive for veterans to purchase the decks, and it drastically reduced the value of the 6 rares affected in each set.  With [[The Return of the King]] Decipher reverted to the original random rare distribution for starter packs.
Starter decks are used as part of the card pool in sealed deck leagues on [[Gemp-LotR]]. The official Decipher starter decks (listed below) are used in most of the leagues, but there are two leagues that use custom starter decks: one based around [[Towers Standard]] and another based around [[Movie Block]]. Decklists for those two leagues can be found at [[ts_sealed|Towers Standard Sealed]] and [[sealed-movie|Movie Block Sealed]], respectively.


==Starter Deck Lists==
== Starter Rules Differences ==
Below are lists of the contents of each starter deck, organized by set.  Information is taken from [[http://www.gondorian.com/lotrtcg/starters.php|gondorian.com]] and the Last Homely House forums, [[http://lotrtcgwiki.com/forums/index.php/topic,3640.0/all.html|here]] and [[http://lotrtcgwiki.com/forums/index.php?topic=====8330.0|here]], as well as from the decklists compiled for GCCG.
The rules included in each [[Rulebooks#Starter_Rulebooks|Starter Rulebook]] were slightly different from the rules used in more standard formats, mostly to reduce the overall complexity and make one's first game go faster. These differences include:


==Fellowship of the Ring==
* Play ends at site 7 (instead of site 9)
----
* Players flip a coin to determine play order (instead of blind-[[bidding]] [[Burdens|burdens]])
* Decks only have ~50 cards in their draw deck (instead of the requisite 60 minimum)
* Decks sometimes have different numbers of [[Free Peoples]] and [[Shadow]] cards (instead of the required exactly even amount)
* Players may shuffle their discard pile into their deck once per game upon running out of cards in their draw deck (this rule has no analogue in normal play; once the deck runs out, that player continues play with no further cards)


===Gandalf Starter Deck===
All starter decks were built with these differences in mind, but with an eye on upgradability (and as a minor marketing enticement for players needing to pad these decks with a few extra cards to make them legal to use).  The starter rules in turn are tailored to typically only include the rules and rulings for cards included within starter packs.
Gandalf [Gandalf] / Moria [Moria]


!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Son of Drogo
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring


Adventure Deck (9 cards)
== Deluxe Starter Sets ==
* [!1] Westfarthing
* [!2] Ettenmoors
* [!3] Council Courtyard
* [!4] Mithril Mine
* [!5] The Bridge of Khazad-dum
* [!6] Dimrill Dale
* [!7] Anduin Confluence
* [!8] Shores of Nen Hithoel
* [!9] Emyn Muil


Free Peoples (24 cards)
For [[The Fellowship of the Ring]] and [[The Two Towers]], Decipher also released Deluxe starter sets, which besides including a starter deck also had booster packs from each set in that block as well as a card box and glass tokens (to use for [[Twilight Tokens]] and [[Wounds]]). Unlike other starter sets, Deluxe starters did not include starter-only cards. Due to the inclusion of boosters, a Deluxe Rulebook was included in lieu of the Starter Rulebook, to make sure that players would have access to all the rules if needed.  No Deluxe Starter Set was released for any other block.
* Boromir, Son of Denethor
* Gandalf, The Grey Wizard (starting) x2
* Gimli, Dwarf of Erebor x2
* Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood x2
* Barliman Butterbur, Prancing Pony Proprietor
* Bounder x3
* Hobbit Sword
* Defiance x2
* Intimidate x3
* Mysterious Wizard x3
* Noble Intentions
* Their Halls of Stone x2
* Treachery Deeper Than You Know


Shadow (25 cards)
== LOTRO Starter Decklists ==
* Goblin Marksman x3
Starter decks that were included in the [[Lord of the Rings Online TCG]] game client had their lists modified to make the decks tournament legal.  In most cases, this just meant adding more cards to the list, but in some cases in [[The Return of the King]] starters they also removed cards in a rebalancing attempt.  In one notable case, {{Card|Kill Them Now}} was removed from the [[Ents of Fangorn]] Faramir starter deck, as there aren't actually any [[Tracker]]s in that deck to use this card with (it was replaced with {{Card|Ferocity}}).
* Goblin Runner x3
* Goblin Scavengers x3
* Goblin Sneak x3
* Moria Scout x3
* Goblin Scimitar x3
* Drums in the Deep x3
* Host of Thousands x2
* They Are Coming x2


===Aragorn Starter Deck===
==GEMP Starter Decks==
Gondor [Gondor] / Isengard [Isengard]


!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
Starter decks are used as part of the card pool in sealed deck leagues on [[GEMP]]. The official Decipher starter decks (listed below) are used in most of the leagues, but there are two leagues that use custom starter decks: one based around [[Towers Standard]] and another based around [[Movie Block]]. Decklists for those two leagues can be found at [[TS_Sealed|Towers Standard Sealed]] and [[Movie Block Sealed]], respectively.
* Frodo, Son of Drogo
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring


Adventure Deck (9 cards)
==Starter Deck Lists==
* [!1] East Road
* [!2] Bree Gate
* [!3] Rivendell Terrace
* [!4] Moria Lake
* [!5] The Bridge of Khazad-dum
* [!6] Galadriel's Glade
* [!7] Silverlode Banks
* [!8] Pillars of the Kings
* [!9] Slopes of Amon Hen
 
Free Peoples (25 cards)
* Aragorn, King in Exile (starting) x2
* Boromir, Son of Denethor x2
* Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood
* Sam, Son of Hamfast
* Athelas x2
* Coat of Mail
* Great Shield x2
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Eregion's Trails x2
* No Stranger to the Shadows x2
* Pathfinder x2
* Swordarm of the White Tower x3
* Swordsman of the Northern Kingdom x3
 
Shadow (24 cards)
* Uruk Rager x3
* Uruk Savage x3
* Uruk Shaman x3
* Uruk Slayer x2
* Uruk Soldier x2
* Uruk-hai Raiding Party x2
* Uruk-hai Armory x2
* Bred for Battle x3
* Saruman's Ambition x2
* Their Arrows Enrage x2
 
