Best Deck-Building Games To Try If You Are Not Into The Genre

In its transition from its tabletop roots to wholly virtual scenarios, deck-building games have seen a rise in popularity in recent years. While deck-builders can feel a bit overwhelming to newcomers, especially with more complex and challenging entries, there are still plenty that are worth the attention of players who might not otherwise be that into the genre.

From Game of the Year nominees to genre-defining entries, it can be difficult to know where to begin. However, with so many titles seeking to place their spin on deck-building, there has arguably never been a better time to get into the genre.

8

Star Realms

A Classic Tabletop Card Game That Has Made A Solid Transition To PC

• Released: March 08, 2016
• Developer(s): Wise Wizard Games
• Platform(s): iOS, Android, PC
• Genre(s): Science-Fiction, Deckbuilding

It’s difficult to argue against the fact that Star Realms gains most of its fame from the card-based deck-building tabletop original. However, the 2016 video game adaptation of the sci-fi title by Wise Wizard Games proves that — when it comes to learning the ropes of a deck-building game — sometimes it’s easier to work from the tangible cards themselves.

In competing, trading, and coercing across from a whole host of varied races, players seek to ultimately become the ruler of the galaxy. While Star Realms‘ video game adaptation is very loyal to its source material, with players ultimately having to purchase a base pack before being able to utilize the game’s free-to-download nature, it’s this adherence to tangible cards and rules that make it an enticing entry point for deck-building newcomers.

7

Inscryption

A Horror-Infused Deck-Builder With Wholly Unique Takes On The Roguelike Genre

Systems

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Released

October 19, 2021

Developer(s)

Daniel Mullins Games

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OpenCritic Rating

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Mighty

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Although horror and deck-building are rarely seen together, Daniel Mullins Games’ ambition of merging such an often-overwhelming genre with an objectively offputting setting created the indie-hit Inscryption in 2021.

With a mind-bending narrative of demonic floppy disks and claustrophobic cabins, Inscryption frames its deck-building gameplay in such a way that it seemingly fails to overwhelm the player. As a result of combining the arguably off-putting quantity of a deck-builder with the tried-and-true mechanics of a roguelike, Inscryption creates a dynamic environment where both genres flourish.

6

Aces & Adventures

A Deck-Building Experience Wrapped Up In A Fully Voiced Fantasy RPG Campaign

Despite the great number of options available to players when playing deck-building titles, it’s not as common to see the game’s world position itself as a setting worth exploring. However, with Triple.B.Titles’ fantasy RPG deck-builder Aces & Adventures, 13 fully voice-acted campaigns lead to the game’s distancing from its clear deck-building roots.

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5 Best Co-Op Deck Builders

Deck builders are typically single-player affairs, which is why these co-op deck-building games are such a breath of fresh air in the genre.

Proclaimed as “a great choice for beginners and avid gamers alike,” Aces & Adventures places personality at the forefront of its cards and gameplay. As a result, along with the game’s familiar fantasy setting, players can engross themselves in the mechanics and narrative of the title before they have the chance to become overwhelmed.

5

Vault Of The Void

A Deck-Building Experience Seemingly Designed To Be Open To Entry-Level Players

Roguelite

Digital Card Game

Systems

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Released

November 20, 2020

Developer(s)

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Spider Nest Games

Publisher(s)

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Spider Nest Games

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Although roguelikes have garnered a passionate following in the many years since the genre’s rise, its incorporation of elements such as luck and chance can put off prospective players. As such, with its incorporation of roguelike gameplay into its deck-builder, Spider Nest Games sought to counterbalance this randomness.

Proudly stating that its 2022 indie deck-building title Vault of the Void is a “low-RNG roguelike deckbuilder designed to put the power into your hands,” Spider Nest Games has been able to arguably offset one of the genre’s greatest weaknesses. With deck-building mechanics often paired with roguelike gameplay to play off of cards’ inherent skill and luck, this combines to forge a deck-building title that is not only palatable to newcomers but open to them.

4

Marvel SNAP

The Superhero-Branded Deck-Building Title That Utilizes Recognition

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Released

August 22, 2023

Developer(s)

Second Dinner

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Publisher(s)

Nuverse

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OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

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Although deck-builders may incorporate a slew of pro-player mechanics and decisions to try and create an entry point for new players to the genre, the fact of the matter remains that the setting, art style, or any other aesthetic factor could put players off. As such, the instant recognition of many of Marvel SNAP‘s characters from cinema and comic books can create a drastically different feel to the experience.

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Best Sci-Fi Deck-Builders

Players who love deck-builders with a sci-fi twist will love what the following games bring to the table.

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While Marvel SNAP has cards with synergetic abilities and functions, the approachability afforded by the Marvel IP is not squandered, as the title has become a free-to-play hit. With its constantly evolving library of cards with appearances from across Marvel‘s multimedia projects, Marvel SNAP not only welcomes casual or entry-level players but also entices them to stay.

3

Balatro

The One-Person Developed Indie Hit That Critics & Players Love

Of all deck-building titles in recent years, seemingly few have captured the public consciousness quite like Balatro. With multiple nominations and wins at the 2024 Game Awards, the “poker-based roguelike deck builder that took the gaming world by storm” is a solid title for first-time deck-builder enthusiasts. From its quirky yet recognizable poker-themed art style to its RPG-esque elements, LocalThunk’s one-person passion project is uniquely its own thing.

Balatro has arguably been so successful as a deck-builder since it spins absolutely every card game trope on its head, leaving players of all skill levels bemused. With quirky card-based mechanics, such as consumable tarot cards bestowing one-time powers, Balatro consistently remains engaging and exciting.

2

Griftlands

A Deck-Builder With A Wholly Unique Take On Card-Based Combat

While deck-builders can often vary wildly in setting and tone, most titles of the genre seemingly end up incorporating the cards themselves into the mechanics of the game as tangible items. What Klei Entertainment’s 2021 roguelike deck-building title proposes instead is a more nuanced approach to card-based combat.

While the cards themselves aren’t anything that has not been seen before or since, Griftland‘s unique take on dialogue pitches the deck-building genre in a new light that may be more enthralling to entry-level players. Partaking in “conversational combat; debates, which the player uses to convince or intimidate other characters” is a core element of Griftland‘s gameplay loop and is a novel take on the genre.

1

Slay The Spire

Arguably The Most Iconic Deck-Building Roguelike Of All Time

Despite its relative age compared to some of the most notable deck-building titles of recent years, Slay the Spire is not just a genre-defining deck-builder but an indie breakout hit. Despite its acclaim as “one of the best deck-building games out there,” Mega Crit’s revolutionary blending of roguelike, RPG, and deck-building tropes ensures that arguably anyone who approaches Slay the Spire will recognize something in its make-up.

With merchants, playable characters, and strategic combat, Slay the Spire not only seemingly inspired many of the card-based video games that have succeeded it, but it remains a perfect entry point for players new to the genre. With ports to all consoles, PCs, and even mobile devices — along with an upcoming sequel — Slay the Spire‘s influence can be found throughout the video game landscape.

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20 Of The Best Recent Deck-Builder Games, Ranked

From the iconic Slay the Spire to releases like Griftlands and Signs of the Sojourner, these are some of the best recent deck-builders.