Newly released card games such as Pokémon Trading Card Game Live and Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel are proof that there are still a lot of gamers who crave strategic deck-building fun. Over the years, card-based games have evolved, and some combining familiar card-game mechanics with those of other video-game genres such as roguelikes and simulation games.
On the PC, gamers can find a lot of card-based games to play, especially if they have access to the Steam store. From the deck-building roguelike game Griftlands to the engrossing simulation game Card Shark, the best card-based games have garnered high scores on Metacritic.
KARDS - 80
The World War II-themed card game KARDS is an online game in which players need to master their resource management skills and demolish their opponent's headquarters on the battlefield. There are a handful of different units that can be controlled in KARDS, such as infantry units that attack each turn, as well as bombers that can attack anywhere in the field.
KARDS has managed to attract gamers thanks to its collectible-card-game mechanics as well as gameplay that's reminiscent of tactical military strategy games.
GWENT: The Witcher Card Game - 80
Based on the popular fantasy adventure franchise The Witcher, Gwent: The Witcher Card Game allows gamers to duel a friend and command heroes and monsters from the beloved series. In the game, players can choose from different factions such as Nilfgaard, Syndicate, Monsters, Scoia’Tael, Northern Realms, and Skellige, all of which offer different playstyles and leaders.
Reviews of the game point out that it stands out in The Witcher franchise as it offers unique card game mechanics that seamlessly build up excitement over multiple rounds.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links - 80
Yu-Gi-Oh! is one of the world's most popular trading card games. On the PC, players can play an up-to-date version of the game with Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links. The online PvP game also allows fans of the game to duel against protagonists from the series like Yugi, Yusei, and Jaden.
As with other titles in the series, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links offers straightforward and fast-paced gameplay that's not littered with animations. It's also a great entry point for those who want to be acquainted with the series as it offers comprehensive but easy-to-use starter decks.
Dicey Dungeons - 80
The indie game Dicey Dungeons doesn't feature cards with characters and spells. The cards given in the game are dice faces that can be used to activate the abilities of a certain character. Some of the playable characters in the game are the Thief, the Robot, the Inventor and the Jester.
Dicey Dungeons is also a roguelike game, so players need to make the right decisions in order to make it to the final battle. A lot of gamers found Dicey Dungeons to have superb replayability thanks to its roguelike mechanics and unique playable characters that have wildly different skills from each other.
Card Shark - 81
Card Shark is a narrative-driven game that's centered around cheating in card games. In order to rise to the top in 18th-century France, players need to learn and masterfully execute card deceptions such as false deals, false shuffles, card marking and deck switching.
While its mechanics are far from those of more traditional trading-card games, Card Shark is still centered on the age-old casual game. The simulation game has received favorable reviews from critics thanks to its layered plot, unique gameplay and charming visuals.
Tainted Grail: Conquest - 82
Tainted Grail: Conquest is a deck-building turn-based RPG that's set in medieval times. In the game, the main character needs to make their way to Kamelot in order to find the grail and save their village.
Apart from the variety of combat styles and cards that the player can choose from, Tainted Grail: Conquest has enticed fans of card-based games thanks to its incredibly designed art and landscapes. And unlike other card-based games, Tainted Grail: Conquest is forgiving to players, making it accessible to those who aren't familiar with the game genre.
Griftlands - 84
The sci-fi-themed Griftlands features a dynamic art style and enjoyable card-based mechanics. Developed by Canadian game studio Klei Entertainment, Griftlands allows players to choose from three characters who each have a distinct specialized deck and abilities.
The game has a lot of content to offer to players as each playable character has its own unique environment and locations to explore. With its compelling story, excellent RPG mechanics, and addictive gameplay formula, Griftlands is one of the best roguelite games players can find on Steam.
Inscryption - 85
With its inky black visuals and creepy graphics, players might find Inscyrption too scary to play. However, playing Inscryption is a gaming experience players shouldn't skip out on. In the game, players can get a deck of woodland creatures by surgery, self-mutilation, and draft, as well as witness a disturbing but engrossing story.
Critics found Inscryption to be an enjoyable card game, despite its horror themes and eerie graphics. The game also manages to introduce variety to its gameplay by introducing escape room puzzle mechanics.
Monster Train - 86
Deck-building mechanics and roguelike gameplay are a go-to combination for game developers who want to put out card-based games. Monster Train by Good Shepherd Entertainment is an excellent example of a roguelite game with deck-building aspects. The game is set on a train that's on a journey toward hell and players need to take full control of their champions and create strategies to triumph over other powerful creatures.
Gamers found the bit where monsters fight on a multi-leveled train to be ingenious as it adds a puzzle aspect to the game. Monster Train is also incredibly fast-paced, so players need to brace themselves before buying it from the Steam store.
Slay The Spire - 89
There are four playable characters in MegaCrit's Slay The Spire: the Ironclad, the Silent, the Defect and the Watcher. In the game, players need to climb procedurally generated floors and defeat enemies along the way using their characters and the unique decks they've built.
Slay the Spire has more than 350 fully implemented cards and 200 different relics, allowing players to enjoy distinctly special runs every time. The game has earned critical acclaim for its noteworthy mechanics and has inspired a number of other deck-building roguelike games.