A Playful Journey into the Cthulhu Mythos
Arkham Archives Cthulhu Mythos Playing Cards open the Keyhole into a strange world where cosmic horror becomes colorful, imaginative and unexpectedly charming. Inspired by the eerie universe associated with H. P. Lovecraft, the deck reimagines legendary gods, monsters and other eldritch beings through a distinctive cartoon illustration style.
The customization runs throughout the entire deck. Jacks, Queens and Kings become individual Mythos characters, while each Ace receives its own large creature-inspired suit emblem. Even the number cards use specially designed pips and ornamental details. Two custom Jokers complete the deck, including artwork inspired by Lovecraft himself.
The purple card back combines watching eyes, flowing ornament and the recurring Keyhole motif for a design that remains instantly recognizable in a spread or fan. Printed on 300 gsm blue-core paper with an air-cushioning treatment and gloss varnish on both sides, Arkham Archives is designed for regular card handling as well as collecting and display.
Product Details
- Part of the Vermilion Collection
- Keyhole Arkham Archives Cthulhu Mythos Playing Cards
- Created by MOYO Games
- 54 cards total
- 52 playing cards and 2 custom Jokers
- Standard poker size: 63 × 88 mm (approximately 2.48 × 3.46 inches)
- Traditional-size custom indices
- 300 gsm blue-core paper
- Air-cushioning treatment
- 4C gloss varnish on both sides
- Fully customized courts, Aces, pips and indices
- Cthulhu Mythos-inspired character artwork
- Custom purple eye-and-keyhole card back
- Made in China
What Makes Arkham Archives Special?
- Cthulhu Mythos reimagined: Familiar cosmic-horror creatures and gods receive colorful, character-driven illustrations that balance strange and sinister imagery with a playful style.
- Individual custom courts: Jacks, Queens and Kings depict different Mythos entities rather than conventional playing-card royalty.
- Four custom Aces: Each suit receives its own large creature-inspired emblem, carrying the theme beyond the court cards.
- Custom Jokers: Two illustrated Jokers extend the deck's Lovecraftian world and include an interpretation inspired by H. P. Lovecraft himself.
- Custom pips: Hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades are redrawn to match the deck's unusual visual language.
- Distinctive purple back: Watching eyes, ornamental line work and Keyhole imagery create a memorable back design.
- Made for play: Poker-size blue-core cards use an air-cushioning treatment and gloss varnish for practical handling as well as collecting.
Explore More Keyhole Playing Cards
Continue exploring the Keyhole collection with Haunted Castle Playing Cards, Greek Mythology Playing Cards, and Egyptian Mythology Playing Cards. You can also browse our New Arrivals for the latest additions to ClassicDecks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cards are included in Arkham Archives?
Arkham Archives contains 54 cards: a standard 52-card playing deck plus two custom Jokers.
What size are Arkham Archives Playing Cards?
The cards measure 63 × 88 mm, approximately 2.48 × 3.46 inches, which is standard poker size.
Are the cards fully customized?
Yes. Arkham Archives features custom court cards, Aces, pips, indices, Jokers and a custom purple card back.
What characters appear in Arkham Archives?
The deck features colorful interpretations of creatures and gods associated with the Cthulhu Mythos, with figures such as Cthulhu, Azathoth, Yog-Sothoth and Shub-Niggurath appearing among the custom cards.
Does H. P. Lovecraft appear in the deck?
Yes. The deck's custom artwork includes an illustrated interpretation inspired by H. P. Lovecraft as well as characters and creatures drawn from the Cthulhu Mythos.
What cardstock does Arkham Archives use?
The cards are printed on 300 gsm blue-core paper with an air-cushioning treatment and 4C gloss varnish on both sides.
Who created Arkham Archives Playing Cards?
Arkham Archives was created by MOYO Games and carries the Keyhole branding associated with the Silver Key Society collection.
Where are Arkham Archives Playing Cards made?
Arkham Archives Playing Cards are made in China.
Can the deck be used for regular card games?
Yes. Arkham Archives retains the standard 52-card playing deck structure, includes two Jokers and uses standard poker-size cards, making it suitable for regular card games as well as collecting and display.