If you’re looking for a new party game or hobby, card-based role-playing games (RPGs) are a fast-growing way to have fun.
Also known as RPG card games, these games offer so many different experiences and styles of play that it can be hard to know where to start. Fortunately, the diversity also means there’s something for everyone.
Here are 5 RPG card games to liven up your parties and help you let out your inner nerd.
1). Magic: The Gathering
Some classics never go out of style, and Magic: The Gathering, the original trading card game, is case in point.
In Magic, you can cast spells, conjure creatures, and wield artifacts as you try to best other players. Tap “land” cards for mana, magical energy, which you can use to cast spells and do other magical things.
This game is also accessible in digital form, Magic: The Gathering Arena.
If you’ve ever wanted to be a wizard (or Planeswalker, in Magic), this is your chance.
2). Pokémon Battle Academy
If you can remember “Gotta Catch ‘Em All” and being a Pokémon master has always been your destiny, Pokémon Battle Academy has your number.
On the other hand, if you’re new to the game or you want a family-accessible version, Pokémon Battle Academy still has your number.
This game comes with a two-player gameboard, rulebook, two tutorial guides, and three complete Pokémon trading card game (TCG) decks. In addition to such iconic Pokémon as Charizard and Pikachu, these decks include special Pokémon like Charizard-GX, Raichu-GX, and Mewtwo-GX.
3). Dust Devils
Saddle up, pardner, ‘cause we’re headed for the Old West. Dust Devils won Indie RPG Game of the Year when it debuted back in 2002, and it continues to be one of the most respected Western-themed RPGs.
In keeping with the Old West theme, all you need to play Dust Devils is a deck of playing cards, poker chips, and pen and paper—and the rulebook, of course. It even uses poker mechanics, an absolutely masterful tie-in with the Western theme.
4). Infinity Wars: Animated Trading Card Game
If you like big, bold, fantasy- and sci-fi-themed games, Infinity Wars: Animated Trading Card Game might be perfect for you.
This game has nothing to do with the Marvel movies, but it does offer a rich gaming experience with plenty of combat and simultaneous-turn combat mechanics, meaning the game goes faster. There are eight distinct factions, each of which offers a somewhat different set of abilities and trade-offs.
5). RPG Battles
If you like fantasy battles in the style of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), there’s an excellent chance RPG Battles is perfect for you.
Think of RPG Battles as an easy-to-play, accessible version of D&D meets Exploding Kittens: you choose a player, such as a Fighter, Sorceress, or Monk, and draw cards to collect treasure, magic, and weapons—and use dice to battle a variety of monsters.
Collect cards to help your character buff up for fights, affect outcomes on the field of battle, and even steal cards from other players. You’ll need good cards and good dice rolls to attain the game’s objective and be the last player left alive!
You can play the game online for free here.