Entering the World of Flesh and Blood TCG in 2023: Everything a Beginner Should Know

Nick Matthaiou - 31 August 2023

Are you looking for a new TCG to learn in 2023? Or perhaps you’ve never played a trading card game before and are interested in this fascinating world? Whatever the case, maybe it's time to dive into the captivating universe of Flesh and Blood TCG, a relatively new dynamic card game that has taken the gaming world by storm.

In this guide, we will embark on a journey through the basics of this exciting game. From the basics of the game to mastering the different hero cards, we will explore the intricacies of putting together impressive decks.

It’s time to discover the art of collecting and trading, dive into the competitive scene and find out how you can participate in exciting Flesh and Blood events and tournaments.

Flesh and Blood TCG: An overview

In the realm of trading card games, one name that has been capturing the imagination of players is Flesh and Blood TCG. This relatively new card game made its debut in 2019 and has rapidly gained traction as a compelling alternative to established head-to-head card games like Magic: The Gathering or Yu-Gi-Oh.

What sets the Flesh and Blood game apart is its immersive nature, drawing players into the world of Rathe, a fantastical realm steeped in political intrigue, factional rivalries, and dark magic. In this game, two players take the roles of heroes from this captivating universe, engaging in an intense duel that culminates in dramatic clashes.

A distinctive feature that distinguishes Flesh and Blood is its strong emphasis on role-playing. While your hero card graces the table, you become the orchestrator of every strategic move and tactical decision. Instead of recruiting minions, you equip your hero with weapons and abilities to win the game. This integration of role-playing elements immerses players in a dynamic experience that lets them embody their chosen hero's persona.

Flesh and Blood TCG bridges the gap between the strategic intricacies of trading card games and the immersive nature of role-playing, inviting players to craft unique narratives with every drawn card and executed strategy. 

As we delve deeper into this guide, we'll uncover the fundamental aspects that make Flesh and Blood an enticing journey for both newcomers and seasoned players. Remember, it's all about embracing your hero's persona and conquering the world of Rathe one card at a time.

1. Playing FAB for the First Time

Welcome to the thrilling world of Flesh and Blood TCG, where you're not just a player, but the hero of your own tale. Your ultimate objective? To vanquish your opponent's hero and claim victory as your own. Unlike other games, in Flesh and Blood, you're not merely a bystander; you are the main character shaping the course of events.

Flesh & Blood pits you in a relentless 1v1 battle to the very end. Every card you deploy symbolizes a weapon wielded, an attack initiated, or a defense maneuver undertaken. As mentioned above, contrary to other games that feature summoned minions or allies, in this game, you are the warrior confronting your opponent directly. This distinctive approach reshapes the gameplay, infusing it with tactics, sequencing, and the art of making split-second decisions in combat.

Now, let's delve into the heart of the matter and explore how these elements harmonize to create the compelling gameplay experience that is Flesh and Blood card game.

Analyzing a Hero Card

When you step into this dynamic arena, the hero card becomes your focal point. On the top of the card, you will find the name of your hero. 

In the hero card's lower left corner resides the Hero's Intellect, denoting your hand size and the number of cards you can draw at the end of your turn. 

To the lower right, the Hero's starting life total stands as a testament to your resilience. While the standard life total is 40 for adult Heroes and 20 for Young Heroes, there can be exceptions to the rule. The class of your hero is depicted in the bottom center section, and the card’s abilities are just above that!

Now that we've glimpsed into the essence of playing Flesh and Blood TCG, let's embark on a journey through the fundamental mechanics that define this enthralling game.

Understanding the Basics of Flesh and Blood TCG

Diverse Classes and Card Types: Laying the Foundation

Flesh and Blood TCG boasts a diverse array of classes, each represented by distinct heroes, with even more to come in the future. Currently, there are nine classes that players can embody, each offering a unique playstyle and strategy. The classes include Wizard, Illusionist, Brute, Guardian, Ninja, Warrior, Mechanologist, Ranger, and Runeblade, each contributing to the multifaceted tapestry of gameplay.

Types of Cards: Unveiling the Mechanisms

In the realm of Flesh and Blood, in deck cards (apart from in field cards which are heroes, equipment and weapons) come in three primary types: Attack Action Cards, Non-Attack Action Cards, and Instant Cards. 

Attack Action Cards bear the yellow symbol in the bottom left corner, accompanied by "Action - Attack" in the bottom center. These cards unleash not only raw damage but also carry the potential to disrupt your opponent's plans with on-hit effects, setting the stage for strategic twists.

