Why Are Deck Building Games So Popular?
Almost every deck-building game follows the same structure: players begin with identical decks of beginner cards and add new ones to their hands as they move along, building their decks around different characters and themes.
While the rules change from one game to the next, the overarching principle remains: build a better deck than your opponents and use it to win the game.
Deck-building games typically entail multiple players competing against each other. They are also great for one-on-one gameplay because they are fast-paced and relatively easy to learn, so confusion is rare, and boredom won't be a problem between turns.
Additionally, deck-building games offer the perfect balance of strategy and luck. Players control which cards they purchase to expand their decks, but there is no telling when these cards will circle back to their hand — so a strong strategy is vital.
This combination of excitement, versatility, strategy, and chance makes deck-building games a must for any gamer's collection.
What We Look For in Anime Deck Building Games
Anime deck-building games are similar to standard deck builders in that they follow the same mechanic but offer a few additional features that set them apart from the rest.
Here are a few elements that we look for in an anime deck-building game:
Synergy & Adaptability
The best deck building games have an element of synergy and adaptability. This means that each card is unique and works well with the others, and every new hand of cards gives you a new way to play the game.
In addition, top-tier deck builder games will give you more playing options than others — for instance, one card may provide you with money while another lets you draw more cards. This way, whenever it’s your turn in a particular game, it feels like anything could happen.
An Exciting Twist
That brings us to the second feature to look out for: excitement.
The best deck-building games are balanced but never boring. They bring an element of excitement because the gameplay is constantly changing with each turn. Every action has its unique effect on the game and plays off against other players' strategies as well as yours. This makes deck-building games exciting because there's always something new during every round of play.
Gaming Accessories
The final feature worth considering is gaming accessories.
Gaming accessories like card sleeves and playmats can be an easy way to elevate your deck-building gameplay experience. Card sleeves protect your cards from wear and tear while you’re playing, which means they’ll last longer than if you were using them without protection. Playmats are another fun way to build out your collection of gaming accessories. Setup playmats feature the deck layout for your main play area and provide a space to place all of your cards in one central location during gameplay, so there’s no confusion about where each card belongs.
While we’d recommend starting with just one or two sets at first, it doesn’t hurt to have more options available if you enjoy more games than you initially expected!
Our Shortlist of the Best Deck Building Games
With the perfect balance of adaptability, excitement, and opportunity to elevate your experience, anime deck-building games give good gameplay a whole new meaning.
Whether you’re a board game newbie or an experienced player, there is a range of anime-themed deck builders that are worth considering.
So keep reading to explore our favorites!
Heart of Crown
Players looking for a game that is as challenging as it is whimsical will love what Heart of Crown brings to the table.
Heart of Crown is a multiplayer deck-building game for 2-4 players. In the game, you take on the role of an influential figure in a kingdom teeming with conflict. Your objective is simple: claim the throne as quickly as possible to unify the empire and return the realm to its former glory. Though simple in theory, accomplishing such a task is no easy feat. You must nominate a princess for the title, clash with competing candidates, garner support from the community, and count on your skills to earn your princess her rightful place as ruler of the kingdom.
As a player, you start the game with a deck of cards identical to that of your opponents. You build your deck by incorporating and playing cards according to your unique strategy. Players take turns to gain Succession Points as the game progresses. These points represent the support of your subjects and other influential figures in the kingdom. The first player to obtain 20 Succession Points ascends to the throne and wins the game!
Already own the base game? Browse the Heart of Crown collection for game accessories and exciting expansion packs!
Kamigami Battles: Rise of the Old Ones
The next game on our list is Kamigami Battles: Rise of the Old Ones, an incredible deck-builder for 2-6 players. In the game, you play as one of the Great Old Ones, enlisting Warriors and Disciples to fight alongside you in your battles against the gods who wish to conquer your domain.
You can play the game in two modes: Team Match and Free-For-All. In Team Match mode, you partner up with another player to defeat your opponents in battle. All bets are off in Free-For-All mode — everyone battles each other simultaneously.
Regardless of your playing mode, the game's objective remains the same: defeat all opposing gods by reducing them to zero energy or being the first player to obtain 25 energy points. Accomplishing this goal requires drawing cards from your deck to boost your stats or attack enemy gods directly. There are two other factors to help you achieve this goal. First, you can use your Powers, which are unique capabilities that give you an advantage over other players during battle. Second, you have Domain Cards. These cards grant access to more abilities based on the various domains they control.
The versatility of Rise of the Old Ones and its compatibility with other games in the Kamigami Battles franchise make it a must-play game on our deck-builder list. Investing in a few expansion packs will give you more options within the base game itself — and elevate your gameplay.
Explore the Kamigami Battles collection today!
Tanto Cuore
Tanto Cuore is yet another deck-building game worthy of a spot in your coveted collection.
In this 2-4 player game, you act as the Lord of a mansion, hiring maids of diverse skill sets to serve you as you fill your house. Your ultimate goal is to become the mightiest Master of the House in the game.
The game's objective is to acquire the most Victory Points by obtaining and employing various maid cards. When combined, certain maid cards give you different strategies you can use throughout your gameplay. Every turn brings an opportunity to hire more maids and use their skills to your advantage.
But do not lose sight of your opponents — they can hurt your maids or give them bad habits, which will lower your Victory Points and hurt your chances of winning the game.
Looking to elevate your gameplay? Shop our Tanto Cuore selection for new ways to expand your game collection!
Heiki Strike Alternative
On a day like any other, mysterious beings suddenly appeared all over the world, triggering a series of military operations.
Known to the world as Heiki, these mysterious beings are the spirits of weapons that have taken human form — weapons with power beyond human strength. Weapons are made and used by humans, and weapons can only be confronted by other weapons. For some reason, the Heiki follow orders from humans.
In the game, you take on the role of a Commander, building your own force of Heiki to confront your opponent. You can take the aggressive offense and attempt to seize three Battlegrounds, or play defensively and drain your opponent’s resources to secure your victory.
Check out the Heiki Strike Alternative base game here!
Closing Considerations
The best deck-building games have unique personalities that push the boundaries of the genre. Their excitement, adaptability and versatility bring various strategies to the table and offer countless opportunities for combo attacks, breathing life into the game with every play.
Anime deck-building games have all of these features and then some.
Anime deck builders combine the best features of anime and traditional deck-building gameplay. Not only do you get the strategy element and a little luck, but you also get the exhilarating and imaginative elements of anime wrapped into one game.
No matter your anime knowledge or deck-building expertise, there is an anime-themed deck builder for everyone. So if you’re a gaming enthusiast searching for a game that gives you the best of both worlds, look no further than the titles featured on this list!
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