Progress Update #43 🛠️ – Frozen Realms – More About the 4X Deckbuilding Concept, TCG, LCG, Tabletop Expansions & First Human LCG Expansion Unit

Fantasy Tabletop Devlog – 4X Deckbuilding Model Explained, LCG vs TCG Expansions & Human Iron Ensnarers Reveal

This Monday starts with something new coming to Frozen Realms… and that is, of course, more information about the long-awaited expansions arriving at launch!

First, let’s talk a bit about Frozen Realms as a whole – how we see expansions evolving in the future and what plans we have to make sure everything stays balanced and consistent throughout.

As you know, Frozen Realms is a 4X Deckbuilder, connecting both the tabletop and card-play aspects of the game. The expansion model we have in mind is clear and divided into three main areas:

Expansions for the 4X tabletop side of the game – new buildings, new maps, new mechanics, and more.

Card expansions, which will come in two different formats.

First – LCG expansions, and that is exactly what you will see at launch. LCG expansions will introduce new mechanics, new factions, unique units, and more.

The second type will be TCG expansions, released in a way similar to other trading card games. This will allow players to trade cards and collect rarer ones to expand their collections. TCG expansions will feature unique cards that won’t be found elsewhere – however, they will not include faction expansions, for example.

Now here’s something important to outline:
The TCG element will not introduce power creep into the game. Cards released in TCG expansions will be unique and may feature alternative mechanics, but they will never be strictly “better” than existing cards.

The goal of the TCG system is to expand the roster and collection aspect of the game – not to give players a competitive edge in organized play.

That said, this is a long-term vision. At launch, you will only see LCG expansions – no TCG yet. But in the near future? Most definitely 🔥

Now, let’s move on to the balance!

To ensure the game remains competitive and balanced, we will maintain an official Frozen Realms database on our website – exactly where you’re reading this devblog.

The database will contain all cards in the game, clearly divided into:

Cards allowed in tournament play

Cards currently excluded from competitive formats

Any adjustments, rule updates, and balance changes will also be published there, so everything stays transparent and consistent.

Ohhh, and to make sure we answer some of the questions you may have on your mind right now, let’s go through a few together!

Q: Will I have to buy TCG expansions in the future to remain competitive?
A: Absolutely not. That will not be the case – we are not going the power creep route.

Q: Are LCG expansions mainly for adding replayability, different factions and cool mechanics?
A: Yes – that is exactly what we want them to be!

Q: Are TCG expansions mainly for expanding rosters, introducing cool cards and offering rarer cards for players who love collecting?
A: Exactly!

Q: Are tabletop expansions similar in role to LCG expansions?
A: Yes – they are meant to add more content to the game, more ways to play and more strategic depth.

Q: At launch, will we see any of those expansions?
A: Yes – 3 LCG expansions, one for each Race, available at launch.

Hope that helps! And if you still have questions – fire away 🔥

So yeah… that was quite a lot of information to drop at the beginning of a devblog XD

Let’s move on to something from the Human expansion!

We’ve already shared a few hints about what the new Human faction is about – but nothing speaks louder than new units:

Iron Ensnarers are a powerful mid-game unit designed as a strong counter to Monster units. Their immobilization effect, lasting three turns, can render even the greatest threats in the enemy roster nearly useless.

While not invulnerable, their 3 armor gives them solid durability. Combined with 7 Attack, they can handle many foes on their own.

They are shaping up to be a perfect Tier 2 addition to your unit deck – especially if you’re looking for reliable crowd control against heavy monster factions.

And here’s something big… coming soon 👀

Anyway, that’s it for today!
See you in the next devblog 🔥