===Deluxe Starter Set===
Shire [Shire] / Ringwraith [Ringwraith] / Sauron [Sauron]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Son of Drogo
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* [!1] East Road
* [!2] Bree Streets
* [!3] Ford of Bruinen
* [!4] Moria Stairway
* [!5] The Bridge of Khazad-dum
* [!6] Lothlorien Woods
* [!7] Anduin Wilderland
* [!8] Anduin Banks
* [!9] Emyn Muil
 
Free Peoples (25 cards)
* Boromir, Son of Denethor x2
* Merry From O'er The Brandywine (starting)
* Pippin, Friend to Frodo (starting)
* Sam, Son of Hamfast (starting)
* Bounder x3
* Hobbit Party Guest x2
* Hobbit Sword x3
* Halfling Deftness x2
* Hobbit Appetite x2
* Hobbit Intuition x3
* Hobbit Stealth x3
* Stout and Sturdy x2
 
Shadow (24 cards)
* Morgul Skulker x3
* Orc Chieftain x3
* Orc Scimitar x3
* Orc Soldier x3
* Ulaire Lemenya, Lieutenant of Morgul x2
* Ulaire Nertea, Messenger of Dol Guldur x2
* Sword of Minas Morgul x2
* Black Breath x2
* Blade Tip x2
* Forces of Mordor x2
 
==Mines of Moria==
----
 
===Gandalf Starter Deck===
Gandalf [Gandalf] / Moria [Moria]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Reluctant Adventurer
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Sites (9 cards)
* [!1] Farmer Maggot's Fields
* [!2] Trollshaw Forest
* [!3] Frodo's Bedroom
* [!4] Moria Lake
* [!5] The Bridge of Khazad-dum
* [!6] Dimrill Dale
* [!7] Anduin Confluence
* [!8] Shores of Nen Hithoel
* [!9] Summit of Amon Hen
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Gandalf, The Grey Pilgrim (starting) x2
* Merry, From O'er the Brandywine x2
* Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood x2
* Boromir, Son of Denethor x2
* Barliman Butterbur, Prancing Pony Proprietor
* Wizard Staff x2
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Strength of Spirit x3
* Intimidate x2
* Mysterious Wizard x2
* Stand Against Darkness
* Swordarm of the White Tower x2
* Elendil's Valor
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Goblin Flankers x3
* Goblin Pursuer x3
* Goblin Spearman x3
* Goblin Runner x3
* Goblin Scavengers x3
* Goblin Spear x3
* The Long Dark x2
* Old Differences x2
* Drums in the Deep x2
* Host of Thousands
 
===Gimli Starter Deck===
Dwarf [Dwarf] / Sauron [Sauron]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Reluctant Adventurer
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Sites (9 cards)
* [!1] Westfarthing
* [!2] Ettenmoors
* [!3] Council Courtyard
* [!4] Dwarrowdelf Chamber
* [!5] The Bridge of Khazad-dum
* [!6] Lothlorien Woods
* [!7] Anduin Wilderland
* [!8] Anduin Banks
* [!9] Tol Brandir
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Gimli, Dwarf of the Mountain-race x2 (starting)
* Farin, Dwarven Emissary x2 (starting)
* Dwarf Guard x3
* Thrarin, Dwarven Smith
* Hand Axe x2
* Dwarven Axe x2
* Dwarven Armor
* Stairs of Khazad-dum x2
* Axe Strike x2
* Flurry of Blows x3
* Here Lies Balin, Son of Fundin x2
* Still Draws Breath x2
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Orc Scout x3
* Orc Ambusher x3
* Orc Assassin x3
* Orc Chieftain x3
* Orc Hunters x2
* Orc Inquisitor x2
* Vile Blade x3
* Under the Watching Eye x2
* Spies of Mordor x2
* Mordor's Strength x2
 
==Realms of the Elf-Lords==
----
 
===Legolas Starter Deck===
Elf [Elf] / Isengard [Isengard]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Son of Drogo
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* [!1] Westfarthing
* [!2] Breeland Forest
* [!3] House of Elrond
* [!4] Pass of Caradhras
* [!5] The Bridge of Khazad-dum
* [!6] Lothlorien Woods
* [!7] Silverlode Banks
* [!8] Anduin Banks
* [!9] Tol Brandir
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Boromir, Son of Denethor x2
* Gimli, Dwarf of Erebor x2 (starting)
* Haldir, Elf of the Golden Wood x2
* Legolas, Son of Thranduil x2 (starting)
* Golradir, Councilor of Imladris x2
* Saelbeth, Elven Councilor x2
* Border Defenses x2
* Far-seeing Eyes x2
* Hosts of the Last Alliance x3
* Defiance x2
* Foul Creation x3
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Isengard Forger x3
* Uruk Raider x3
* Uruk Rager x2
* Uruk Savage x3
* Uruk Scout x3
* Uruk-hai Raiding Party x2
* Uruk-hai Sword x2
* Saruman's Snows
* Abandoning Reason for Madness x2
* Bred for Battle x2
* One of You Must Do This x2
 
===Boromir Starter Pack===
Gondor [Gondor] / Sauron [Sauron]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Reluctant Adventurer
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* [!1] Hobbiton Woods
* [!2] Bree Gate
* [!3] Rivendell Terrace
* [!4] Eregion Hills
* [!5] The Bridge of Khazad-dum
* [!6] Galadriel's Glade
* [!7] Anduin Wilderland
* [!8] Pillars of the Kings
* [!9] Emyn Muil
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Boromir, Defender of Minas Tirith x2 * (starting)
* Gimli, Dwarf of Erebor
* Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood x2
* Merry, From O'er the Brandywine (starting)
* Coat of Mail
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Answering the Cries x2
* Foes of Mordor x2
* Might of Numenor x2
* No Stranger to the Shadows
* Sentinels of Numenor x3
* Swordsman of the Northern Kingdom x3
* What Are They? x2
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Orc Butcher x3
* Orc Scimitar x3
* Orc Soldier x3
* Orc Swordsman x3
* Orc Warrior x3
* Tower Lieutenant x2
* Massing in the East x3
* Mordor's Strength x3
* Strength Born of Fear x2
 
