DC Deck-Building Game: Crisis Collection 1 Contents Guide

By Cryptozoic Entertainment | Published: 2026-11-04

Category: How-to Guides

Learn what's inside Crisis Collection 1 and how to add its cooperative Crisis mode to your DC Deck-Building Game base set, with a step-by-step setup and play guide.

Quick answer

To use Crisis Collection 1, combine its cards with any DC Deck-Building Game base set and follow the included Crisis mode rules. The set adds cooperative play where you and your friends team up against the game, rather than competing for the highest score.

What makes Crisis mode different from standard play

Standard DC Deck-Building Game is competitive: each player builds a deck to earn the most victory points. Crisis mode flips that: all players work together to defeat a series of crises before time runs out. You'll still build your deck, but now you coordinate with others and share the win or loss.

Because Crisis Collection 1 is an expansion, you need a base game to play. It doesn't include the main deck, and the rulebook assumes you already know the core turn structure. If you're new to the system, start with a base set first, then add this collection.

Compatibility and what you need before you start

Crisis Collection 1 is designed to work with any DC Deck-Building Game base set. That flexibility means you can use your favorite version of the game, but it also means setup varies slightly depending on which base game you own. Always check the base game's rulebook for the main setup, then layer the Crisis rules on top.

The set includes cards from the first two Crisis expansions, so you get a large pool of new challenges and heroes. You don't need both expansions separately; this collection bundles them. However, you will need to separate the Crisis cards from the rest of your collection before play, so organize them clearly.

How to set up and play Crisis mode with Crisis Collection 1

Choose your base game and separate the cards: Pick any DC Deck-Building Game base set. Remove the main deck, heroes, villains, and super-villains as instructed in that base game's rulebook. Then take the Crisis cards from Crisis Collection 1 and shuffle them into the appropriate decks as described in the Crisis rulebook. Keep Crisis cards separate from your main collection to avoid mixing them into competitive games by mistake.
Set up the crisis deck and starting hands: Follow the Crisis rulebook to build the crisis deck and determine the starting hand size and any special setup for cooperative play. Each player starts with a standard starting deck from the base game, but the crisis deck introduces a timer and ongoing challenges. Double-check the number of crisis cards for your player count; using the wrong count can make the game too easy or too hard.
Review the cooperative turn sequence: In Crisis mode, players take turns in order, but you can discuss strategy openly. On your turn, play cards to buy new cards, fight villains, and address crises. The crisis deck advances at specific points, often at the end of each round or when certain cards are revealed. Don't forget that some crisis cards trigger immediately when revealed; read each card as it appears.
Track damage and crises cooperatively: Crises often have negative effects that persist until resolved. Assign one player to track ongoing crisis effects and another to manage the crisis deck. When a crisis is defeated, follow its instructions for removal or rewards. Use a shared play area for active crises so everyone can see the current threats.
Win or lose as a team: You win if you overcome all crises before the crisis deck runs out or a loss condition triggers. You lose if the team is defeated by accumulated damage or other fail states described in the rulebook. Celebrate together or reset and try again. After each game, discuss which cards underperformed; Crisis mode rewards adaptation more than a fixed strategy.

Product facts

DC Deck-Building Game: Crisis Collection 1: Crisis Collection 1 bundles the first two Crisis Expansion Packs for the DC Deck-Building Game series. You get two expansions in one box, so you can dive straight into cooperative play without hunting down separate packs.
DC Deck-Building Game: Crisis Collection 1