Card Games are probably one of my favourite genres of games. They are often quick to set up, easy to learn, and can cater to large numbers of people. Or, they also make the perfect 1v1 challenge. Either way card games are a riot and are brilliant building blocks to plunge your friend groups into nerdy hobbies.
15. Unstable Unicorns
Unstable Unicorns gameplay
This game can cater to slightly larger groups, anywhere up to eight, and makes a great party game. There are many expansions available so it has amazing replayability. Whenever you feel like the deck has gotten a little stale you can implement a new one.
You must collect unicorns in your stable but it is not as easy as it sounds, especially when your friends do their utmost to prevent it from happening. This is a brilliant strategy game but you must be prepared to betray your friends!
It has a playtime of about 30-60 minutes
14. Shamans
Shamans gameplay
You must tip the balance to a world threatened by encroaching shadows… but which way will you tip it? You need to pick which side you will stand on. Every card has one of three functions: stabilise the spirit world, claim an artifact, or perform a ritual.
Shamans can be played with 3-5 players. Gameplay centres around hidden agendas and secret roles. Those on the team of Shadows want to race through the game and possibly kill a couple of Shamans whenever possible.
Gameplay is about 30-40 minutes.
13. Dragon Farkle
Dragon Farkle gameplay
Grab some friends and prepare yourself to race to fight a dragon! The game takes place in the fantasy town of Yon, it was once a peaceful and joyful place but now is being terrorised by a vicious dragon.
Dragon Farkle can be played with 2-5 players. In order to win you must of course as any fantasy story goes, defeat the dragon. Each of you must assemble soldiers, hire mercenaries, and gather treasures, to take with you to the dragon’s keep.
Playtime runs at about 30 minutes.
12. Chocobo Crystal Hunt
Chocobo Crystal Hunt gameplay
Final Fantasy fans will love this one! Ideal for three to five players with a very simple premise - steal crystals and avoid monsters. Take Command of your chocobos and pilfer precious crystals from the hands of your friends. It is a very fast paced game that relies on your observation skills as well as a bit of luck.
The game takes place over a few rounds and total playtime is about 10-20 minutes. Of course, you don’t necessarily have to play multiple rounds if you don’t have the time but according to rules it is first to two wins. Your fat chocobo buddy will be your most reliable pal, returning to your hand no matter what happens.
11. KeyForge
KeyForge gameplay
This is only a two-player game with each player armed with a single deck. The aim is to gather enough amber to forge three keys before your opponent does. Each deck in Keyforge is sold as a whole and they cannot be modified which means once you own one deck you are good to go! This takes out net decking and puts new players and seasoned vets on a slightly more even playing field.
This card duel takes 45 minutes and over to play.
10. Legend of the Five Rings
Legend of the Five Rings gameplay
A duelling card game for two players. Legend of the Five Rings is set in the vibrant fantasy world of Rokugan. By selecting a deck you assume control of a clan and must fight for control of Rokugan against your opponent. It is up to you whether you fight with honor or underhanded tactics.
Gamble with honour tokens, attack your opponent with conflict cards and build up your defence with your dynasty cards. There are a few ways to win this game, you can: break your opponent's strong hold, gather 25 honour tokens, or force your opponent to lose 25 honour.
Playtime sits somewhere between 45-90 minutes.
9. Flesh and blood
Flesh and Blood gameplay
This is a trading card game that was released in 2019, it is best suited for 1v1 duels, however working in a winner stays on format is a lot of fun. For those who enjoy building and fine tuning decks this is a great game for you.
The winner is the last one standing. Wipe all your opponent’s health with no mercy! Pay for resources by discarding cards and make the most of what you gain by triggering actions and character abilities.
Play time is anywhere from 10-50mins
8. The Grimwood
The Grimwood gameplay
Designed for 2-6 players The Grimwood is a dark fantasy card game steeped in the supernatural. You search the deck for winning combinations which all result in points at the end. However if you stumble across a supernatural being it can either help you or it can sabotage your foes.
It is a rapid game steeped in chaos, the game ends when the last card from the deck is drawn and it does go quicker than you think.
