Deck-building games have been a staple in the world of board games for years. From space battles to fantasy adventures, the mechanic offers endless possibilities. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the scene, these ten deck-builders will keep you coming back for more.
10. Star Realms
Star Realms was the very first deck-building game I played, and it quickly became a favorite for a long time. The app makes it ultra-fast, allowing for quick sessions while maintaining the strategic depth of the physical game. One thing I love about Star Realms is the trade row mechanic, where only five cards are available at a time. This keeps the game fresh and forces you to adapt with each play. The ability to focus on a single faction to quickly build synergy is also a big highlight, creating exciting combos.
My favorite strategy is deck-thinning—getting rid of weaker cards and focusing on just a few overpowered ones that I can play repeatedly. It’s such a satisfying feeling, and the strategic choices in every game make it endlessly replayable. Plus, I’m excited to try the Legacy version since I’ve loved every legacy game I’ve played so far. If you’re looking for a fast, fun, and strategic deck-builder, Star Realms is a must-try.
9. Valley of the Kings
Valley of the Kings takes the trade row mechanic and gives it a unique twist with its pyramid layout. As you buy cards, they cascade down the pyramid, and the more powerful, expensive cards show up in the second half of the game, ramping up the excitement. One of my favorite aspects of the game is its scoring system—you score points by entombing cards, meaning you have to scrap them from your deck to gain points. It creates a tough decision: hold onto that powerful card for its effect or entomb it to score big points before the game ends.
The game also rewards set collection; collecting cards of the same color in your tomb gives you exponentially higher points. This adds a layer of strategy where you have to watch your opponents closely, making hate drafting a viable tactic if someone is getting too many cards of one color. Plus, being a fan of Egyptian-themed games like Kemet and Ankh, I’m always drawn to the rich theme in this one.
8. Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game
Released almost a decade after Star Realms, Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game feels like a straight upgrade. It uses the same trade row mechanic but introduces a fresh twist with three distinct card groups: one for the Sith, one for the Rebellion, and one for neutral Bounty Hunters. This setup allows for hate drafting by limiting players to buying only their side’s cards or neutral cards. However, you can use firepower to destroy cards from your opponent’s faction in the trade row, preventing them from purchasing those cards. In return, you get an instant bonus on the same turn, adding a layer of strategy to the game.
I love the Force track, which adds a push-and-pull element to the game. Some cards activate boosted effects based on whether the Force is on your side, making the tug-of-war for control even more strategic. The game also offers variable length by adjusting how many bases each player has in their stack. If you’re a fan of the Star Wars universe, this is the deck-building game for you—so much so that it’s completely replaced Star Realms for me. I picked it up at GenCon 2023, where it was one of the hottest games, selling out every day. Plus, there’s a Clone Wars expansion to add even more excitement!
7. The Quest for El Dorado
The Quest for El Dorado is the first game on this list that combines deck-building with a race mechanic. Players race across a variable-length board to reach the fabled land of gold. At its core, it’s a race game where you must decide whether to take the quick, risky path full of choke points or a longer, safer route that might cost you more turns. The key to success is finding the balance between buying coin cards to improve your deck and movement cards to navigate the jungle, river, and desert terrain.
The strategy can be tricky—too much focus on deck-building can lead to a bloated deck, making it hard to move efficiently, while focusing too much on thinning the deck can leave you behind as someone else reaches the finish line with a more efficient strategy. I love the variable map setups and the different game variants included in the box, making every playthrough feel fresh. Plus, the diverse cards in the shop add even more strategy and replayability.
6. Dune Imperium
Dune: Imperium is one of the standout games on this list—not only a fan-favorite deck-building game but also many gamers’ number one favorite game. It seamlessly combines deck-building with worker placement, creating a tense, strategic experience that feels close every time. Whether you’re building your deck, engaging in combat, or gaining influence with factions, there are multiple paths to victory.
I’ll never forget a memorable game where I was leading by 4 points, thinking I had the game in the bag. But in the final battle, Summer pulled off a comeback by using multiple intrigue cards to obliterate my army, and the secret quest cards helped her take the win. Every game of Dune: Imperium feels winnable, and with the chance to explore different strategies each time, it stays fresh. The game is also rich with thematic elements from the Dune books and movies, and it’s fun to roleplay as different characters. Plus, there are expansions and new standalone versions that add even more depth.
