What Is a Deck-Building Game?

Imagine starting a game with just a few simple cards and ending with a powerful deck that you’ve carefully built over time. That’s the essence of deck-building games. These games are all about making choices: which cards to add, when to play them, and how to create the best strategy to win. The excitement comes from knowing that every decision you make could lead to either victory or defeat.

But why are deck-building games so popular? The appeal goes beyond just collecting cards. It’s about crafting a strategy that constantly evolves, adapting to new challenges, and mastering a system where every card plays a crucial role. Here, we’ll dive into what makes deck-building games so special. We’ll look at the key elements that define the genre and explore five of the best games that have set the standard.

What is a Deck-Building Game?

A deck-building game is a type of game where players begin with a small, basic set of cards and gradually add more powerful and varied cards to their collection as the game progresses. The aim is to strategically build a deck that will help you succeed in the game, whether by overcoming challenges, outmaneuvering opponents, or reaching specific goals. The process of selecting and acquiring new cards, and then using them wisely, is what makes deck-building games both challenging and satisfying.

In these games, every card you add to your deck has the potential to shape your strategy. Some cards might create strong combinations when used together, while others might fill specific needs within your deck. As you continue to gather more cards, your deck becomes stronger and more customized to your playstyle. The challenge lies in making smart decisions about which cards to add, always considering how they will enhance your overall strategy.

But what truly sets deck-building games apart is the ongoing evolution of your deck. Instead of relying purely on luck, you have significant control over how your deck develops. You start with a simple set of cards and, through careful choices, transform it into a powerful tool that reflects your unique strategy.

Gameplay

In deck-building games, the main focus is on building and improving your deck of cards as you play. You start with a small deck that contains only basic and weak cards. These cards are just enough to help you begin, but they won’t carry you far. The goal is to keep adding better, stronger cards to your deck.

Usually, you need to spend some form of in-game currency or points to buy new cards from a shared pool. These resources are limited, so you need to think carefully about how you spend them. Should you grab a strong card right away, or save up for something even better later on? Making these decisions is a big part of the strategy and adds to the excitement of the game.

Another important feature in deck-building games is shuffling. When you add new cards to your deck, they get mixed in with the cards you already have. This means that each time you draw cards, you’ll get a random selection from your entire deck. Sometimes you’ll draw the perfect set of cards to execute a great strategy, and other times you’ll have to adjust your plans based on what you’ve drawn. The thrill of seeing your deck work exactly as you planned, pulling off powerful combos and overcoming tough challenges, is what makes deck-building games so rewarding. Every victory feels like it was earned through careful planning and smart decisions.

Best Deck-Building Games

5. Magic: The Gathering Arena

Magic: The Gathering Arena is a digital version of the classic card game, Magic: The Gathering. In this game, you collect cards, build your own decks, and battle opponents using strategy and creativity. You’ll meet well-known characters and use powerful spells and artifacts to gain an advantage in your battles. Magic: The Gathering Arena lets you explore different strategies and create decks that match your style. It also has impressive visual effects that make each battle exciting.

4. Dominion

Dominion is a game where you start with a small deck and slowly build it into something powerful. At the beginning, your deck has basic cards which aren’t very strong. As you play, your goal is to add better cards, like Gold and Provinces, to grow your kingdom. The key to winning is collecting Victory Points by the end of the game. You do this by choosing the right cards from a set of 10 available options in each game. The challenge is to create the best combinations that will give you an edge over your opponents.

3. Inscryption

Inscryption is a unique deck-building game that mixes horror, puzzles, and storytelling. You find yourself trapped in a creepy cabin, forced to play a card game against a mysterious figure named Leshy. The cards you use are strange and sometimes alive, and you must build a strong deck to survive the increasingly difficult challenges Leshy throws at you. Unlike other deck-building games, Inscryption constantly surprises you with its eerie atmosphere and unusual mechanics.

2. Monster Train

Monster Train is a deck-building game that adds an exciting twist to the genre. You’re on a train racing through hell, and your job is to protect the last burning pyre from heaven’s forces. What makes this game different is that you must defend not just one, but three vertical battlefields at the same time. This means you need to think carefully about where to place your units and how to use your cards. The gameplay is fast, so you have to make quick decisions to keep your pyre safe.

1. Slay the Spire

Slay the Spire is a game that brilliantly blends card-based strategy with the unpredictability of roguelike gameplay. In this game, your goal is to climb a mysterious spire filled with enemies, traps, and treasures. Each journey up the spire is different because the game’s layout changes every time you play. Similarly, you start with a basic deck of cards and, as you progress, you’ll discover new cards to add. These cards represent various actions, such as attacking, defending, or using special abilities.

So, have you tried any deck-building games before? Which one is your favorite? Let us know on our socials here!