The encounter deck is assembled during episode setup. It contains the threats that the characters face during the episode. (Normally characters draw from this deck during the encounter phase.)

The encounter deck is shuffled after it is assembled, any time cards get added, and after it is looked at (this includes after analyzing). You are not allowed to look at the cards in the encounter deck.

When you draw (or analyze) encounter cards, but the encounter deck becomes empty, shuffle the encounter discard pile back into the encounter deck. (See details under: Empty Deck.)

Clarifications:

• The encounter deck is a deck. Cards in the encounter deck are out of play.
• The encounter deck is hidden information.