5. Lost Ruins of Arnak
Often compared to Dune: Imperium, Lost Ruins of Arnak also blends deck-building with worker placement, but for me, Arnak edges out Dune—mainly because of the theme. I love a good exploration game, and Arnak captures that feeling of uncovering an uncharted island, discovering relics, and exploring deeper ruins as the game progresses.
What makes this game shine is its replayability—worker placement spots change each game, and new locations are unlocked as you explore. The research track adds another layer of strategy, creating a tense race to the top where timing is everything. Sniping one-time rewards before your opponents can be the difference between victory and defeat. The game also puts a unique twist on deck-building: instead of shuffling your discard pile when your deck runs out, played cards go to the bottom of your deck immediately, which changes how you plan your turns. Plus, the trade row evolves over time, making each round feel different.
If you love adventure and strategy, Lost Ruins of Arnak is an incredible journey every time you play.
4. Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Deck-Building Game
This game is part of the Cryptozoic deck-building system, and while I could have put any of their games here (DC Deck-Building Game, Cartoon Network Crossover Crisis, Epic Spell Wars of the Battle Wizards), Lord of the Rings is my personal favorite. It shares a similar trade row mechanic with Star Realms or Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game, but it really shines at four players. The game has a semi-cooperative feel—you’re playing as Fellowship members like Frodo and Gimli, working together to defeat a stack of Archenemies (Nazgûl, Balrog, etc.), but in the end, only one player wins by having the most points from the cards they acquire.
The synergy options are fantastic, with strategies built around artifacts, allies, and even enemy cards. My favorite part? Defeating an Archenemy adds that card to your deck, giving you a super-powerful ability for later turns. But what really makes this version special is the Impossible Mode Archenemies—these high-stakes moments force you to adapt your strategy, keeping the game fresh and unpredictable. And the final Archenemy? There’s a chance it eliminates you entirely, leaving you with zero points, which is hilarious and devastating every single time it happens.
3. Clank!: Catacombs
Clank!: Catacombs is one of the best versions in the Clank! franchise, combining deck-building with movement on a board—but with an extra layer of push-your-luck. As an adventurer looting a dungeon, you have to balance risk and reward. Do you grab as much treasure as possible, making a lot of noise (Clank!) and risk drawing the dragon’s attention? Or do you play it safe, grab the first artifact you find, and escape quickly before the dragon claims another victim?
This version adds dynamic dungeon exploration, replacing the static board with modular tiles that reveal new pathways as you delve deeper. But watch out—the tiles can shift and turn, potentially trapping you in dead ends or dangerous zones. Your deck determines movement, and while adding more powerful cards helps you travel further and score more points, it also increases the chances of triggering a deadly dragon attack. The ever-changing dungeon layout and high replayability make Clank!: Catacombs one of my favorite iteration in the series, even surpassing the original.
2. Shards of Infinity
Shards of Infinity is my favorite iteration of pure deckbuilding. It plays great with 2 to 4 players and has multiple expansions that enhance the experience. Unlike other deck-builders where you race to the highest score, this is a last man standing game—eliminate all your opponents to win. The game features four distinct factions, making synergy easy to build, and has a trade row with a unique twist: mercenary cards. These red-bordered cards can either be bought and added to your deck or played instantly and removed from the game. This mechanic allows for immediate synergies or quick hate-drafting without cluttering your deck.
Another standout feature is shielding, which adds a mind game element. If an opponent attacks, they have to consider whether you’re secretly holding a shield to block the damage. But the most defining mechanic is the mastery system—as you gain mastery throughout the game, your cards become stronger. If you reach 50 mastery and play the Shard of Infinity card, you instantly win. This creates a fascinating rock-paper-scissors dynamic: mastery-focused players counter healers, damage rush counters mastery, and healers can outlast damage rush. The result is a tense and strategic game where victory is often within reach up until the final turn.
1. Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated
Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated takes everything great about the Clank! series and makes it even better. Like Clank! Catacombs, the board changes every game, but here, the changes are permanent as you play through a 10-mission legacy campaign. The story unfolds based on your decisions, and by the end, you’ll have a custom-built board and shop deck unique to your playthrough.
This is easily one of my favorite legacy games. It keeps the deckbuilding, movement, and push-your-luck gameplay that makes Clank! great while adding deeper storytelling and long-term choices. If you don’t have a consistent group, Clank! Catacombs is a great alternative, but if you can get the same 2–4 players together for the full campaign, this is a phenomenal experience you won’t soon forget.
Deck-building games are a great way to challenge your strategic thinking while also having fun with friends. Whether you’re exploring dungeons, building space empires, or collecting magical items, there’s something for everyone.