Growing up is hard.
Whether you're trying to balance school and friends or battling a quarter-life crisis, the various stages of adulthood come with immense pressure. Things can become overwhelming quickly, and you need an outlet to escape your problems now and then.
Enter anime deck-building games.
In deck-building games, players begin with small decks of beginner cards, adding new ones to their decks throughout the game. Players pull cards from a central pool with each turn, building their decks around specific characters and themes. Ultimately, the goal of the game is to create the strongest deck and to use that deck to gain advantages over your opponents.
Deck-building games are immersive and addictive — but anime deck builders have features that make them stand out from the rest.
Deck Building Games Bring People Together
Ask almost any dedicated gamer, and they’ll tell you that board games are a great way to bring people together. Anime-themed deck-building games are no exception. Thanks to their simple mechanics and straightforward gameplay, these games are easy to learn — so you don’t need to be an experienced gamer or anime expert to enjoy them with your peers.
Additionally, these games are a fun way to spend time with friends and family, whether you’re introducing them to anime or just want to explore the magic and mystery that anime-themed games bring to the table.
Characters and Storylines are Compelling in Anime Card Games
At the core of all good deck builder games is a compelling story. With captivating characters and storylines, anime deck builders offer an immersive experience that keeps players engaged during every round. You get invested in the character you’re playing, whether an ancient omnipotent being or a lord of a mansion, and you follow along as they interact with other characters.
What’s more, you’re not just playing with a deck or building one — you are shaping an ongoing narrative. Every decision you make affects your character, creating a ripple effect of consequences that alter the rest of the game. As a result, you can’t help but stick around and see things through to the end!
Anime Deck Builders Are Fast-Paced and Exciting
One of the best things about anime deck-building games is their fast-paced and exciting nature. Every decision matters when playing an anime deck-building game. Each choice shapes your deck, which then adapts to your playing style.
When you’re not changing the course of the game with your card play, you’re strategizing and anticipating your opponent’s next move. That said, you can’t rely on a single strategy to get you through the game — you need to be quick on your feet and adaptable to win.
With every turn, you get an adrenaline rush, the pace picking up like a roller coaster gaining speed as it rears that near-vertical drop. It is an exhilaration you can typically only experience when you are physically there, strapped into the seat. Anime deck builders bring that excitement right to your table — and keep you coming back for more.
Our Favorite Anime Deck Builder Games
You can see why we love anime deck-builders so much, and naturally, you want to add a few to your coveted collection. Lucky for you, there are endless options available for you to choose from. Here are some of our favorites:
Heart of Crown
Heart of Crown is a deck-building game for 2-4 players. In this game, you play as a powerful figure in a conflict-ridden empire and must claim the throne to reunite the kingdom. The task itself, however, is a challenging feat. You must nominate a princess for the title, garner support from your subjects, clash with rival candidates, and rely on your skills to earn your princess her rightful position on the throne.
Players begin with the same deck of cards and strengthen their decks by incorporating and playing cards according to their unique strategy. Throughout the game, players take turns gaining Succession Points, representing the support of their community and other influential figures in the empire. The first player to acquire 20 Succession Points wins the game!
Already own the base game, but want to add to your collection? Check out our Heart of Crown selection!
Kamigami Battles: Rise of the Old Ones
Next on the list is Kamigami Battles: Rise of the Old Ones, a fantastic deck-builder for 2-6 players. In the game, you take on the role of one of the Great Old Ones, enlisting Warriors and Disciples to fight alongside you in your war against enemy gods attempting 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. No matter your playing mode, the game's goal remains the same: defeat all enemy gods by reducing them to zero energy or being the first player to obtain 25 energy points. Achieving this objective requires pulling cards from your deck to boost your stats or attack enemy gods.
Rise of the Old Ones is a versatile game, and its compatibility with other games in the Kamigami Battles franchise makes it a must-play on our deck-builder list.
Explore the Kamigami Battles collection today!
Tanto Cuore
Tanto Cuore is another deck-building game deserving of a spot in your collection. In this 2-4 player game, you play as the Lord of a mansion and hire maids of various skill sets to serve you as you fill your house.
The game's objective is to acquire the most Victory Points by obtaining and employing different maid cards. When combined, certain maid cards give you different strategies you can use during your gameplay. Every turn brings an opportunity to hire new maids and use their skills to your advantage.
But look out for your opponents — they will hurt your maids or give them bad habits if they get a chance, which will lower your Victory Points and hurt your chances of winning the game.
Want to take your gameplay to the next level? Shop our Tanto Cuore selection for new ways to expand your game collection!
Closing Considerations
We love anime deck builder games because they combine the storytelling elements of anime with the strategic gameplay of card games. The result is a compelling combination that keeps us coming back for more.
The world of anime deck builder games is an exciting place. There’s always something new to discover, and these games are enjoyable for anyone who enjoys strategy or anime. We invite you to give them a try yourself, whether you’re already an anime enthusiast or someone looking for something fun to pass the time. You might just find yourself getting swept up in a whole new world of exciting possibilities!
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