It is estimated that there are between 1,000 and 10,000 card games worldwide, not counting their digital adaptations. This global passion goes a long way, as the oldest card game on record goes back to ancient China. More recently, kids of the 90s might remember the early beginnings of Magic: The Gathering, which laid the foundations for the trading card games players know and love today, and whose momentum benefitted developers working on increasingly intricate and innovative card games. From nerve-wracking deck-builders to story-driven action adventures, let’s dive into the standout virtual card games worth trying as of 2024.
Let’s kick off with one of the smashing hits of 2024 – one that nobody saw coming, including its anonymous creator who was taken aback by the incredible trajectory of his humble side project. Balatro puts a creative spin on traditional poker by blending it with deckbuilding mechanics and roguelike elements. This unusual combination makes for an intense – and endlessly entertaining – dopamine rush that hooked millions of players to their computer screens, and an extra couple of millions to their mobile devices as the game’s mobile port reignited the interest in this slightly unhinged poker simulator.
Despite its deceptively simple visual style and pixelated graphics, Balatro bagged three trophies at the Game Awards 2024. While it fell short of claiming Game of the Year, losing to Astro Bot, it secured the prestigious award for Best Debut Indie Game. Unbelievably enough, Balatro’s one-man developer LocalThunk may never release another title. That is all the more reason to enjoy this genuinely inventive twist on poker.
Next up is another fresh spin on the deckbuilding genre, with a spine-chilling escape game flair to boot. Inscryption traps players in a sinister cabin, where they must outwit a demonic entity in a deadly card game to earn their freedom. But these aren’t ordinary cards. Each one demands bones or blood as sacrifices to unleash its macabre power. To make matters more unsettling, the stronger the card, the greater the cost.
In this macabre odyssey that plays out like a psychological horror story, escaping is only the beginning, as even darker secrets lie hidden within the walls of a decrepit shack. While the game’s steep learning curve may prove frustratingly challenging, the effort is well worth it as there is something uniquely haunting about this indie deck-builder you’re unlikely to forget any time soon – all the more so when diving in blind.
Not all deck-builders must be combat-oriented. Embracing a more emotional approach, Signs of the Sojourner breaks away from conventional strategy to offer a narrative-driven experience that pushes you to work together with others instead of fighting them. Here, your deck reflects your character’s ability to connect with others.
With each interaction, you can either clash with others by disregarding their feelings or match your partner’s perspective to build lasting friendships. If a conversation takes an unexpected turn, you can embark on another run to explore new paths and outcomes in this personal card game that sits halfway between a challenging RPG and an intimate visual novel.
Card Shark tells the story of a mute tavern boy drawn into a life of deception by a cunning nobleman. This satirical period caper meets clever card games challenges you to cheat your way to the top of 18th-century French society. From shuffling the deck inconspicuously to bending the cards, you’ll need to master 28 different tricks to fleece money from aristocrats without drawing suspicion – all while a bigger conspiracy is at play at the King’s court.
The game’s tense minigames make for an exhilarating historical adventure, and they might even inspire players to try their hand for real. If so, online platforms offer the best of tabletop games, including live dealer options. Users can also browse through hundreds of real money slots online. Specialized websites publish up-to-date listings of safe and reliable platforms for fair play. Perks like welcome bonuses and free spins can give players a boost as they dive into the action. Newcomers may get started with free slots to learn the basics, including period games like Versailles Gold – although card sharks are not allowed any sleight of hand this time.
Card games have seen a resurgence in recent years, with developers exploring new creative possibilities in the digital space. And who’s to say what success stories 2025 has in store in the card game department?