Card-based video games are a bit of a niche category among the world’s 3 billion gamers. However, there are some breakout stars who have propelled them into the mainstream. Titles such as Yu-Gi-Oh pull in impressive player counts, beating some of this year’s AAA flops such as Concord and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. But they aren’t for everyone. So, if you are on the fence about deck-builders and card games, here’s a bit of what you need to know.

Classic Online Card Games

Deck-builders and other video game card games can become complex. Even Pokemon requires in-depth knowledge of how the mechanics work. Luckily, there are digital versions of pretty much every traditional card game ever made. For example, you can play classics like Freecell, Solitaire, and even Blackjack for free online. Then there are also classic family card games. These include titles such as Uno, Go Fish, and Rummy for hours of rainy-day family fun.

Deck Building Card-Based Video Games

Deck-builders are geared towards gamers who love card games. Today, there are currently 861 deckbuilding games available on Steam. Of course, there are others available on other platforms. But from the Steam store, some of the most popular include the following:

  • Balatro is a surprise hit game that came from nowhere as the second most popular.
  • Magic: The Gathering Arena is a classic in its own right, with tons of loyal fans.
  • Slay the Spire is regarded as the best deck builder created in the past few years.
  • Astral Party is a quirky card with anime girls focused on creating relationships.
  • Lust Goddess offers something different as you assemble a squad of sexy mercenaries.

These are among some of the best-selling this year, and there are many that seem to stay in the top positions because of top-notch developer support, game longevity, and excellent design.

The Best Multiplayer Card Games

There are some card games designed to be enjoyed with friends, and others are excellent for spending time alone. When you need to battle your friends in an exhilarating duel, there are a few card games that stand out from the crowd. Marvel SNAP comes to mind and is a must-have for any fan of both comic books and deck builders. If you enjoy some top-rated fantasy, you also can’t go wrong with The Lord Of The Rings Adventure Card Game set in the iconic universe.

Best Card-Based Video Games from Existing IP

There are tons of unique card games that offer something different. But even AAA developers can’t resist the lure of creating card games based on iconic and immersive video games.

The Elder Scrolls Legends
The sheer volume of lore contained within the Elder Scrolls universe means it can be adapted into anything. It just makes sense that a card game would be released. Although support has stopped, you can still battle with iconic characters from the entire Elder Scrolls universe.

GWENT: The Witcher Card Game
A surprise release back in 2018, GWENT is based on the world of the hit franchise The Witcher’s video game adaptations. The mechanics of GWENT are somewhat different from other card games that rely on luck, as GWENT also introduces an element of skill.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns
Marvel has a rich history dating back over half a century, making it an ideal option for many video games. Midnight Suns is more than a card game, however. It plays like a AAA semi-open-world game with a rich setting and story that happens to use card-based combat.
Card games based on existing IP can be some of the most memorable as you get to indulge your favorite genre with beloved characters. They are rare but every bit as satisfying to play.

Top Cozy Card Games

Not all card games have to include fierce battles to the death! Like most genres today, there are also cozy card games you can enjoy, and they are suitable for all ages. Some standout cozy card games include Tiny Kingdom. In Tiny Kingdom, you can forge your kingdom to glory with cozy city-building. In Lucky Hunter, you can set out on an adventure to help the people rebuild against an evil king. Or how about running a restaurant in the delightful Culinarium?

The Most Popular Card-Based Video Games

Some card games are massive. Today, Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel has a massive all-time player count of 262,689. SteamDB only measures steam plates and not other platforms. But from their numbers, here are some of the most played card games right now and throughout 2024:

  • Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel stands firm with a whopping player count of 25,729.
  • Slay the Spire holds a solid second place at a player count of 15,560.
  • Indie, one-man development Balatro comes in with a respectable 12,067 players.
  • Governor of Poker offers a Texas Hold-Em experience with almost 12,000 gamers.
  • TCG Card Shop Simulator lets you build a card game empire and has 5,166 players.

Yu-Gi-Oh is a classic, and Slay the Spire is like the Godfather of card games. Yet smash hit Balatro seemed to come from nowhere and was allegedly created by just one person!

Source: SteamDB

Card Games While On-the-Go

Most card games can be played on mobile devices, but you may need an expensive ROG Ally, PS Portal, or gaming laptop. Fortunately, there are excellent card games that make traveling or hanging around much more enjoyable. Some top card games for Switch include Iris and the Giant, Roguebook, and Monster Slayers. On the smartphone and tablet side, some of the best Android card games include Wildfrost, Vault of the Void, and the terrific Pirates Outlaws.

Summary

Classics like Uno and Solitaire are classic card-based video games that anyone can play pretty much anywhere. However, there are huge releases based on existing IP, such as Marvel’s Midnight Suns. Of course, there are also massively played card games such as Yu-Gi-Oh and Balatro that are increasingly popular. Yet you can also experience the fun of card games while traveling with titles such as Iris and the Giant on Switch and Wildfrost on Android devices.