Many card game players may have come across a relatively new definition in the card world. So, LCG has become a new term that card game fans have had to deal with recently.
What is this concept? How does it differ from the usual TCGs? How often are they released? We will talk about this in our article. We will also show you the editions' key features and their differences. By understanding the difference, you can decide which type of game is right for you.
So get your Pokémon sets ready. We'll toss a coin, and let's get started.
What Is TCG?
If you're new to the world of collectible card games, you may wonder what TCG is. TCGs(CCG), or trading card games, are card games in which players collect cards and then use them to build decks to play vs. one another.
The key feature of TCG boosters is that they are completely randomized in a set, and the player never knows what cards they buy.
There are now dozens of different TCGs on the market, ranging from games with straightforward rules to those with very complicated mechanics. Some popular examples of TCGs include:
- Pokémon;
- Yu-Gi-Oh!;
- MTG.
Each game has its unique setting and rule system. For instance, in the Pokémon TCG, players take on the role of Pokémon trainers, using their decks of cards to battle one another in hopes of becoming the very best like no one ever was. In contrast, the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading card game is based on a manga and anime series of the same name and focuses on duels between monster summoners.
Collecting
In terms of card collecting, these cards are often collected by players and then sold on the secondary market. At the moment, there are many collectors and cool collectible sets that everyone would want. For example, a rare Pikachu Pokémon illustrator card costs 375,000 dollars.
What Is LCG?
LCGs, or Living Card Games, are newish cards that have been gaining popularity in recent years. LCGs are designed to give players a more satisfying and well-rounded card game experience than traditional collectible card games (CCGs). In a CCG, players must buy randomized booster packs to construct a playable deck. This can be fun, but it can also be expensive and time-consuming. It can also lead to an imbalanced playing field, as some players will simply have better cards than others.
In contrast, living card games use a different model known as "deck construction." In this model, players purchase pre-constructed theme decks or expansions. These decks and expansions contain everything you need to play the game, including the necessary cards and rules. This results in a more balanced playing field and a cheaper, more convenient way to get into the game.
It also allows for more exciting and varied deck-building possibilities, as you are no longer limited to the cards you pull from booster packs.
Frequency Of Production
Unlike the standard issuance of TCG cards several times a year, LCG cards are issued monthly, allowing the player to replenish the list with their favorite cards consistently.
Second-hand Market
In addition, such cards are not particularly valued in the secondary market since each player can easily get the necessary cards knowing which cards are in which sets.
TCG (CCG) Vs LCG: The Key Difference
So, the main differences between TCG and LCG are:
- Card's release frequency. LCG - every month, TCG - several times a year;
- Rarity. TCG cards are more popular among collectors;
- Card sets. The TCGs are always randomized, while the LCGs will be in the same order, and the player will know which cards they will receive for the game.
However, it should also be noted here that there are some sets of ready-made decks for TCG cards, such as, for example, in Pokémon. It is enough to look at the review of the deck on the Internet, and you will know what you will have. However, such a phenomenon works more as an exception to the rule than constancy.
FAQ
What Is Better: LCG Or TCG?
The LCGs are more suitable for those players who like a more balanced and stable game, while the TCG is more preferred by strategists, collectors, and lovers of randomness on the battlefield.
Why Is TCG So Popular?
These card games are so popular because of the opportunity to earn a lot, as the collections contain both rare and legendary cards. Popularity is also justified by the fact that such cards give randomness in the game and give more emotions.
Can I Make Money With TCG?
In fact, it all depends on you, your ability to bargain, and the condition and uniqueness of the card. So, some cards can cost $15, and some can bring you $200,000.
How Much Money Can I Make With LCG?
Unfortunately, you will fail here since such cards are rarely unique and valuable since each player can buy any card for himself without problems. In the case of the deck, there is no randomness here, and all cards are known in advance.