Everything is in your hands - description of deck-building board games and TOP recommendations

Author of the article: Pēteris Tārs

So-called deck-building board games are based on cards, with the help of which players manage the game's resources, build the economy, resolve battles and various events, as well as a number of other things. Often, players in these games start with basic cards that give them the resources or actions they need to start the game. During the game, the deck of cards is gradually improved by acquiring new cards or improving existing ones, which throughout the game helps players to score victory points.

Before we get to the description of the various deck-building games of the year, it is worth highlighting some nuances that these games have. The need for card pockets can be mentioned as the main one . In deck-building games, cards wear out very quickly, get dirty and otherwise make the player understand that they have been in the players' hands for a long time. Such transparent pockets will significantly extend the life of the game, preserve its value and make playing more enjoyable.

Second, deck-building game mechanics are to a greater or lesser extent found in many different board games. Often this game element is combined with engine building and worker placement mechanics. One of the best examples is the popular game in the world and in Latvia " Wingspan ” or “ Winged ones " .

Let's get down to Brain Games' TOP recommendations in the world of deck-building games. The list of games will include both family-friendly games and games for beginners, as well as interesting for experienced strategists.

Dominion

“ Dominion ” is often considered a pioneer of the deck-building genre and, in a way, an influencer. This is a classic card game that has inspired many other game developers. The game is based around a series of cards that allow players to build a medieval kingdom by acquiring different cards that represent actions, treasures, and victory points.

The dynamic card market and almost endless combinations make Dominion an excellent example of deck-building . The game was released in 2008, but it is still very popular and is supplemented with expansions that give players new opportunities to win over the other player.

The game is designed for 2-4 players and has a 7.6 BGG rating.

Living Forest

The game " Living Forest ” combines several game mechanics, in which one of the central elements is precisely the cards. Perfect for families with young board game enthusiasts, the game will make you feel like a nature spirit. Each turn, players will gain new cards that will help them defend the sacred forest.

The game is very gorgeous, with easy-to-understand mechanics and is intended for players aged 10 and up. "Living Forest" has a good dose of excitement, as it also uses a bit of push your luck mechanics. Respectively, if the players are too greedy and collect more specific cards than they need, then instead of two actions they will be able to use only one.

The game is designed for 2-4 players and has a 7.3 BGG rating.

Aeon's End

"Aeon's End" brought a new twist to this popular board game genre by offering players to work together towards a common goal. Players have to choose their character, equip it to fight against various monsters and mages.

The replayability of the game is enhanced by the variety of enemies and mages, making each game a new challenge and adventure. Whereas “ Aeon's End: Legacy of Gravehold ” is a polished legacy version of the base game that will provide an unforgettable experience for weeks or even months.

The game is designed for 1-4 players and has an 8.2 BGG rating.

Clank!

“Clank!” the range of games includes several games that take place in different scenarios, but its core remains the same - exciting card deck building combined with sneaking around unknown locations, obtaining valuable items and other adventures.

“ Clank! In! Space!: A Deck Building Adventure ” takes place on the mighty spaceship of the orc lord Eradicus. Players must take on the shoes of various characters and stealthily rob Eradicus' ship and successfully evade capture.

The events of the original version of the game take place in an underground cave system. and players must loot the artifacts and various treasures that the dragon has accumulated. The game's unique blend of strategy and luck mechanics, combined with deck-building, gives 'Clank!' an exciting dimension that will make it a regular choice on board game nights.

The game is designed for 2-4 players and has a 7.8 BGG rating.

Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle

Fans of the Harry Potter books and movies will surely enjoy the Hogwarts defenders game “ Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle " . In this card deck building game, players will be able to assume the roles of Harry, Ron, Hermione or Neville, the well-known students of Gryffindor Tower.

Each character has their own deck of cards that best describes them, and together players must defend Hogwarts from evil wizards. The gameplay is dynamic and by working together it is possible to create powerful attack combinations. As the game progresses, more and more spells are obtained, which only remains to be used at the right time and in the right way.

The game is designed for 2-4 players and has a 7.4 BGG rating.

Dune: Imperium

The world of "Dune" by the legendary American writer Frank Herbert has seen several adaptations, computer games and, of course, board games. “ Dune: Imperium ” is considered one of the best deck-building games to come out in the last few years.

Dune: Imperium brings to life the day-to-day life of the cruel planet Arrakis and the players' struggle for influence. The game basically combines two popular mechanisms - deck-building and the previously mentioned worker placement . You could say that the split is practically 50/50, so it will appeal to a wide audience of players.

Players must choose one of the characters offered by the game and fight for their place under the sun on the planet Arrakis. As the game progresses, new cards are obtained, and players must form alliances with different factions, collect the galaxy's most valuable resource, the "spear", and resolve combat situations.

The game is designed for 1-4 players and has an 8.4 BGG rating.

Blisters of Quedlinburg

Even though the cards in this game are quite few, it is in a way the ultimate card game. In contrast to the cards, players create the contents of a black bag in their favor, from which various tokens must be drawn regardless. This could be called a bag building type game, which is basically the same good old deck-building mechanics, only in a different guise.

“ The Blisters of Quedlinburg ” is an excellent game that uses a strong push your luck mechanic and will allow players to breathe a sigh of relief, gasp in excitement or throw the drawn token in the air countless times. The game is simple, highly addictive and safe to play with children. Only on one condition - control your emotions and support the little players in their emotional carousel.

What makes the game exciting is that each player clearly knows how many bad chips he has in his bag, so a simple mathematical calculation can be made - what are the chances that I will draw the one bad chip out of, say, eight chips? Answer: "More often than you think!"

Blisters use money to buy better and better resources to brew their potions. Just be careful, if you draw too many bad tokens, then your pot will blow up and instead of the usual two actions, you will only be allowed to do one - get money to buy new raw materials or get victory points.

The game is designed for 1-4 players and has a 7.8 BGG rating.

Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game

Fans of the vast world of Marvel will surely enjoy Legendary : A Marvel Deck Building Game " . In this game, players will meet their favorite characters from comics and movies, as well as well-known villains, which they will have to defeat together with other players.

The game has several versions and expansions, as well as the ability to purchase additional cards that will give it more replayability. The particular legendary game also basically started the “Marvel” deck-building series in 2012 . A slightly newer version of the game is “ Marvel Champions: The Card Game " .

The game is designed for 1-5 players and has a 7.5 BGG rating.

Games that don't take up much space and are easy to play

Deck-building board games have become a cornerstone of modern board games, offering a diverse and exciting experience for players of all skill levels. Whether you want to play cooperative adventures with friends, fight fierce duels, or go on solo adventures late into the night, deck-building games are available for everyone's taste.

So gather your friends or start solo adventures and create the most effective, most unique and most powerful combination of cards that will bring positive emotions and adventurous evenings to you and others.