Card games not only come in many shapes and sizes, but also with varying mechanics. There are the simple classics like Uno, and those that require a lot of time, effort, and money, like Magic: The Gathering. But, as a host, you’ll need to gauge the occasion, the number of players, and sometimes even their age, before suggesting a card game.
Lucky for you, we’ve picked out some card games that will be perfect for a number of occasions. Whether you’re having a family games night, drinks with some friend, or going all-in with your guild, this lineup of card games is sure to liven up any kind of gathering.
Updated on January 5, 2024 by Vaspaan Dastoor: The tabletop industry has been booming over the last few years, and 2024 will probably be no different. We’ve decided to update this list with a few more card games – one which requires a lot of concentration, and the other is perfect for Disney fans.
Codenames
Recognize this face?
$13 $25 Save $12
Codenames is an all-time great when it comes to party games. Almost everybody knows the rules, and it can be played in teams, meaning all your guests can be involved. You can go a step ahead and even get a special edition if all your guests are fans of a particular IP.
- Engaging gameplay formula.
- Can be played in teams.
- Has multiple editions.
Codename is a card game you can whip out at almost any gathering to make it livelier. The fact that the rules are pretty easy and that most people already know them is an added bonus. The game also features a number of editions with famous IPs like Disney, Marvel, and Harry Potter.
Unstable Unicorns Card Game
Best Artwork
$11 $20 Save $9
Deck building is always a good time. However, things get serious when you’re putting together an army of unicorns. Don’t be fooled by the adorable artwork; not everyone has what it takes to assemble such a fierce and powerful army. It has a pretty wide player count, so all your guests will be abler to participate.
- Great artwork.
- Introduction to deck building.
Building a powerful army of unicorns is something that everyone has dreamt of doing at least once. Unstable Unicorns is the closest you’ll ever come to acheiving this dream, as you try and see which unicorn suits your army in the best manner.
Exploding Kittens
Best Family Game
Boom goes the kitty!
While it may not sound like it, Exploding kittens is a beloved, family-friendly card game. The aim is pretty simple – just avoid the Exploding Kitten until you’re the last one standing.The rules are very simple too, with each card’s action written on it, so you don’t have to remember too much either.
- Easy to play.
- Fun art for kids.
- Multiple expansions.
- Relatively small player size.
- Becomes a bit predictable after a few games.
- May not be enjoyable for those who prefer skill-based games.
Exploding Kittens is perfect for those family game nights. The rules are pretty simple and the art on the cards will probably make your kids chuckle. However, if it’s too vanilla for you, the card game has a number of expansions that could add an NSFW element to it.
Fox in the Forest
Best Trick-Taking Game
For those who want to get foxy
The Fox In the Forest is a great way to level up your card game skills. While relatively simple to play, the inclusion of trick-taking elements and a unique points system adds that little extra for players who want more of a challenge.
- An easy introduction to complex card game mechanics.
- Beautiful art.
- Colourful backstory.
- Can’t be played with more than two players.
- Complicated points system.
- Very short play-time.
The Fox in the Forest is a two-player game that has slightly more advanced rules than casual party games. It teaches you mechanics like trick-taking and adds an extra strategic challenge with its points system. It’s also pretty quick, so you and your partner can polish off a few games if you have a couple of hours to kill but also want a challenge.
Monopoly Deal Card Game
Best Short Game
Let’s deal
While it’s a twist on a classic board game, Monopoly Deal is by no means under the shadow of the original. It challenges players to use each card in the most beneficial way, as each one has multiple ways of being played.The aim of the game is to make three sets of properties, each of the same colour. Monopoly Deal Games are much quicker than the original, so you don’t need to carve out a full day.
- New way to play a classic.
- No board required.
- Games are much quicker.
- Lesser room for making side-deals.
- No iconic figurines.
- Rules are a little more advanced than the original.
Monopoly Deal is a great alternative if you have a hankering for making deals, but don’t have hours to spend on it. The game cleverly gives each card multiple ways of being played, challenging you to think of which way is the best in the long run. While the rules are a bit more complicated, your family and friends will understand them pretty quickly if they’re familiar with the classic board game.
There’s Been A Murder
Best Murder Mystery Card Game
A collaborative whodunit
Whodunits have been a stable genre in any and all entertainment mediums. While most of them make you suspicious of your fellow players, There’s Been a Murder is a card game that requires collaboration between everyone to catch the killer.You can add or remove cards to adjust the difficulty, but beware, there’s a chance the killer can escape.
- A rare collaborative murder mystery.
- Wide player count.
- Can adjust the number of cards for difficulty.
- Games with fewer people are sometimes too short.
- Players cannot discuss their hands, which is tough to enforce.
- There is a chance you can lose.
Everybody loves a good whodunit, and There’s Been a Murder makes you feel like a regular Benoit Blanc. Unlike most murder mystery games, that make you turn on your friends, this one forces you to work together to find the killer. Players must cooperate to get the Detective to point out the Murderer. However, if the Murderer and the Witness card come together in one hand, everyone loses.
Arkham Horror
Best Role Playing Card Game
If horror RPGs are your thing
Arkham Horror blends card based gameplay with RPG styled mechanics to create one of the most in depth card games you’ll ever play. It can be played with a single player if you want to, and if the base campaign is to your liking, it has a number of expansions you can get.
- Lovecraftian horror setting.
- In depth RPG mechanics.
- Can be played single player.
- Base campaign is a bit short.
- Highly complicated ruleset.
- Baits you to buy expansions.