==The Two Towers==
----
 
===Aragorn Starter Deck===
Gondor [Gondor] / Dunland [Dunland]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Tired Traveller
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* [!1T] The Riddermark
* [!2T] Rohirrim Village
* [!3T] Westemnet Plains
* [!4T] White Rocks
* [!5T] Hornburg Courtyard
* [!6T] Hornburg Armory
* [!7T] Hornburg Causeway
* [!8T] Ring of Isengard
* [!9T] Orthanc Library
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Aragorn, Wingfoot x2
* Gimli, Unbidden Guest x2 (starting)
* Legolas, Elven Comrade x2 (starting)
* Merry, Learned Guide x3
* Pippin, Woolly-footed Rascal x3
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Ranger's Sword, Blade of Aragorn x2
* Best Company x2
* Severed His Bonds x2
* Swiftly and Softly x2
* Valor x2
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Band of Wild Men x3
* Dunlending Brigand x3
* Dunlending Madman x3
* Dunlending Pillager x3
* Dunlending Robber x3
* Dunlending Savage x3
* Iron Axe x3
* Dark Fury x2
* Death to the Strawheads x2
 
===Theoden Starter Deck===
Rohan [Rohan] / Isengard [Isengard]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Tired Traveller
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* [1T] Horse-country
* [2T] Uruk Camp
* [3T] Throne Room
* [4T] Westemnet Hills
* [5T] Deep of Helm
* [6T] Hornburg Armory
* [7T] King's Room
* [8T] Wizard's Vale
* [9T] Palantir Chamber
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Eomer, Sister Son of Theoden (starting)
* Eowyn, Lady of Rohan (starting)
* Rider of Rohan x3
* Theoden, Lord of the Mark x2
* Brego
* Heavy Chain x 3
* Herugrim x2
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Horse of Rohan x3
* An Honorable Charge x3
* Work for the Sword x3
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Uruk Defender x2
* Uruk Fanatic x3
* Uruk Rear Guard x2
* Uruk Regular x2
* Uruk Stalker x3
* Uruk-hai Raiding Party x3
* Orthanc Warrior x3
* Broad-Bladed Sword x3
* Ferocity x2
* Still They Came x2
 
===Gandalf Deluxe Starter Set===
Gandalf [Gandalf] / Shire [Shire] / Raider [Raider]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Tired Traveller
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* [1T] Western Emyn Muil
* [2T] Wold of Rohan
* [3T] Streets of Edoras
* [4T] White Rocks
* [5T] Hornburg Parapet
* [6T] Hornburg Armory
* [7T] King's Room
* [8T] Wizard's Vale
* [9T] Palantir Chamber
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Eomer, Sister-son of Theoden x2
* Eowyn, Lady of Rohan x2
* Gandalf, The White Wizard (starting)
* Gimli, Unbidden Guest
* Legolas, Elven Comrade
* Sam, Samwise the Brave
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Sword of Rohan x2
* Have Patience x2
* Long I Fell x3
* Severed His Bonds x2
* Swiftly and Softly x2
* Under the Living Earth x3
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Desert Soldier x3
* Desert Spearman x3
* Easterling Axeman x3
* Easterling Guard x2
* Easterling Infantry x2
* Easterling Lieutenant x3
* Southron Scout x3
* Gathering to the Summons x2
* Men of Rhun x2
* On the March x2
 
==Battle of Helm's Deep==
----
 
===Eowyn Starter Deck===
Rohan [Rohan] / Isengard [Isengard]
 
(''This deck contained no random rares'')
 
!Ring-bearer
* Frodo, Tired Traveller (2 cards)
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* [1T] Horse-country
* [2T] Plains of Rohan Camp
* [3T] Stables
* [4T] Westemnet Hills
* [5T] Helm's Gate
* [6T] Hornburg Armory
* [7T] King's Room
* [8T] Nan Curunir
* [9T] Palantir Chamber
 
Free Peoples (25 cards)
* Eowyn, Daughter of Eomund x2 (starting)
* Household Guard x3
* Elite Rider x3 (starting)
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Rohirrim Bow x3
* Rider's Mount x3
* Rider's Spear x3
* Rohirrim Helm
* Thundering Host
* Work for the Sword x3
* Severed His Bonds
 
Shadow (24 cards)
* Foul Horde
* Isengard Flanker x4
* Isengard Rider x3
* Warg-rider x4
* Warg-master x3
* Warg x3
* War-warg x3
* Wolf-voices x3
 
===Legolas Starter Deck===
Elf [Elf] / Raider [Raider]
 
(''This deck contained no random rares'')
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Tired Traveller
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* [1T] Plains of Rohan
* [2T] Wold of Rohan
* [3T] Barrows of Edoras
* [4T] White Rocks
* [5T] Hornburg Parapet
* [6T] Hornburg Armory
* [7T] Hornburg Causeway
* [8T] Wizard's Vale
* [9T] Palantir Chamber
 
Free Peoples (25 cards)
* Balglin, Elven Warrior
* Gimli, Unbidden Guest (starting)
* Legolas, Archer of Mirkwood x2 (starting)
* Lorien Swordsman x3
* Elven Bow x3
* Elven Sword x3
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Break the Charge
* Baruk Khazad
* Khazad Ai-menu x2
* Quick as May Be x2
* Severed His Bonds
* Valor x3
 
Shadow (24 cards)
* Army of Haradrim
* Desert Soldier x2
* Desert Spearman x3
* Desert Warrior x2
* Southron Marcher x3
* Southron Traveler x3
* Southron Runner x3
* Mumak x3
* Whirling Strike
* On the March x3
 
==Ents of Fangorn==
----
 
===The Witch-King Starter Deck===
Gandalf [Gandalf] / Ringwraith [Ringwraith] / Sauron [Sauron]
 
(''This deck contained no random rares'')
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Tired Traveller
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* [1T] Horse Country
* [2T] Derndingle
* [3T] Golden Hall
* [4T] Ered Nimrais
* [5T] Hornburg Courtyard
* [6T] Hornburg Armory
* [7T] Hornburg Wall
* [8T] Nan Curunir
* [9T] Orthanc Library
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Ent Avenger x3
* Host of Fangorn
* Merry, Learned Guide (starting)
* Pippin, Woolly-footed Rascal (starting)
* Quickbeam, Bregalad (starting)
* Skinbark, Fladrif
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Ent Moot x2
* Enraged
* Boomed and Trumpeted x2
* Knocked on the Head x2
* Long Slow Wrath x2
* Roused x3
* Severed His Bonds x2
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Gate Troll
* Gate Trooper x3
* Gate Veteran x3
* Orc Cutthroat x2
* Orc Insurgent x2
* Orc Pursuer x3
* Orc Runner x3
* The Witch-king, Deathless Lord x2
* Ulaire Lemenya, Winged Hunter x2
* Ulaire Nertea, Winged Hunter x2
* Fell Beast x2
 