Playtime is 30-60 minutes.
7. Boss Monster
Boss Monster gameplay
For fans of classic side-scrolling, dungeon delving, video games you are in for a treat with this card game. Become the villain of the dungeon and build a tempting but deadly dungeon to lure heroes to their deaths.
This is a game for 2-4 players and incorporates a unique perspective on dungeons. In order to be successful in this game, you must balance the threat level of your dungeon with tempting treasure. No heroes are going to want to venture into a spooky, life-threatening dungeon that doesn’t pay-out.
The first person to collect 10 hero souls wins, or you can be the sole survivor of the hero onslaught.
Playtime is about 30minutes with minimal setup.
6. Ashes Reborn: Rise of the Phoenixborn
Ash Reborn: Rise of the Phoenixborn gameplay
This is a stunning and beautifully designed card duelling game. It can be played with up to four players however it really shines as a 1v1 duel. This master set offers you six decks to choose from and acts as a brilliant gateway to deck-building duelling games.
Unlike other card games your resources are randomly generated each round via dice roll, this means if you get stuck with some bad luck it is a lot easier to turn around.
Playtime is about 60 minutes
5. Hero Realms
Hero Realms gameplay
Hero Realms is a fantasy adaptation of the star realms card game. There are many expansion packs and play formats available. Of course you can have a 1v1 battle like many of the other card games on this list but with the expansions and different formats Hero Realms can accommodate more players.
The goal of the game is to reduce your opponent’s health to zero. Players buy champion and action cards from the market row and gradually build up a winning deck. There are customisable starting decks available that let you play as a specific character: ranger, thief, wizard, caleric, or dragon!
As well as the combative play style there is also a set of rules that allow players to play cooperatively and take on mighty bosses.
Playtime is 20-30 minutes.
4. Epic Spell Wars of the Battle Wizards Duel at Mt SkullFyre
Epic Spell Wars of the Battle Wizards, Duel at Mt SkullFyre
As the title suggests this game is high energy and ridiculous. It can be played with 2-6 people and does contain some profanity… so maybe don’t crack this game out with the family. The cards are nicely designed and have amazing unique artwork.
The object of the game is to blast and explode your opponents off the face of mount skullfyre with your crazy spells. Each spell can contain up to 3 components which allows a huge number of combinations so keeps the game fresh and increases replayability.
Playtime is 20-40 minutes
3. Dungeon Mayhem
Dungeon Mayhem gameplay
The initial game comes with four playable characters but there are expansion boxes available to increase that number to six. Alternatively if playing as heroes isn’t your style there is the monster box available. Dungeon Mayhem is a free for all battle-style card game that offers the flavour of dungeons and dragons without the time commitment or the complicated rules.
Each game takes somewhere between 10-20 minutes to play depending on the number of players and how quickly players make their decisions.
2. Munchkin
Munchkin gameplay
A game of tentative collaboration and then horrific betrayal. Kill monsters, grab some treasure, and level up! The first to level ten wins. If the monster you reveal is too much for you, ask your opponents for a helping hand, but remember you will all betray each other later.
You can gain classes and races, and little minions to carry stuff for you… but a well-played curse can put a stop to all that. This is a game of strategy and luck for six players. There are numerous versions of muchkin so you can pick whatever floats your boat.
Playtime averages at about 90 minutes
1. Magic the Gathering
Magic the Gathering Commander gameplay
The original collectable card game (CCG) that can be played in numerous formats. There is a large community surrounding Magic and if you really get into it there are often tournaments held at your friendly local game shop.
With the huge number of formats available it is tricky to pin down how many players the game can accommodate, that can also be said for playtime. As a rule of thumb though, the more players the longer a game will take, personally, I think a four-player game is optimal.
Initially released in 1993 this card game has a lot of content, about 20,000 cards, and it is a bit overwhelming. From that 20,000 you need to pick just 60 for your deck! Depending on which format you are playing will depend on the rules you need to follow when it comes to deckbuilding.
Although quite an in-depth hobby it is a lot of fun and will never get old.
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