Deck builders are part of a unique genre where titles demand a strategic mind and the ability to adjust on the fly. Many deck builders land squarely inRogueliteterritory, which often makes them quite punishing.
You’ll get your first win in any deck builder if you stick with them, but some are better for beginners than others. With this in mind, here’s a selection of excellent games to make your first foray into the genre memorable.
As there’s plenty of variety in the genre, I’ve included several traditional and non-traditional deck-builders in the list. Skills you pick up in the non-traditional titles may not transfer to other games, but they are absolutely worth playing, especially if their theme grabs you.
8Inscryption
A ‘Must Play’
Inscryption
Inscryptionis an incredible game with acreepy and striking twiston the deck-building formula.
Much of Inscryption is played as a1v1 game against an ominous foesitting adjacent to you. Cards are played on the table, and your choices through the game determine what cards are in your deck.
Thecard game is mechanically simple, and the creatures on your cards can even announce their displeasure if you make a play they disagree with. The environment keeps you on your toes, and a bizarre story unfolds around you as you play.
Inscryptionkicks off our list because while it’s undoubtedly a deck builder at its core, it’sonly a single partof a much grander title. You’ll immediately understand the rules, but other titles are better if you’re after a more fleshed-out card game.
I Mean, Who Doesn’t Like Peggle?
Key Information
Red Nexus Games Inc
PC, Nintendo Switch
Release Date
August 2024
Peglinis what you get if you combine deck building and the legendaryPegglepuzzle game, and yes,it’s as good as it sounds.
The goal inPeglinis to remove pegs from a board by hitting them with a ball you deploy from the top of the screen. It’s a fun premise, made even better withspells and abilities you deploy with cards.
Peglinis much more than just aPeggleclone. Your performance on the board below actively affects the battle raging above. The deck-building portion ofPeglinis important, but it’s just one part of the package.
It’s not a traditional game in the genre, but it offers a superb spin on the formula, and there’s enough content to keep beginners and pros entertained for many hours.
6One Step from Eden
An Incredible Action Deck Builder
One Step From Eden
One Step from Edenis ahidden gem, and if you enjoy theMega Man Battle Networkgames, I’ve just found the next game to add to your library.
Combat in One Step from Eden takes place on a grid where you must avoid attacks in real-time while ensuring yours hit their mark.
Your deck governs your abilities, and gameplay can get intense as you’re forced to run around the arena with one hand while using cards with the other.
Fights are mechanically busy, but you always know what’s going on. There’s a respectable roster of characters, and while the gameplay won’t be for everyone, it’s an accomplished deck builder and action roguelite.
5Roguebook
A Gorgeous Deck-Building Adventure
Roguebookis an exceptional deck builder and is arguably the mostvisually stunning gameon this list.
The map is made of beautiful hexagonal tiles that open up as you explore the world. An effort was clearly put into sprucing up elements outside the solid card game, making it feelmore immersivethan many in the genre.
Speaking of cards, deck-building will feel familiar if you’ve played games likeSlay the Spire. You actually control a pair of heroes simultaneously, each with unique playstyles. Yourabilities are tied to cardsin your deck, and there’s plenty of room to get creative with builds.
Honestly, I struggled to find my footing withRoguebook, but not because the rules were difficult to understand. The challenge is firm but fair and demands a keen strategic eye.
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4Monster Train
Deck Building Meets Tower Defense
Monster Train
Monster Trainmakes a brave effort to combine Deck Building with elements ofTower Defense.The combination works better than it should, making for a fantastic entry point in the genre.
Your goal inMonster Trainis todefend a “furnace"on the top floor of a train carriage. You do this by summoning defenses with your deck, and tactical placements can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
The concept will take a few goes to become comfortable, but thegameplay is satisfying and addictive. Once you’ve placed your units, you watch the enemy force storm the train, and it’s rewarding to see your efforts pay off.
Monster Trainis a solid deck builder with aunique premiseand a must-play if you’re even slightly interested in Tower Defense games.
3Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire
Slay the Spireis ajuggernaut in the deck-building genre, offering an unrivaled level of complexity. The title makes the list because while it is difficult,the rules are pretty simple.
Each card has an Energy cost, and you must play a combination of offensive and defensive cards to reduce your opponent’s HP before they do the same to you. The gameplay is addictive, and each character has a unique card pool and mechanics to manage.
There aregames of chanceto break up card battles and numerous ways to obtain new cards and remove old ones.
High-levelSlay the Spirerequires patience and an encyclopedic understanding of cards and relics. It’s intimidating, but you don’t need any of that to play for your first win.
2Vault of the Void
Offering A Helping Hand
Vault Of The Void
Vault of the Voidis the first deck builder I’ve played thatprides itself on accessibility. This effort to curate the beginner experience makes the title perfect if you’ve been overwhelmed by other similar games.
For starters, there’s a global deck size limit of 20 cards, which you can swap out anytime. The mechanic incentivizes experimentation and makes mistakes less punishing. TheSlay the Spireinspiration is obvious, but that’s not bad considering the pedigree.Don’t mistake accessibility for a lack of depth, as there’s still a healthy dose of strategy required to beat encounters.
Even the marketing material proudly boastsno maths required, as calculations are visible before you execute commands. Beyond the stellar beginner experience,Vault of the Voidis just a solid deck builder. It’s snappy with pretty visuals and a game that seems to slip under the radar despiteexceptionally positive Steam reviews.
Poker Knowledge Isn’t Required
Balatrois an incredible deck builderbased around poker hands. Don’t be put off if you’ve never played the real card game, as you don’t need any Poker knowledge to enjoy it.
You start with aregular 52-card deckand are given many opportunities to manipulate it as the game progresses. You use Jokers as modifiers, anddeck building feels surprisingly intuitiveas you already know what’s in a traditional deck of cards.
ABalatrowin requiresjust the right amount of luck, and there are satisfying unlockables to earn to spice up future runs. There’s a reason this game did so well at theGame Awards, and it’s easily one of the best games to showcase the genre.
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