As a recent convert to the joys of deck building games, I’ve decided to share this genre with as many people as possible.

I’ve compiled five best entry level games for a genre that can seem inscrutable at first glance. You don’t need to have played anything else to hop into these.

1. Meteorfall

Released for Android and IOS, Meteorfall is a very simple, turn-based rouge-like deck builder. There are six classes, each with their own specific deck, and only four levels to try and beat. The character portraits are delightfully silly  and the game has a slick sense of humor. Simple start, but with enough complexity really sink your teeth into as you get more familiar. 

2. Card Thief

Okay follow me here. What if you took the sneaky vibes of noir and mixed it with a medieval thief? Released for Android and IOS,Card Thief is a non-standard rouge-lite deck builder, where you play a raven sneaking through castles stealing treasure, completing missions, picking pockets while filling out your limited deck with tools. It has an interesting tutorial that you can revisit at any time, which is good because learning the interactions can feel overwhelming at times, even though there aren’t many. 

3. Reigns

So this game, I won’t lie, kind of stretches the definition of a deck builder, but there are cards, and sometimes you get new ones based on your actions, and there are some rouge-lite elements, so I’m counting it. Available on Android, IOS, Linux, macOS and Microsoft Windows, anf the Nintendo Switch, the game is ultra accessible. It has the most robust plot of any game on this list, because like any good card game, it’s a strategy game, and here you are a King seeking to unravel a curse on your kingdom, and reign as long as possible. There are no complicated controls, you simply need to be able to read, and swipe left or right. 

4. Dicey Dungeons

What if you took cards, and made them dice instead? That’s it, that’s the game. In Dicey Dungeons, you play as one of six lost souls trapped in the clutches of Lady Luck and attempting to free yourselves, win fame, and maybe even a touch of glory. Easy to jump in and out of, the game is charming, with fantastic art, funny humor, and great soundtrack. You can play it on Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux,  Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, and on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

5. Slay The Spire

This game is one of the best rogue-lite deck builders, and it’s earned that title for a reason. Slick and stylish, the game is easy to get into, and difficult to master, and you’ll have a blast the entire time. Runs are easy to start and finish, and every run gets your deck a little better, a little more interesting, and a little more complex. I’ve no notes. Available on Android, IOS, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox One, and Playstation 4. 

Have you played any of these games? What do you recommend for entry level players? Please share your thoughts with us on our Boss Rush Facebook Group or our Boss Rush Discord 

Featured Image: MegaCrit

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