===Faramir Starter Deck===
Gondor [Gondor] / Shire [Shire] / Isengard [Isengard]
 
(''This deck contained no random rares'')
 
!Ring-bearer
* Frodo, Tired Traveller
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck
* [1T] East Wall of Rohan
* [2T] Wold of Rohan
* [3T] Stables
* [4T] White Rocks
* [5T] Deep of Helm
* [6T] Hornburg Armory
* [7T] King's Room
* [8T] Ring of Isengard
* [9T] Caverns of Isengard
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Anborn, Skilled Hunstman x2
* Faramir, Ithilien Ranger x2 (starting)
* Ranger of Ithilien x3 (starting)
* Sam, Nice Sensible Hobbit
* Smeagol, Poor Creature (starting)
* Hobbit Sword x3
* Ranger's Bow x2
* Sword of Gondor x3
* Ancient Roads
* Don't Look at Them
* Don't Follow the Lights
* Severed His Bonds
* War and Valor x3
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Isengard Artisan x3
* Isengard Builder x2
* Isengard Journeyman x2
* Isengard Mechanics
* Isengard Plodder x3
* Isengard Tinker x2
* Uruk-hai Berserker x3
* Uruk-hai Raiding Party x3
* Gnawing, Biting, Hacking, Burning x3
* Kill Them Now x3
 
==Return of the King==
----
 
===Aragorn Starter Deck===
Gondor [Gondor] / Raider [Raider]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Hope of Free Peoples
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* [1K] Steps of Edoras
* [2K] West Road
* [3K] Beacon of Minas Tirith
* [4K] Osgiliath Fallen
* [5K] City Gates
* [6K] Minas Tirith Sixth Circle
* [7K] Pelennor Grassland
* [8K] Cross Roads
* [9K] Dagorlad
 
Free Peoples (23 cards)
* Aragorn, Driven by Need x2 (starting)
* Faramir, Stout Captain
* Madril, Faramir's Aide
* Ranger of Minas Tirith x3
* Targon
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Knight's Spear x3
* Second Level x3
* Third Level x2
* City of Men x2
* Great Gate x2
* Stand to Arms
 
Shadow (26 cards)
* Desert Fighter x3
* Desert Nomad x3
* Desert Villain x3
* Easterling Blademaster x3
* Easterling Ransacker x3
* Southron Bandit x3
* Southron Captain x2
* Mumakil of the Harad x3
* Red Wrath x2
* War Towers
 
===Eomer Starter Deck===
Rohan [Rohan] / Sauron [Sauron]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Hope of Free Peoples
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* [1K] Edoras Hall
* [2K] Rohirrim Camp
* [3K] Hall of the Kings
* [4K] Anduin Banks
* [5K] Pelennor Flat
* [6K] Minas Tirith Fourth Circle
* [7K] Osgiliath Crossing
* [8K] Morgul Vale
* [9K] Slag Mounds
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Eomer, Valiant Warchief x2 (starting)
* Eowyn, Restless Maiden (starting)
* Gandalf, Defender of the West
* Rohirrim Guard x3
* Theoden, Leader of Spears
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Long Spear x3
* Riding Armor x2
* Swift Steed x3
* Knights of His House x2
* Morning Came x2
* Wind in His Face x2
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Mordor Defender x3
* Mordor Regular x3
* Mordor Savage x3
* Mordor Trooper x2
* Mordor Veteran x2
* Orc Brood x2
* Orc Officer x3
* Orc Pursuer x2
* Orc Savage
* Anguish x2
* Siegecraft x2
 
==Siege of Gondor==
----
 
===Merry Starter Deck===
Shire [Shire] / Rohan [Rohan] / Ringwraith [Ringwraith] / Sauron [Sauron]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Hope of Free Peoples
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* [1K] Edoras Hall
* [2K] Rohirrim Camp
* [3K] Hall of the Kings
* [4K] Anduin Banks
* [5K] Pelennor Flat
* [6K] Minas Tirith Fourth Circle
* [7K] Osgiliath Channel
* [8K] Morgulduin
* [9K] Haunted Pass
 
Free Peoples (24)
* Merry, Noble Warrior x2 (starting)
* Eomer, Keeper of Oaths
* Eowyn, Restless Maiden
* Guthlaf, Herald
* Enraged Horseman x3 (starting)
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Long Spear x3
* Rohirrim Javelin x3
* Swift Steed x2
* Doom Drove Them x2
* Charged Headlong x2
* White Hot Fury x2
 
Shadow (25)
* Morgul Lurker x4
* Morgul Creeper x3
* Morgul Predator x2
* Morgul Spearman x3
* Morgul Destroyer x3
* Ulaire Nelya, Black-mantled Wraith x2
* Ulaire Otsea, Black-mantled Wraith x2
* Ulaire Lemenya, Wraith on Wings x2
* Morgul Axe x2
* Unhindered x2
 
===Pippin Starter Deck===
Shire [Shire] / Gondor [Gondor] / Raider [Raider]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Hope of Free Peoples
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* [1K] Steps of Edoras
* [2K] King's Tent
* [3K] Hall of the Kings
* [4K] Pelennor Plain
* [5K] Pelennor Flat
* [6K] Minas Tirith Sixth Circle
* [7K] Osgiliath Channel
* [8K] Cross Roads
* [9K] Haunted Pass
 
Free Peoples (24)
* Pippin, Guard of Minas Tirith x2 (starting)
* Faramir, Defender of Osgiliath
* Denethor, Wizened Steward
* Ingold
* Gondorian Captain x3 (starting)
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Gondorian Sword x3
* Knight's Mount x2
* First Level x3
* Fourth Level x3
* Dagger Strike x3
 
