The world of trading card games, also known as TCGs, is vast and constantly changing since they became popular in the 1980s. With a market flooded with thousands of TCMs, it can be difficult to settle into a new game, especially since most come with higher entry fees that are constantly rising.
While a friend introducing a new player is usually the way to get into a new TCM, those looking alone have to browse the sea of options to find a good fit. From proprietary TCG customizations to games built from the ground up, the play options are endless.
Updated September 7, 2022 by Declan Lowthian: Although the field is dominated by a few giants, there are a lot of interesting trading card games waiting to be discovered by new players. We’ve updated this list with some additional information about the best card games available today.
10 Digimon TCG
No official online version, various fan-run services
The last attempt at a Digimon-themed card game the Digimon TCG launched in 2020 and has seen an explosion of players in the 2 years since its release. The game contains new releases almost every 2 months.
The cards are divided into 4 types; Digimon, Digi-Eggs, Tamers and Options, and have 7 colors; Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Purple, Black and White, as well as recently introduced two-tone cards. Fans of the franchise and new players can enjoy the game along with different play styles and monsters.
9 Yu-Gi-Oh!
Two digital versions, Master Duel and Duel Links
One of the longest running TCM franchises, Yu-Gi-Oh! started out as an anime-based game, but quickly outgrew the show’s confines. There are 3 general types of cards including monsters, spells and traps, but they are all divided into different subcategories.
During the past years, Yu-Gi-Oh! has offered several, specialized versions of dueling called Speed Duel and Rush Duel, which contain only upper zones and 3 lower zones, and removes later introduced gimmicks such as XYZ and Pendulum summons. With over 10,000 cards to build with, this game offers variety and fun.
8 Flesh and Blood TCM
No official online version, various fan-run services
Debuting in 2019 by New Zealand creators Legend Story Studios, Meat and blood is an equipment game where the players use a hero who gets weapons and equipment which is used to attack the other player while the other player defends. Each hero has a “Hero Type” that determines the playstyle and equipment that can be used.
Like a newer game, Meat and blood has quickly gained a foothold around the world. It’s a quick game to learn and it’s a perfect way to spend some time in a game store.
7 Magic: The Gathering
Free Official Digital Version in Magic: The Gathering Arena
The longest running TCM, Magic: The Gathering has been enjoyed for nearly three decades. The game contains five main colors; Red, Blue, Black, White, and Green, and various card types, including Artifacts, Creatures, Enchantments, Instants, Lands, Planeswalkers, and Sorceries, all of which also have subtypes.
As Magic Nearly 100,000 unique printed maps worldwide, with hundreds more released each expansion, the game’s diversity is impeccable. There are a ton of different formats to play, from the slightly randomized booster concepts to the large-group Commander to competitive staples like Standard and Modern. Whatever a player wants to get out of his decks, Magic can offer.
6 KeyForge
No official online version, various fan-run services
KeyForge is mentioned next to Magic: The Gathering is inspired by the game’s origins, as Richard Garfield created both. The player uses a stack of creatures, artifacts, actions, and upgrades to collect Æmber and, titularly, forge three keys. This wins the game for the player.
The production team of KeyForge has had some setbacks due to the pandemic, but the creator has suggested a new era. The hype around the game is huge, so finding players isn’t a problem for newbies.
5 Card fight!! Forefront
No official online version, various fan-run services
Card fight!! Forefront is another card game that is also in the spotlight with manga and anime versions. Created by artist Akira Ito, who previously worked on several Yu-Gi-Oh! properties, the game uses the two card types Units and Orders. These card types are further divided into Normal and Trigger Units and Normal, Blitz and Set Orders.
The game features the player in his lore and calls them Astral Spirits that summon the planet Cray to solve battles. Since its launch in 2010 Card fight!! Forefront has regularly been voted a top choice TCM, and that hasn’t changed in 2022.
4 Bakugan
No official online version
It may seem confusing to see Bakugan gaining attention in 2022, but the franchise has seen a resurgence in recent years thanks to a new anime and renewed interest. Another thing that has changed is that the game uses cards more than ever.
Players start by placing BakuCores, which are tiles that replace the original gate cards, then roll their Bakugan while shouting “Bakugan Brawl” together. The players then take turns using their cards and BakuCores to boost their Bakugan. While the game technically has other parts like the Bakugan, Tiles, and Gear, it’s still a TCG at its heart.
3 Dragon Ball Super
Mobile app only for tutorial
Dragon Ball is another anime franchise that took time to gain a foothold in the trading card game space. While the anime and video games follow the exploits of Goku, Gohan and their friends, the TCG allows players to use any of the available characters.
DBS features 4 card types including Leader, Battle, Extra and Unison where the deck consists of a single Leader card and a mix of the other 3. Each leader, who can be any character from Goku to Zen-Oh to Dragon Balls itself, also has an awakening that gives the player a massive power-up that can change the game.
2 Final Fantasy TCG
No official online version, various fan-run services
For fans of Final Fantasy who wanted a game with all the protagonists together, the Final Fantasy TCM is there to fill the void. Featuring iconic heroes such as Cloud and Zidane, and monsters such as Bahamut and Chocobos, there are 4 types of cards: Forward, Backup, Monster and Summon.
The main goal of the game is to inflict 7 damage points on the player. While the game is a welcome place for fans of the franchise, it welcomes new players who are willing to learn and love the characters.
1 Pokemon TCG
Free Official Digital Version in Pokémon TCG Online
While Magic: The Gathering is the oldest TCM, the Pokemon TCG is the most iconic for several reasons. The enduring power of Pokémon as a whole has kept the game going for decades, and the game is going through significant periods of newfound love. Streamers have seen a revival for the TCG in recent years.
The game has 3 types of cards: Pokémon, Trainer and Energy cards. The game’s winning condition is by beating Pokémon and taking the six prize cards. The cards are also easy to collect, which itself has created drama.
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