The deckbuilding genre has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, especially since it’s an easier genre for indie developers to create games in. With more and more gamers shifting focus towards indie games that aren’t afraid to try new ideas and gameplay mechanics over the somewhat stale triple-A gaming scene, deckbuilding is a genre that has gotten a lot of spotlight.
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These games involve the player collecting cards that they can use in turn-based battles, and they are often combined with one more genre, such asroguelike, making it an entirely unique experience. Since the genre can be a bit difficult to get into for new players, these titles are perfect for beginners who want to see for themselves what all the hype about deckbuilding games is about.
10Wildfrost
When Frosty Fights Back
Wildfrost is where deckbuilding meets tactical battles in a wintry wonderland. Its charming, hand-drawn art style may give offcozy vibes, but don’t be fooled, as this game has plenty of strategic depth for players to sink their teeth into. The game shines with its beginner-friendly mechanics that ease them into the deckbuilding genre without overwhelming them with complexity.
Players assemble a team of adorable yet deadly warriors, each with unique abilities, and face off against increasingly challenging foes in turn-based battles. The rogue-lite structure keeps every run fresh, and its card-synergy focus allows newcomers to experiment with strategies without being punished for mistakes. For anyone looking to dip their toes into deckbuilding while battling in a snowy, magical world, Wildfrost is a great place to start.
9Showgun Showdown
Strategy With A Slice Of Action
Shogun Showdown
In Showgun Showdown, deckbuilding collides with fast-paced action in a samurai-themed roguelike. This hybrid is perfect for beginners, as its blend of real-time and turn-based mechanics provides a unique yet accessible entry point to the genre. The game’s distinct hook lies in how players use cards not just for attacks but to dictate their movement and reactions during intense battles.
Its sleek art style and responsive combat are backed by a steady difficulty curve, giving new players the space to learn without feeling overwhelmed. Experimenting with new card combinations while slashing through enemies ensures every run feels fresh and exciting.
8Griftlands
If Borderlands Was A Deckbuilder
Griftlands
For players who wish that deckbuilding games had more story to them, Griftlands is the answer. Part card battler, part narrativeRPG, this game lets players choose from three unique characters, each with their own storyline, and explore a world full of tough choices and moral ambiguity.
What makes Griftlands so appealing to beginners is its dual-deck system: one for combat and one for negotiation. This mechanic allows players to approach challenges in different ways, whether by talking their way out of trouble or fighting their way through. The game’s colorful art style, quirky characters, and engaging storylines make it hard to put down. Plus, its clear tutorials and forgiving early-game content help newcomers ease into the genre without breaking a sweat.
7Roguebook
From the creators of Faeria, Roguebook turns deckbuilding into an adventure through a magical storybook. The game’s hex-based exploration is a unique twist, giving players the freedom to uncover treasure, fight enemies, and build their deck as they journey through the pages of a mysterious tome.
What sets Roguebook apart is its emphasis on synergy between two heroes, each with their own cards and abilities. Learning to combine their powers is both rewarding and intuitive, making it a fantastic choice for beginners who want to explore creative strategies without being bogged down by overly complex mechanics. The vibrant, painterly visuals only add to the game’s charm, making each playthrough feel like a work of art.
6Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales
Gwent, But Make It Epic
Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales
Fans of The Witcher 3 will feel right at home with Thronebreaker, a deckbuilding RPG that expands on the beloved Gwent minigame. Thisspin-offcombines rich storytelling with tactical card battles, putting players in the role of Queen Meve as she fights to reclaim her war-torn kingdom.
What makes Thronebreaker so beginner-friendly is its narrative-driven approach. The story will keep players hooked, while the card battles are gradually introduced with tutorials and straightforward mechanics. The choices players make outside of battles impact the story and their deck, adding an extra layer of strategy. It’s an excellent way for newcomers to ease into deckbuilding without sacrificing immersion or excitement.
5Hearthstone
Blizzard’s Gateway To Card Games
Hearthstone
No list of deckbuilding games would be complete withoutHearthstone, Blizzard’s wildly popular collectible card game. Its vibrant visuals, simple mechanics, and addictive gameplay make it a perfect starting point for beginners.
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The game’s charm lies in its accessibility, as players can build decks and jump into matches without needing to memorize hundreds of cards. The interface is intuitive, and the variety of game modes, from casual matches to more competitive arenas, ensures there’s something for everyone.
4Monster Train
Deckbuilding On Rails
Monster Train
Monster Trainturns traditional deck building on its head by adding a tower-defense twist. Players must defend their train from invading enemies while managing multiple battlefields simultaneously. The unique setup keeps things engaging and ensures no two runs feel the same.
What makes Monster Train beginner-friendly is its streamlined gameplay loop and the constant sense of progression. The game’s deckbuilding mechanics are easy to grasp, and the variety of clans and cards encourages experimentation.
3Slay The Spire
The Game That Started A Revolution
Slay the Spire
Arguably the game that popularized the deckbuilding roguelike genre,Slay the Spireis a must-play for anyone looking to get into this type of game. It has a simple premise: climb a spire, battle enemies, and build your deck along the way. But therein lies its deep strategic possibilities.
Beginners will appreciate its intuitive mechanics, with each card clearly explained and its effects easy to understand. The game’s balance of challenge and reward keeps players hooked, while its procedurally generated paths ensure replayability. There are also four characters to pick from, each with a different set of cards, so even if players complete a single run, they will have to complete at least three more runs with each character to truly finish Slay the Spire.
The Winning Hand That Came From Nowhere
Seemingly out of the blue,Balatrolanded in 2024 and immediately reshaped the deckbuilding landscape. With glowing reviews, countless accolades, and over a million copies sold in its first month, this indie gem, which was created by a solo developer, earned its place as one of the genre’s most innovative and addictive titles.
What sets Balatro apart is its clever use of a standard 52-card poker deck. Players are tasked with hitting point targets, or Blinds, in each round, working through three Blinds per Ante and conquering eight Antes to complete a run. The structure may sound straightforward, but Balatro thrives on its ingenious system of multipliers, special cards, and massive combo potential.
Every hand feels like a puzzle, and every move can lead to thrilling high-scoring chains or nail-biting comebacks. Unlike many deckbuilders that lean into fantasy or sci-fi settings, Balatro opts for a more traditional aesthetic and mechanics that will keep players coming back for “just one more run.”
1Inscryption
The Deckbuilder With A Dark Secret
Inscryption
Inscryption is less of a deckbuilding game and more of an experience. This genre-bending title starts as a straightforward card game before unraveling into something far more sinister. The atmospheric cabin where the character plays against a mysterious opponent sets the stage for a story full of twists and turns.
Inscryption was the first deckbuilding game I played, and it made me fall in love with the genre. It is arguably the perfect game for beginners who want to enter the genre.
What makes Inscryption so great for beginners is its ability to mix mechanics from other genres. Puzzle-solving, exploration, andhorror elementskeep things fresh, and the deckbuilding itself is forgiving enough to accommodate experimentation. It’s a game that welcomes newcomers with intrigue and open arms.
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