Shadow (25)
* Haradrim Marksman x3
* Troop of Haradrim x3
* Desert Soldier x3
* Desert Runner x3
* Desert Scout x3
* Desert Sneak x3
* Raider Bow x2
* Haradwaith x2
* Great Beasts
* New Strength Came Now x2
 
==Mount Doom==
----
 
===Sam Starter Deck===
Shire [Shire] / Ringwraith [Ringwraith] / Sauron [Sauron]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Hope of Free Peoples
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* [1K] Sleeping Quarters
* [2K] King's Tent
* [3K] Beacon of Minas Tirith
* [4K] Anduin Banks
* [5K] Steward's Tomb
* [6K] Minas Tirith Third Circle
* [7K] Osgiliath Channel
* [8K] Morgul Vale
* [9K] Slag Mounds
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Merry, Rohirrim Squire (starting)
* Pippin, Sworn to Service (starting)
* Sam, Great Elf Warrior x2 (starting)
* Hobbit Sword x4
* Orc Armor x2
* The Tale of the Great Ring x2
* Brave and Loyal x2
* Chance Observation x2
* Narrow Escape x2
* Nine-fingered Frodo and the Ring of Doom x2
* A Marvel x4
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Cirith Ungol Sentinel x4
* Cirith Ungol Guard x4
* Cirith Ungol Sentry x4
* Cirith Ungol Patroller x3
* Mordor Veteran x2
* Uruk Axe x4
* Barren Land x2
* Rank and File x2
 
===Frodo Starter Deck===
Shire [Shire] / Gondor [Gondor] / Sauron [Sauron]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Resolute Hobbit
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* [1K] Steps of Edoras
* [2K] Rohirrim Camp
* [3K] The Dimholt
* [4K] Pelennor Prairie
* [5K] City Gates
* [6K] Minas Tirith Fifth Circle
* [7K] Pelennor Grassland
* [8K] Watchers of Cirith Ungol
* [9K] Dagorlad
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Frodo, Resolute Hobbit
* Gandalf, Defender of the West x3 (starting)
* Oathbreaker x2
* Sleepless Dead
* Dead Man of Dunharrow x3
* Hobbit Sword
* Spectral Sword x2
* All Save One x2
* End of the Game x3
* Gathering Wind x2
* Intimidate x2
* Noble Intentions x2
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Cirith Ungol Watchman x4
* Cirith Ungol Warrior x4
* Cirith Ungol Soldier x4
* Cirith Ungol Scavenger x3
* Morgul Lackey x2
* Morgul Predator x2
* Morgul Axe x2
* Houses of Lamentation x2
* Ten Times Outnumbered x2
 
==Shadows==
----
 
===Aragorn Starter Deck===
Gondor [Gondor] / Orc [Orc]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Protected by Many
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* The Prancing Pony
* North Undeep
* Cavern Entrance
* Window on the West
* West Gate of Moria
* Moria Stairway
* Crags of Emyn Muil
* Expanding Marshland
* Watch-tower of Cirith Ungol
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Aragorn, Guide and Protector x2 (starting)
* Madril, Ranger of Ithilien x2
* Ranger of Westernesse x4
* Sam, Steadfast Friend
* Armor of the Citadel x2
* Gondorian Blade x4
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Pledge of Loyalty x3
* Battle Cry x4
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Denizen of Khazad-dum x4
* Denizen of Moria x4
* Denizen of the Black Pit x3
* Marauding Orcs x2
* Skulking Goblin x4
* Unyielding Goblin x4
* Orc Hammer x2
* Conquered Halls x2
 
===Gandalf Starter Deck===
Gandalf [Gandalf] / Wraith [Wraith]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Protected by Many
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* Westemnet Village
* Valley of the Silverlode
* Green Dragon Inn
* East Road
* Buckland Homestead
* Woody-end
* Caras Galadhon
* Neekerbreekers' Bog
* Pinnacle of Zirakzigil
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Gandalf, Leader of the Company x2 (starting)
* Merry, Loyal Companion x2
* Sam, Steadfast Friend x2
* Farmer Maggot, Hobbit of the Marish x2
* Hobbit Sword x4
* G for Grand x3
* Concerning Hobbits x3
* Sworn Companion x3
* Unharmed x3
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Ulaire Lemenya, Fifth of the Nine Riders x4
* Ulaire Nelya, Third of the Nine Riders x4
* Ulaire Cantea, Fourth of the Nine Riders x4
* Ulaire Toldea, Eighth of the Nine Riders x4
* Ulaire Nertea, Ninth of the Nine Riders x2
* Drawn to its Power x2
* Moving This Way x3
* Riders in Black x2
 
===Eowyn Starter Deck===
Rohan [Rohan] / Uruk-hai [Uruk-hai]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Protected by Many
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* Flats of Rohan
* Harrowdale
* Pelennor Flat
* Osgiliath Reclaimed
* Stables
* Slag Mounds
* Fortress of Orthanc
* Rohan Uplands
* Trollshaw Forest
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Eomer, Guardian of the Eastmark x2 (starting)
* Eowyn, Shieldmaiden of Rohan x2 (starting)
* Hrothlac, Man of Rohan
* Riddermark Soldier x4
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Rider's Spear x4
* Rohirrim Mount x3
* Rally Cry x3
* War Now Calls Us x3
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Bloodthirsty Uruk x4
* Hounding Uruk x4
* Lookout Uruk x4
* Feral Uruk x4
* Invincible Uruk x2
* Brutality x3
* Furor x4
 
===Legolas Starter Deck===
Elf [Elf] / Men [Men]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Protected by Many
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* Old Forest Road
* Anduin Confluence
* Fangorn Glade
* Ettenmoors
* Chamber of Mazarbul
* Pelennor Fields
* Moria Guardroom
* Helm's Gate
* Barazinbar
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Elven Scout x4
* Farin, Emissary of Erebor x2 (starting)
* Legolas, Companion of the Ring x2 (starting)
* Woodland Sentinel x2
* Axe of Khazad-dum
* Blade of Lindon x4
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Farewell to Lorien
* The Lady's Blessing x4
* Sworn Companion x2
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Footman of Dunland x4
* Elder of Dunland x4
* Harad Standard-bearer x4
* Man of Bree x4
* Raging Dunlending x2
* Poleaxe x4
* Overrun x3
 
