Can You Buy Gwent Cards in Real Life? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can buy Gwent cards in real life, although it’s not as straightforward as purchasing a standard collectible card game. While official, mass-produced sets aren’t readily available, there are several avenues for fans eager to own physical versions of their favorite Witcher card game. This article explores the various options, their associated costs, and everything else you need to know about acquiring tangible Gwent cards.
Where to Find Real Gwent Cards
While you won’t find Gwent card packs at your local game store, there are still ways to get your hands on a physical deck. Here are the main places to look:
Etsy and Handmade Decks
One of the most popular sources for physical Gwent cards is Etsy. Here, you’ll discover a variety of options, from meticulously handcrafted individual cards to complete decks made by dedicated fans. These decks often feature gorgeous designs, sometimes deviating slightly from the in-game art style while maintaining the core aesthetic. However, be prepared to pay a premium for these handmade treasures, reflecting the time and effort put into their creation.
eBay and Collector Sets
eBay is another fertile ground for searching for Gwent cards. You’ll find a mix of offerings, including collector sets and fan-made decks. These sets vary widely in quality and price, so it’s essential to carefully examine listings and seller reviews. Some sellers offer professionally printed decks, while others might sell handmade versions, so always confirm what exactly you are buying.
Fan-Made Communities and Online Forums
Within the broader Witcher fan community, you’ll sometimes find members who create and sell their own Gwent cards. Online forums and social media groups dedicated to The Witcher and Gwent are good places to ask if anyone is selling cards. These options can be a bit more informal but often come with the bonus of supporting individual artists and creators within the fanbase.
Types of Gwent Cards Available in Real Life
The physical cards you can find generally fall into a few categories:
Full Professionally Manufactured Sets
Some sellers claim to offer full sets of professionally manufactured Gwent cards, encompassing all cards from the base game and expansions. These sets usually are highly sought after and carry a premium price tag, promising high quality prints and materials.
Handmade and Fan-Designed Cards
These often unique cards are crafted by individual fans. They range in quality and can offer creative interpretations of the original designs. They are often a labor of love and can be quite special.
Limited Edition & Collector’s Editions
While rare, some limited edition sets may appear from time to time. These are typically of higher quality and command a higher price, often appealing to serious collectors.
The Cost of Owning Physical Gwent Cards
The price of real-life Gwent cards varies dramatically based on factors such as:
- Quality of Materials: Professional printing and higher-quality card stock will increase the price.
- Art and Design: Hand-painted or custom-designed cards will generally cost more.
- Rarity and Exclusivity: Full sets or limited-edition cards naturally command a higher price.
- Number of Cards: A complete set of all 482+ cards will, understandably, cost much more than a smaller selection.
- Source: Cards from Etsy or individual artists tend to be more expensive than mass-produced sets.
Expect to pay anywhere from a few dollars for a single, basic card to hundreds of dollars for a complete, high-quality set. Before purchasing, consider the value you place on the physical cards and how much you’re willing to invest.
Considerations Before Buying
Before making a purchase, keep these factors in mind:
- Seller Reputation: Check reviews and ratings on platforms like Etsy and eBay to ensure the seller is reliable and provides quality products.
- Card Accuracy: Verify that the cards are accurate to the in-game designs if that’s important to you, as some fan creations might deviate slightly.
- Card Quality: Consider the materials used and the overall print quality to ensure the cards are durable and aesthetically pleasing.
- Completeness: If you’re aiming for a complete collection, ensure that all cards you want are included and in the desired format.
- Shipping and Handling: Be aware of shipping times, costs, and potential import fees if purchasing from overseas sellers.
Gwent and Its Digital Existence
It’s important to note that the main way to experience Gwent is through the digital free-to-play card game, Gwent: The Witcher Card Game, developed by CD Projekt Red. This game is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, Android, and macOS. While you might enjoy owning physical cards, remember that the official digital version is where the game is primarily played and updated.
The End of Active Development
It is also crucial to understand that CD Projekt Red has announced that 2023 will be the last year for new content and e-sports events. Though a small team will continue to support the game on a maintenance level, there won’t be any more new cards after that. This impacts the digital game, but also means we are unlikely to see official, mass-produced physical cards in the future.
Conclusion
While officially manufactured, mass-produced Gwent card sets aren’t widely available, you absolutely can buy Gwent cards in real life. Options include handmade and fan-designed cards on Etsy, collector sets on eBay, and creations within the wider Witcher fan community. Be prepared to spend a bit of time (and money!) finding the right cards, but for dedicated fans, the ability to hold a physical version of this popular game makes the investment worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are there official, mass-produced Gwent cards?
Currently, there are no officially licensed, mass-produced Gwent cards available for purchase. The physical cards you’ll find are typically handmade, fan-designed, or part of limited collector’s sets.
2. How many Gwent cards are there in total?
The total number of cards in the Gwent: The Witcher Card Game is over 482, including cards from the base game, expansions, and DLC. However, the number of physical cards available will vary greatly, depending on the set you are seeking.
3. Where can I buy a Gwent game board?
You can also find Gwent boards on platforms like Etsy and eBay. These boards range from simple printed designs to elaborate, handcrafted versions.
4. Can I buy Gwent cards in the Witcher 3 game?
Yes, you can buy Gwent cards in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt from various merchants located in towns and villages.
5. Are there missable Gwent cards in The Witcher 3?
Yes, there are missable Gwent cards in The Witcher 3. If you miss certain cards, you may only have one opportunity to obtain them.
6. Who are some of the hardest Gwent opponents in The Witcher 3?
Some of the most challenging Gwent opponents in The Witcher 3 include the Nobleman in Vizima, Sasha, The Armorer in Larvik, The Merchant in Novigrad, and The Bloody Baron.
7. Is Gwent a skill-based game?
Yes, Gwent is a skill-based game. Success involves careful deck construction, strategic card play, and even a bit of bluffing.
8. Who owns the rights to Gwent?
CD PROJEKT RED owns the rights to Gwent. It is part of their larger Witcher franchise.
9. What is the history behind the name “Gwent?”
The name “Gwent” comes from a territory and historical area in post-Roman Britain. The digital card game is simply named after this real-world location, not vice versa.
10. Can you get Geralt of Rivia as a Gwent card?
Yes, Geralt of Rivia is a neutral hero card in The Witcher 3. You can obtain it from Thaler or, potentially, as loot if you are unable to get it through playing and winning games against him.
11. What does the “Doomed” status mean in Gwent?
In Gwent: The Witcher Card Game, a card with the “Doomed” status is removed from the game after it goes to the graveyard.
12. Why can’t I install Gwent on my phone?
If your phone displays an incompatibility message on Google Play, it means your device is not supported by the game.
13. Why is Gwent no longer actively developed?
CD Projekt Red has shifted its focus to other projects, and 2023 was the last year for new content in Gwent.
14. What is the Rule of 16 in Gwent?
The Rule of 16 is a strategic concept that suggests using all 16 available card slots efficiently, which often involves playing high-value cards to maximize the overall provision spend.
15. Who goes first in Gwent?
In Gwent, the player who wins the coin toss goes first.