Non-Attack (Reaction) Cards closely resemble their attack counterparts, except for one crucial aspect – they don't deal direct damage. Consuming your action point and demanding a resource payment, non-attack action cards often enhance your turn, offering a multitude of tactical advantages. Many of these cards can even provide resources when pitched, ensuring they play a pivotal role in shaping your strategies.

Last but not least, Instant Cards introduce an entirely different dynamic. These cards defy the traditional action point consumption, allowing you to execute actions during your opponent's turn. Whether it's regaining life, preventing damage, or halting your adversary in their tracks, instant cards offer versatility. However, it's vital to note that instant cards lack defensive properties, so wise card selection is imperative.

Key Elements on a Card: Decoding the Essentials

Every Flesh and Blood card carries vital information that guides your gameplay:

  • Pitch Value: The resource value when the card is pitched.

  • Cost to Play: The resource cost required to play the card.

  • Attack Value: For attack cards, the amount of damage they deal.

  • Defence Value: For defense cards, the amount of damage they block.

  • Ability Box: The card's special ability or effect (e.g. Go Again).

  • Color: Underlines the card's power alignment and pitch value (blue, yellow and red).

Key Points of Gameplay Essentials

As you familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of Flesh and Blood card game, consider these key points:

  • The unique resource system we analyzed above ensures consistent playability, and allows you to utilize all cards in your hand strategically.

  • Almost every card of your main deck can be used to either block, attack or pitch. This is one of the most interesting aspects of Flesh and Blood! 

  • The absence of ramping means all cards are viable at any stage, preventing any single card from dominating the game.

  • Every card in your hand presents an array of possibilities, demanding thoughtful sequencing and decision-making.

  • No card becomes entirely obsolete; even in dire circumstances, cards can serve to mitigate threats.

  • The resource system is the heart of the game, providing you with a wealth of choices while maintaining a tangible influence over your destiny.

Embrace the intricate interplay of classes, card types, and core gameplay mechanics, and prepare to unveil the depth and excitement that Flesh and Blood TCG has to offer. For more in-depth information about classes, card types, and gameplay, refer to the official Flesh and Blood how-to-play guides available here.

Building a FAB Deck

Navigating the intricacies of Flesh and Blood TCG gameplay might initially seem challenging, and truth be told, it is. However, the game offers a solution that paves the way for beginners: blitz decks. These preconstructed decks provide a quick and accessible entry point, allowing newcomers to grasp the game's fundamentals. While these premade decks might not be finely tuned, they offer an excellent opportunity to dive into the world of FAB in 2023.

As you gain a better understanding of the mechanics, you can embark on the journey of constructing a deck that resonates with your preferred hero and playstyle. In that stage, you can also experiment with multiple flesh and blood decklists you find online and purchase Flesh and Blood singles to complete them. 

Starting with a premade deck and accompanied by a striking Flesh and Blood playmat, your journey into the game is empowered by the will to learn and the excitement of exploration. Don’t worry; you’ll have plenty of time to open your very first Flesh and Blood booster box from the latest flesh and blood sets and multiple packs in the future! 

2. The Collector’s View

Getting Started with Collecting and Trading

In 2023, Flesh and Blood is captivating not only players but also investors, as indicated by recent market analysis on CardsRealm.com. Much like other TCGs, Flesh and Blood cards hold a distinct collectible value. 

So, beyond the thrill of gameplay, these flesh and blood cards can also be viewed as an investment, gaining potential value over time. Delve into the world of collecting and trading, where strategic acquisitions can lead to a valuable and enjoyable journey.

Grading Your Flesh and Blood Cards

Similar to other TCGs, the practice of card grading finds significance in Flesh and Blood. Grading not only safeguards the condition and value of your cards but also enhances their allure for collectors. This process, offered by reputable grading companies like PSA, BGS and SGC, evaluates cards based on factors like condition, centering, and edges. 

3. The Competitive Aspect

Engaging in the competitive realm of Flesh and Blood adds an extra layer of excitement to the game. Players get a chance to test their skills against fellow enthusiasts and hone their strategies to perfection.

Black Flame Collectibles, located in Thessaloniki, Greece, offers an open door to the world of Flesh and Blood tournaments and events. As a beginner, these gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills, connect with fellow players, and immerse yourself in the community. 

Our weekly events are designed not only for seasoned players but also for newcomers seeking camaraderie and growth. Join us to experience the thrill of competition, make new friends, and become part of a welcoming and inclusive environment that celebrates the joys of Flesh and Blood TCG.

For the latest updates on our events and offerings, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.