==Black Rider==
----
 
===The Mouth of Sauron Starter Deck===
Rohan [Rohan] / Men [Men]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Protected by Many
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* Fortress of Orthanc
* Emyn Muil
* Pelennor Fields
* Pelennor Flat
* Northern Pelennor
* Helm's Gate
* Flats of Rohan
* Stables
* Harrowdale
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Eomer, Guardian of the Eastmark (starting)
* Eored Warrior x 4
* Merry, Loyal Companion (starting)
* Theoden, King of the Eorlingas
* Rider's Spear x 4
* Hobbit Sword x 2
* Rohirrim Mount x 3
* For the Mark x 2
* Measure of Comfort x 2
* War Now Calls Us x 4
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Brutal Easterling x 3
* Corps of Harad x 3
* Crooked Townsman x 2
* Frenzied Dunlending x 3
* The Mouth of Sauron, Messenger of Mordor x 2
* Raging Dunlending x 3
* Long Battle Bow x 2
* Poleaxe x 4
* Overrun x 3
 
===Saruman Starter Deck===
Shire [Shire] / Uruk-hai [Uruk-hai]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Protected by Many
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* Hill of Sight
* Hobbiton Market
* Caras Galadhon
* Fortress of Orthanc
* Green Dragon Inn
* Helm's Gate
* Slag Mounds
* Trollshaw Forest
* The Prancing Pony
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Merry, Loyal Companion (starting)
* Ranger of Westernesse x 2
* Sam, Steadfast Friend x 2
* Tolman Cotton, Farmer of Bywater (starting)
* Farmer Maggot, Hobbit of the Marish (starting)
* Hobbit Sword x 4
* Hope is Kindled x 4
* The More, the Merrier x 2
* No Worse for Wear x 4
* Sworn Companion x 3
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Intimidating Uruk x 2
* Patrol of Uruk-hai x 3
* Saruman, Agent of the Dark Lord x 2
* Squad of Uruk-hai x 4
* Uruk Desecrator x 3
* Uruk Dominator x 3
* Weapon of Opportunity x 3
* Furor x 2
* Our Foes Are Weak x 3
 
==Bloodlines==
----
 
===Boromir Starter Deck===
Gondor [Gondor] / Men [Men]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Protected by Many
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* Fords of Isen
* The Great Gates
* Anduin Banks
* Valley of the Silverlode
* Trollshaw Forest
* Window on the West
* Helm's Gate
* North Undeep
* Northern Pelennor
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Boromir, Doomed Heir x 2 (starting)
* Merry, Loyal Companion (starting)
* Tolman Cotton, Farmer of Bywater
* Tradesman From Lebennin x 4
* Armor of the Citadel
* Hobbit Sword x 3
* Gondorian Blade x 4
* Heirs of Gondor x 3
* Measure of Comfort x 2
* Rally the Company x 3
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Column of Easterlings x 3
* Cruel Dunlending x 3
* Crooked Townsman x 3
* Easterling Shield Wall x 3
* Rampaging Easterling x 4
* Vicious Dunlending x 3
* Worn Battleaxe x 2
* Stragglers x 4
 
===Arwen Starter Deck===
Elf [Elf] / Orc [Orc]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Protected by Many
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* Caves of Aglarond
* Crossroads of the Fallen Kings
* Shores of Nen hithoel
* Caras Galadhon
* Old Forest Road
* West Gate of Moria
* Moria Stairway
* East Road
* Fangorn Glade
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Arwen, Reflection of Luthien x 2 (starting)
* Lorien Protector x 2
* Orophin, Brother of Haldir
* Rumil, Brother of Haldir (starting)
* Shrouded Elf x 2
* Blade of Lindon x 4
* Hobbit Sword x 2
* Attunement x 3
* Farewell to Lorien x 2
* Final Shot x 3
* Measure of Comfort x 2
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Howling Orc x 2
* Orc Plains Runner x 3
* Orc Skulker x 4
* Orc Strategist x 3
* Picket Denizen x 2
* Prowling Orc x 3
* Scavenging Goblins x 3
* Orc Spear x 3
* Strength in Shadows x 2
 
==The Hunters==
----
 
===Aragorn Starter Deck===
Gondor [Gondor] / Elf [Elf] / Orc [Orc]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Weary From the Journey
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* Anduin Banks
* Gate of Mordor
* City Gates
* Shores of Nen Hithoel
* Slopes of Orodruin
* Helm's Gate
* Starkhorn
* Trollshaw Forest
* Westfold Village
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Aragorn, Swift Hunter x4
* Elven Warrior x2
* Gimli, Eager Hunter x2 (starting)
* Haldir, Sentry of the Golden Wood
* Legolas, Fleet-Footed Hunter x2 (starting)
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Sword of the Fallen x4
* Focus x3
* No Quicker Path x2
* Whatever End x2
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Battlefield Recruit x4
* Battlefield Veteran x4
* Black Gate Sentry
* Black Land Spy x3
* Desolation Orc
* Orkish Camp x2
* Orkish Hunting Spear x2
* Scouting Orc x4
* Veteran War Chief x4
 
===Mauhur Starter Deck===
Rohan [Rohan] / Uruk-hai [Uruk-hai]
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Weary From the Journey
* The One Ring, Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (9 cards)
* Anduin Banks
* Doors of Durin
* Breeding Pit of Isengard
* City Gates
* Rohan Uplands
* Fords of Isen
* City of Kings
* East Wall of Rohan
* Harrowdale
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Eowyn, Willing Fighter x2 (starting)
* Gamling, The Old x2 (starting)
* Haleth, Son of Hama x2
* Rohirrim Warrior
* Rohirrim Soldier x4
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Rider's Mount x4
* Rohirrim Axe x4
* Grim Trophy x3
 
Shadow (25 cards)
* Charging Uruk x4
* Following Uruk x2
* Mauhur, Relentless Hunter x4
* Pursuing Uruk x4
* Seeking Uruk x2
* Searching Uruk x2
* Tracking Uruk x4
* Violent Hurl x3
 
==Rise of Saruman==
----
 
===Uruk Rampage Starter Deck===
Elf [Elf] / Uruk-hai [Uruk-hai]
 
