Summary
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 withmore 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.
8Star Realms
A Classic Tabletop Card Game That Has Made A Solid Transition To PC
It’s difficult to argue against the fact thatStar Realmsgains most of its famefrom 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. WhileStar 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.
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-hitInscryptionin 2021.
With a mind-bending narrative of demonic floppy disks and claustrophobic cabins,Inscryptionframes 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 thetried-and-true mechanics of a roguelike,Inscryptioncreates a dynamic environment where both genres flourish.
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-builderAces & Adventures, 13 fully voice-acted campaigns lead to the game’s distancing from its clear deck-building roots.
Proclaimed as"a great choice for beginners and avid gamers alike,“Aces & Adventuresplaces 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.
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 titleVault of the Voidis 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 mechanicsoften paired with roguelike gameplayto 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.
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 ofMarvel SNAP’s characters from cinema and comic books can create a drastically different feel to the experience.
WhileMarvel SNAPhas cards with synergetic abilities and functions, the approachability afforded by theMarvelIP is not squandered, as the title has become a free-to-play hit. With itsconstantly evolving library of cardswith appearances from acrossMarvel’s multimedia projects,Marvel SNAPnot only welcomes casual or entry-level players but also entices them to stay.
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.
Balatrohas 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 asconsumable tarot cardsbestowing one-time powers,Balatroconsistently remains engaging and exciting.
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 ofGriftland’s gameplay loop and is a novel take on the genre.
Despite its relative age compared to some of the most notable deck-building titles of recent years,Slay the Spireis 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 approachesSlay the Spirewill recognize something in its make-up.
With merchants, playable characters, and strategic combat,Slay the Spirenot 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.