Here’s where things become a lot more advanced. If you thought tabletop RPGs were intense, role playing card games are more so. Not only do you get to choose a character, but you must upgrade their skills, perform skill checks, and adhere to a number of parameters throughout this Lovecraftian nightmare. It can be played single player, and it also has a number of expansions if you really get into it.
Magic: The Gathering
Best Trading Card Game
One card game to rule them all
Magic: The Gathering has been around for decades, and is the go-to game for TCG fans. Wizards of the Coast constantly pushes out new expansions, crossovers, and updates. There are so many types of decks to build, and so many new cards, that there’s no way you can get bored of MTG.However, it requires in depth knowledge of the mechanics and staying up to date with the rules. This is where you want to reach in your card game journey to the top.
- Can be customised to your play style.
- Infinite permutations and combinations.
- Amazing artwork.
- Complicated and intimidating ruleset.
- Expensive in the long run.
- Players need to be well versed on latest updates.
Magic: The Gathering is undoubtedly the world’s premier TCG. There are literally, and metaphorically, infinite possibilities with MTG when you consider the number of cards released, kind of decks you want to build, and the number of updates to the ruleset. Magic: The Gathering is more of a hobby rather than just a card game, so be prepared to invest your mind, and money if you plan on getting into it.
Sushi Go!
Best Deck Building Game
Take over the world with maki rolls
Sushi is amazing on its own. But, a game which requires you to create your own adorable little sushi army is an absolute treat. Not only is the art on the cards deliciously cute, but each of them synchronizes with another to form powerful combos, resulting in more points.
- Cute art.
- Great way to bring in sushi night.
- Great introduction to deck building.
Sushi Go! is a great way to introduce someone to entry-level deck building. You can lure them in with the adorable and yummy looking cards and make them stay for the satisfying combos that can be created by pairing up types of sushi. It’s a great family game – one that has something for all ages to enjoy.
Marvel Champions
Best Living Card Game
The other side of superheroes
Marvel Champions is a card gamer that allows you to live out your superhero fantasy. Not only does it set up encounters between heroes and villains, but you’ll also have to tackle encounters featuring other heroes, personal problems, and random issues that everyone faces. You never know if you’re going to go up against Green Goblin or plumbing issues at home.
- Unique encounters between heroes and villains who don’t usually cross paths.
- Provides a glimpse into a hero’s personal life.
- High replayability value.
The beauty of Marvel Champions isn’t in the gorgeous art and plethora for superheroes and villains, but in the fact that Spider-Man may have an important assignment due on the same day that Venom decides to run riot in the city. Managing all of these encounters and saving the day is the best part of this card game.
The 7th Continent
For the roguelite fans
The 7th continent is a great card game to try out if you like roguelike video games. Players must choose a character and then draw action cards at random, resolving them with the cards in their hand. The overall formula is pretty simple and highly replayable.
- Highly replayable.
- follows a roguelike formula.
The 7th Continent throws random situations at you which you must resolve using the cards in your hand. As with roguelike video games, sometimes you’ll get lucky adn other times you’ll struggle, but that’s the beauty of this game.
Jaipur
For the bargain hunters
$23 $25 Save $2
If you’re the kind that loves for the bargain, Jaipur is your board game. Keep making high-level trades to grow your enterprise and eventually become the maharaja’s personal trader. You’ll have to let your strategy do the talking for you as you secure deals that will help you rise to the top.
- Great artwork on cards and tokens.
- Fast-paced gameplay.
- Simple ruleset
- Can only be played by two players.
There are some people who love the rush of a good trade. Jaipur is a board game that aims to bring that side out, making players trade for the best prices in hopes of getting noticed by the maharaja and being appointed as his personal trader.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Say it again
The beauty of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is in its simplicity. While the gameplay sounds pretty easy, the hard part is remembering what to do when the rhythm picks up. A slightr fumble, or performing the wrong action means you’ll have to add more cards to your pile.
- Fast paced, rhythm based gameplay.
- Features multiple expansions.
- East ruleset.
Games that have simple rules are often the ones that are the hardest to play. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza not only requires you to keep the rhythm going, but the stakes are raised with every card that’s put down. Nobody wants to be the one to add a massive pile to their deck.
Disney Lorcana: Rise of the Floodborn Starter Deck Amber & Sapphire
Everyone’s new favourite TCG
Lorcana is arguably the newest big TCG on the market, and it has taken the world of Disney adults by storm. With a possibly endless supply of content to be inspired by, Disney’s TCG will go on for miles before exhausting its resources. However, if you’re just starting out, the Rise of the Floodborne’s Amber and Sapphiredeck is a good pick.
- Disney characters will almost always be recognizable.
- Deep gameplay mechanics and a wide range of cards.
- Requires patience, dedication, and money to master.
For all you Disney adults, the company has such a deep vault of content that a TCG almost seemed inevitable. While Lorcana currently only focuses on core Disney properties, one can only imagine the heights it will reach if it decides to include properties like Marvel and Star Wars.
FAQ
What Card Games Can You Play Online?
There are plenty of card games to choose from, playing card games like Rummy and Poker have a number of titles, while Magic: The Gathering: Arena and Hearthstone are great online card games. Marvel Snap is a very popular mobile card game.
What Is A Trading Card Game?
A Trading Card Game, or TCG, is one where each card has its own inherent value, and is focussed more towards building a strategic deck of cards. Players can trade cards for other cards, and even real world money.
Can You Play Card Games By Yourself?
There are a number of single player card games. Solitaire is the most popular solo playing card game, but if you want something more intense, try Arkham Horror mentioned above.
TCG Release Dates 2024
TheGamer’s calendar for every major trading card game release, including MTG, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Flesh And Blood, Disney Lorcana, and more.