(''This deck incorrectly included 5 copies of White Hand Guard and failed to provide a 9th site'')
 
!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
* Frodo, Weary From the Journey
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring
 
Adventure Deck (8 cards)
* Dol Guldur
* Nurn
* Osgiliath Reclaimed
* City of Kings
* Old Forest Road
* City Gates
* Gate of Mordor
* Helm's Gate
 
Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Elven Guardian x4
* Elven Warrior x2
* Haldir, Sentry of the Golden Wood
* Rumil, Silvan Elf x2
* Orophin, Silvan Elf x2
* Elven Bow x2
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Sword of the Fallen x3
* Hearth and Hall x4
* Point Blank Range x2
 
Shadow (26 cards)
* Saruman, Curunir x2
* Seeking Uruk x2
* Spear of the White Hand x4
* Violent Hurl x4
* White Hand Butcher x4
* White Hand Guard x5
* White Hand Slayer x3
* White Hand Vanquisher x2


===Evil Man Starter Deck===
As the starter deck lists are too large to all include on a single page, they have been divided up on a page per block.  It should be reasonable to pit any deck from a given block against any other deck within that block, though it's ''usually'' best to pit them against their mate within the same set.
Gondor [Gondor] / Men [Men]


!Ring-bearer (2 cards)
The decklists below indicate the actual cards that were included with each physical box, warts and all.  Any alterations made by the corresponding LOTRO list are indicated with strikethrough for removals and bold for additions (in their own section at the end).
* Frodo, Weary From the Journey
* The One Ring, The Ruling Ring


Adventure Deck (9 cards) 
* [[Starter Decks/Fellowship Block]]
* Fortress of Orthanc
** [[Starter Decks/Fellowship Block#FOTR Aragorn Starter Deck|FOTR Aragorn Starter Deck]]
* Flats of Rohan
** [[Starter Decks/Fellowship Block#FOTR Gandalf Starter Deck|FOTR Gandalf Starter Deck]]
* Expanding Marshland
** [[Starter Decks/Fellowship Block#FOTR Deluxe Starter Set|FOTR Deluxe Starter Set]]
* Ettenmoors
** [[Starter Decks/Fellowship Block#MoM Gandalf Starter Deck|MoM Gandalf Starter Deck]]
* Isengard Ruined
** [[Starter Decks/Fellowship Block#MoM Gimli Starter Deck|MoM Gimli Starter Deck]]
* Westfold Village
** [[Starter Decks/Fellowship Block#RotEL Boromir Starter Deck|RotEL Boromir Starter Deck]]
* Imladris
** [[Starter Decks/Fellowship Block#RotEL Legolas Starter Deck|RotEL Legolas Starter Deck]]
* Falls of Rauros
* [[Starter Decks/Towers Block]]
* Doors of Durin
** [[Starter Decks/Towers Block#TTT Aragorn Starter Deck|TTT Aragorn Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/Towers Block#TTT Theoden Starter Deck|TTT Theoden Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/Towers Block#TTT Deluxe Starter Set|TTT Deluxe Starter Set]]
** [[Starter Decks/Towers Block#BoHD Eowyn Starter Deck|BoHD Eowyn Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/Towers Block#BoHD Legolas Starter Deck|BoHD Legolas Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/Towers Block#EoF Faramir Starter Deck|EoF Faramir Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/Towers Block#EoF The Witch-king Starter Deck|EoF The Witch-king Starter Deck]]
* [[Starter Decks/King Block]]
** [[Starter Decks/King Block#ROTK Aragorn Starter Deck|ROTK Aragorn Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/King Block#ROTK Eomer Starter Deck|ROTK Eomer Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/King Block#SoG Merry Starter Deck|SoG Merry Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/King Block#SoG Pippin Starter Deck|SoG Pippin Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/King Block#MD Frodo Starter Deck|MD Frodo Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/King Block#MD Sam Starter Deck|MD Sam Starter Deck]]
* [[Starter Decks/WOTR Block]]
** [[Starter Decks/WOTR Block#SH Aragorn Starter Deck|SH Aragorn Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/WOTR Block#SH Eowyn Starter Deck|SH Eowyn Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/WOTR Block#SH Gandalf Starter Deck|SH Gandalf Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/WOTR Block#SH Legolas Starter Deck|SH Legolas Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/WOTR Block#BR The Mouth of Sauron Starter Deck|BR The Mouth of Sauron Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/WOTR Block#BR Saruman Starter Deck|BR Saruman Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/WOTR Block#BL Arwen Starter Deck|BL Arwen Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/WOTR Block#BL Boromir Starter Deck|BL Boromir Starter Deck]]
* [[Starter Decks/Hunters Block]]
** [[Starter Decks/Hunters Block#TH Aragorn Starter Deck|TH Aragorn Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/Hunters Block#TH Mauhur Starter Deck|TH Mauhur Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/Hunters Block#RoS Uruk Rampage Starter Deck|RoS Uruk Rampage Starter Deck]]
** [[Starter Decks/Hunters Block#RoS Evil Man Starter Deck|RoS Evil Man Starter Deck]]


Free Peoples (24 cards)
* Damrod, Dunadan of Gondor x2
* Dunedain of the South x4
* Madril, Loyal Lieutenant x2
* Ranger of the White Tree x2
* Hobbit Sword x2
* Ithilien Blade x3
* Ranger's Cloak x4
* Portico
* Spirit of the White Tree x2
* Nimble Attack x2


Shadow (25 cards)
{{Product Table}}
* Bold Easterling x3
* Easterling Dispatcher x3
* Easterling Scout x3
* Saruman, Coldly Still x4
* Ravaging Wild Man x2
* Vengeful Wild Man x2
* Beast of War x4
* Great Axe x4

Latest revision as of 05:17, 25 January 2023

Starter Decks are ready-made simple decks that are intended to be easy enough for brand-new players to pick up and play. Each set typically had two starter decks, each one focusing on different cultures and strategies, so one could conceivably purchase both with a friend and get a good taste of what the game as a whole had to offer.

Starter decks were also used in Sealed formats as a foundation for deckbuilding to be supplemented by other random cards, meaning that starter decks tended towards generic flexibility rather than fine-tuned specialization.

