Summary
Deck-builders are a unique genre of game with an inherent element of player expression, allowing players to make frequent decisions that have an immediate impact on gameplay. This can be fun in of itself, but in an increasingly saturated genre, it takes more than standard mechanics to make a deck-builder stand out.
These titles often feature unique structures or fun twists on the usual deck-building gameplay that fans have come to know, but some are simply so well-refined that they’re worth playing in their own right. From the RPG deck-building ofGriftlandsto the tile-based gameplay ofShogun Showdown, there’s something here for everyone.
Shogun Showdownis a tile-based roguelike deck-builder that tasks players with battling enemies on a single axis. In the game, players use a variety of simple tiles to maneuver left and right, dodging attacks and enacting powerful combos todefeat waves of foes.
By tasking players with controlling a moving character,Shogun Showdownis able to provide fast-paced gameplay. This pairs nicely with the readability of the game’s tiles, which allow players to focus more on the action and less on the nitty-gritty of card text.
Monster Trainis an innovative combination of tower-defense and roguelike deck-builder, tasking players with defending a multi-layered train from waves of diverse enemies. The tiered structure of the tower defense is a particular strength, providing a steadily rising tension for each encounter.
The way that card play interacts with the tower defense mechanics is also consistently fun, and facilitatesa broad range of strategies. This is only furthered by an assortment of factions, each with their own unique strengths.
Griftlandsis a unique deck-builder that makes ample use of RPG mechanics, providing players with an immersive and alien world to interact with. The game itself centers around a dual combat system that allows players to fight or negotiate with their enemies, both of which use separate customizable decks.
This allows fora great deal of player expression, makingGriftlandsone of the most freeing deck-builders on the market. Players looking for a gameplay-focused experience may tire of the character dialogue and narrative threads, butGriftlandshas a unique flavor that’s worth trying.
Slay The Spireis simple fun, supported by intricate mechanics. Offering tight, streamlined deck-building mechanics,Slay The Spireexcels with its quickly-ramping pace, practically throwing cards at players until they’ve had enough. Yet, this title remains challenging, and sports plenty of replay value with its unique playable characters and customizable difficulty.
Gameplay is tremendously intuitive, offering a steady loop thatchampions creative thinkingand clever synergies, and the addition of a node-based map allows for an extra layer of choice. Somewhat of a North Star in the deck-building genre,Slay The Spireis a classic experience, and it’s the perfect place to start.
Balatrostands out in the deck-building space for its innovative use of classic poker hands, offering immediate accessibility thatallows for instant fun. The game’s slick user-interface and satisfying player feedback also lend themselves to instant gratification, butBalatro’sgameplay maintains serious staying power.
Balatroworks to provide players with a fun-first experience that’s at first more akin to a toy than a game, but it remains both diverse and strategic. This is thanks to the clever warping of standard poker cards, offering creative ideas at every turn that mash the age-old table game with typical roguelike deck-builder mechanics.
From its chunky, bright, and colorful pixel-art, to its soothing soundtrack and buoyant charm,Cobalt Coreis an immediately joyful experience. There’s plenty of fun to be had bouncing along to its various tunes and enjoying its nostalgic visuals, butCobalt Corealso excels with its riveting spaceship battles.
Combining deck-building with tactical movements on a single axis,Cobalt Core’sgameplay manages to provide a fresh but intuitive experience. In the game, players control their spaceship through a customizable deck, which represents three distinct crew members chosen at the start of each run. It’s breezy, tactical, and tremendously upbeat, offering a lightweight experience that’s wonderfully refreshing.
Wildfrostis a distinctive roguelike deck-builder not only for its charming cartoon art-style, but for its innovative gameplay. In the game, players do battle with various whimsical enemies on snowy battlefields, simultaneously working to protect their leader from death.
To do this, players are given access to a variety of companions, cards, charms, and relics. This generosity and diversity of tools allows for a great deal of creativity and expression, making for a tremendously strategic experience. The unique turn system, tactile UI,and stylish visualsare just icing on the cake.
Though its dense combination of tabletop game mechanics may take a bit of learning, this digital adaptation ofDune: Imperiumoffers a slick and satisfying strategy experience. Combining worker-placement and deck-building with a unique card system,Dune: Imperium’sdiverse board offersa complex arena for strategic thinking.
Adding to the experience is a great variety of cards and board spaces that allow for a multitude of strategies, further supported by an assortment of playable leaders. These leaders each offer their own unique strengths, allowing each match to feel unique from the last.
