5 Best Competitive Card Games Like Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel

Competitive card games, such as Yu-gi-Oh Master Duel, have succeeded in the gaming market. And this is not for no reason, as the games typically are easy to get into yet hard to master. With such success, there are going to be many companies who wish to capitalize on this success. These card games may differ in their rules and overall feel, but the competitiveness remains the same. So we are looking at the 5 Best Competitive Card Games Like Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel.

5. Legends of Runeterra

Starting off our list with a game that is based on one of the most recognizable and notable in-game universes, we have Legends of Runeterra. Developed by Riot Games, who are most notable for their creation of the League of Legends franchise, this game is fantastic. The fantasy elements in the game are all executed quite well, with a distinct art style that makes the cards stand out. The lore that exists behind this game is also really interesting as well, as Runeterra itself has been fleshed out through a number of multimedia projects.

So an aspect of this particular card game that makes it unique is through its unique approach to attacking and defending. Rather than doing one or the other per turn, players are allowed both. Players alter between attacking and defending, which makes for a rather interesting combat flow. While this game is rather accessible, it still manages to have rather complex mechanics, which strike a delicate balance between easy-to-learn and hard-to-master. All in all, Legends of Runeterra takes full advantage of being a Riot Games IP. And it is one of the premier competitive card games on the market.

4. Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

Next on our list, we have Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft, or as it is more commonly known, simply Hearthstone. Featuring the iconic art direction and characters from the legendary Warcraft franchise, this game oozes style. Blizzard Entertainment has put in the legwork to make this card game one of the most recognizable in the industry. And it is filled to the brim with fun gameplay for the player to enjoy. So if you are into trading card games and you haven't given this one a try, definitely do so.

One fantastic aspect of the game is the fact that it is cross-platform, making it super-accessible and easy to use. This goes a long way in being able to tap into multiple gaming markets at once. And as the sales for this game show it has paid off immensely. An aspect of the game that helps speed things along is its use of a timer as well as other gameplay elements that increase the pace of the game. This is great for players who don't have a ton of time or simply hate stalling in card games. To close, Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft is a fantastic competitive card game that players should definitely try out.

3. Gwent: The Witcher Card Game

Gwent is a rather unique entry on this list for a number of reasons. First, the game started off as a game within the game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, where the main character Geralt would duel against NPCs in the game. The card game was so enthralling, however, that soon after players got hip to the card game itself, they began clamoring for a way to play outside of the game itself. Thus, Gwent: The Witcher Card Game was born. While on the surface, the card game has a ton in common with other card games, its presentation is quite unique, and there are a few special rules to look out for.

The premise for the game is rather simple, with players utilizing Melee and Ranged characters in order to gain power. There is quite a bit of strategy involved within Gwent, which makes it great for players to learn and play. In fact, the game itself is so popular within the gaming space that there is even an e-sports section of the community based around the game. This is huge, as it bolsters the already huge Witcher fanbase as a whole. In closing, Gwent is one of the most fantastic competitive card games players can jump into today.

2. Eternal

Eternal is a free-to-play collectible card game that was developed by Dire Wolf Digital. The setting of the game makes it incredibly unique compared to other games, as it is set in a Wild-West-themed fantasy setting. And at first, it seems that these two settings would oppose each other and somewhat cancel out one another. The delicate balance is maintained through the gameplay. Power cards can be used by players much like spell or magic cards in other competitive card games.

The game also has a rather unique approach to how players obtain cards in the game as well. Rather than pay for, or grind away for cards. Players are able to use decks for a limited time, then keep the decks after dueling. This is great as it allows players who maybe don't have that much time to invest in the game to still be competitive. So if you are interested in  competitive card games with a couple of unique twists, then Eternal might be up your alley.

1. Magic the Gathering: Arena

Wrapping up our list, we have Magic the Gathering: Arena. The game features characters and abilities that are very high fantasy and enjoyable. Players begin the game with twenty points of “health” that their opponent will have to widdle down to win. There are a number of different mechanics in the game, such as a mana system and other intricate systems that make the game enjoyable. However, where Magic the Gathering: Arena comes in is in making the game super-accessible for newer players.

The tutorial, as well as the game overall, is very beginner friendly. This fact has no doubt led helped bolster the game's popularity as a whole. That, coupled with the gorgeous card art as well as a forgiving card collection system, this game is great. So if you are looking into competitive card games, then Magic the Gathering: Arena is a great jumping-off point for new players or even returning or current Magic players.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Best Competitive Card Games Like Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.