To offset the fact that veteran players would not need an introduction to the game, Decipher included 2 exclusive nonfoil P-rarity cards in each starter pack that were not obtainable in booster packs. Also, for most sets, Decipher packed 3 random rares with each starter deck, giving collectors additional reason to purchase them (it was sometimes cheaper to buy boxes of starters instead of boxes of boosters; each box of starters included 36 rares vs the 32 of a booster box.)

In Battle of Helm's Deep and Ents of Fangorn, Decipher did away with the random rares and instead included 3 predetermined rares, with the idea being to make sure that included rares went according to the theme of the starter deck (predetermined rares also saved printing costs, as it allowed the entire deck to come from one print sheet instead of two.) Fixed rares annoyed players, as it removed the incentive for veterans to purchase the decks, and it drastically reduced the value of the 6 rares affected in each set. With The Return of the King Decipher reverted to the original random rare distribution for starter packs.

Starter Rules Differences[edit]

The rules included in each Starter Rulebook were slightly different from the rules used in more standard formats, mostly to reduce the overall complexity and make one's first game go faster. These differences include:

  • Play ends at site 7 (instead of site 9)
  • Players flip a coin to determine play order (instead of blind-bidding burdens)
  • Decks only have ~50 cards in their draw deck (instead of the requisite 60 minimum)
  • Decks sometimes have different numbers of Free Peoples and Shadow cards (instead of the required exactly even amount)
  • Players may shuffle their discard pile into their deck once per game upon running out of cards in their draw deck (this rule has no analogue in normal play; once the deck runs out, that player continues play with no further cards)

All starter decks were built with these differences in mind, but with an eye on upgradability (and as a minor marketing enticement for players needing to pad these decks with a few extra cards to make them legal to use). The starter rules in turn are tailored to typically only include the rules and rulings for cards included within starter packs.


Deluxe Starter Sets[edit]

For The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers, Decipher also released Deluxe starter sets, which besides including a starter deck also had booster packs from each set in that block as well as a card box and glass tokens (to use for Twilight Tokens and Wounds). Unlike other starter sets, Deluxe starters did not include starter-only cards. Due to the inclusion of boosters, a Deluxe Rulebook was included in lieu of the Starter Rulebook, to make sure that players would have access to all the rules if needed. No Deluxe Starter Set was released for any other block.

LOTRO Starter Decklists[edit]

Starter decks that were included in the Lord of the Rings Online TCG game client had their lists modified to make the decks tournament legal. In most cases, this just meant adding more cards to the list, but in some cases in The Return of the King starters they also removed cards in a rebalancing attempt. In one notable case, Kill Them Now (4C156) was removed from the Ents of Fangorn Faramir starter deck, as there aren't actually any Trackers in that deck to use this card with (it was replaced with Ferocity (4C151) ).

GEMP Starter Decks[edit]

Starter decks are used as part of the card pool in sealed deck leagues on GEMP. The official Decipher starter decks (listed below) are used in most of the leagues, but there are two leagues that use custom starter decks: one based around Towers Standard and another based around Movie Block. Decklists for those two leagues can be found at Towers Standard Sealed and Movie Block Sealed, respectively.

Starter Deck Lists[edit]

As the starter deck lists are too large to all include on a single page, they have been divided up on a page per block. It should be reasonable to pit any deck from a given block against any other deck within that block, though it's usually best to pit them against their mate within the same set.

The decklists below indicate the actual cards that were included with each physical box, warts and all. Any alterations made by the corresponding LOTRO list are indicated with strikethrough for removals and bold for additions (in their own section at the end).


Physical Products
Card Product Booster Packs
The Fellowship of the RingMines of MoriaRealms of the Elf-lords
The Two TowersBattle of Helm's DeepEnts of Fangorn
Return of the KingSiege of GondorMount Doom
Reflections
ShadowsBlack RiderBloodlines
The HuntersRise of SarumanTreachery & Deceit
Starter Decks The Fellowship of the RingMines of MoriaRealms of the Elf-lords
The Two TowersBattle of Helm's DeepEnts of Fangorn
Return of the KingSiege of GondorMount Doom
ShadowsBlack RiderBloodlines
The HuntersRise of Saruman
Deluxe Starter Sets The Fellowship of the RingThe Two Towers
Draft Packs Fellowship Draft PackTowers Draft PackExpanded Middle-earth
Card Variants Print Runs (First Edition, A Revision, B Revision, Duplicate Version) • ReprintsFoilTengwarLegends (RF)Legends Masterworks
Tengwar Anthologies The Fellowship of the Ring AnthologyThe Two Towers AnthologyThe Return of the King AnthologyThe War of the Ring Anthology
Complete Packs The Nine Riders CollectionThe Wraith CollectionAge's End
Prizes League KitsDGMA PrizesTournament Prize SupportTournament Foils
Promo Distribution Oversized CardsMagazine InsertsDVD InsertsRetail Reward IncentivesEvent PromosThe Countdown CollectionThe Weta CollectionLOTRO Promos
Other Two-Player QuickStart SetRace to Mount DoomWeta Book CardsProduct Box CountsUncut SheetsSpacer CardsCustomizable League CardsHunters Design-a-Card Contest
Unreleased Beta Cards Of Very Little Importance (Beta)Fortune of Fate (Beta)Always a Baggins in Bag End (Beta)Maiden of the Golden Ale (Beta)Ripples in the Pool (Beta)Of Very Little Importance (Beta)It's the Beard (Beta)There are NO Dwarven Women! (Beta)
Non-card Product Merchandise HatsT-shirtsPinsPostersPostcardsBindersAd SpotsDice
Magazines Scrye MagazineInQuest MagazineFan Club Official Movie Magazine

Scrye TTT Player's GuideScrye ROTK Player's Guide

Unreleased Merch 2002 Toy Fair CalendarFilm Cell CardsOfficial Signed Cards
New Line Fax Proofs Lithograph ProofsBalrog Promo ProofMines of Moria Booster Pack ProofsMines of Moria Card ProofsMines of Moria Packaging ProofsMines of Moria Poster ProofToy Fair Calendar ProposalMines of Moria Sell Sheet ProofRealms of the Elf-lords Promo ProofsFilm Cell Card Proposal