11 Best Card Games of 2024: Top Picks Reviewed

Looking for the card game best? Check out Dominion, 7 Wonders, and Gloomhaven! Perfect picks for card game fans.
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Dominion cover7 Wonders coverTerraforming Mars: Ares Expedition cover

11 Dominion

Dominion cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Dominion is a classic. Player build their deck throughout the game, aiming for the most points. It has simple rules, making it easy for newbies to learn. With expansions, it never gets old.

10 7 Wonders

7 Wonders cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 3-7
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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This game is all about building a civilization. Players draft cards to create wonders. It’s perfect for larger groups and offers strategic depth without being too complex.

9 Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition

Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 45-60 minutes

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Ares Expedition takes the epic scope of Terraforming Mars and distills it into a card game. Players work to make Mars habitable while balancing resources. It’s deep but manageable.

8 Race for the Galaxy

Race for the Galaxy cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

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If you love space and strategy, this game is a treat. Players build a galactic civilization using cards to represent worlds and developments. It’s fast-paced and full of replayability.

7 Splendor

Splendor cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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In Splendor, players are Renaissance merchants trying to collect gems and earn prestige. It’s easy to pick up, yet offers a lot of strategies, making it great for mixed groups of new and experienced gamers.

6 Wingspan

Wingspan cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 1-5
  • Play Time: 40-70 minutes

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This board game is all about birds. Players collect birds in different habitats, earning points based on how well they manage their ecosystem. It’s unique, educational, and beautiful.

5 Azul

Azul cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30-45 minutes

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Azul is a tile-laying game, but its card game element is strong enough to make our list. Players draft tiles to create patterns and score points. It’s gorgeous and strategic.

4 The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine

The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 20 minutes

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This cooperative trick-taking game has players teaming up to complete space missions. Its unique twist on the trick-taking genre makes it a must-try for card game fans.

3 Carcassonne

Carcassonne cover

  • Age Range: 7+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 35 minutes

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Although primarily a tile game, Carcassonne’s use of cards to build a landscape justifies its spot. It’s easy to learn and offers lots of strategic depth.

2 Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

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Ticket to Ride has players collecting train cards to claim railway routes. Its simple rules and engaging gameplay make it a hit for all ages. It’s one of the most inviting games around.

1 Gloomhaven

Gloomhaven cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 60-120 minutes

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Gloomhaven stands at the top because it combines tactical combat with card-driven gameplay brilliantly. The campaign mode offers months of adventure, keeping players coming back for more. Simply put, it’s the card game best.

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.