Top 7 Best Deck Building Board Games of 2024

Discover the best deck building games: Star Realms, Ascension, Clank!, and more. Perfect for newbies wanting to dive into strategic fun!
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Star Realms coverAscension coverClank! cover

Deck building board games have been stealing the spotlight in game nights across the globe, and it’s no wonder why. They’re engaging, strategic, and downright fun. But, faced with an ocean of options, how do you pick the perfect game to bring to the table? Fear not! We dove headfirst into the deck building genre, looking for games that offer a mix of strategic depth, replayability, and pure entertainment value. From space battles to mythical adventures, our top picks have something for every type of gamer. While we won’t spoil the surprise just yet, rest assured, classics and hidden gems alike made the list. Get ready to shuffle up and deal; your next favorite board game awaits!

On this list:

7 Star Realms

Star Realms cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 20 minutes

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Kicking off our list, Star Realms packs a punch in the world of deck building. We love how it combines strategy with the simplicity of card games, making it a blast to play. It’s all about building a mighty space fleet and conquering your friends. The thrill of drawing the perfect card and the agony of defeat keep us coming back for more. Plus, it’s super affordable.

6 Ascension

Ascension cover

  • Age Range: 13+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Ascension is a gateway drug to deck building games. It’s easy to learn, making it perfect for newbies and veterans alike. We’ve had countless nights battling it out with mystical creatures and forging powerful decks. Its ever-changing game board means no two games are the same, keeping things fresh and exciting.

5 Clank!

Clank! cover

  • Age Range: 13+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 60 minutes

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Imagine combining deck building with dungeon crawling. That’s Clank! for you. We can’t get enough of sneaking around, collecting treasures, and avoiding the dragon. The mix of strategy and luck, along with the thrill of pushing your fortune, makes each game a heart-pounding adventure. Plus, the board’s design is just cool.

4 Dominion

Dominion cover

  • Age Range: 13+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Dominion is where many of us started our deck building journey, and it’s still a favorite. Its simple premise belies a deep strategy game where every card purchase counts. We’ve spent hours debating the best strategies, making it a staple for game nights. Its numerous expansions keep the game evolving.

3 Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game

Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-5
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

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For all the comic book fans out there, Legendary combines deck building with our favorite Marvel heroes. Saving the world has never been more fun. We love assembling our superhero teams and facing off against iconic villains. The cooperative play makes it a great choice for family game night.

2 Aeon’s End

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

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Aeon’s End throws you into a post-apocalyptic world where you’re the last line of defense against The Nameless. What sets it apart is its unique turn order system and the way you don’t shuffle your deck, creating a fresh take on deck building. The cooperative element and deep strategy have made many a game night epic.

1 Spirit Island

Spirit Island cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 90-120 minutes

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Topping our list is Spirit Island, a game that turns traditional ideas of colonization on their head. You play as spirits protecting your island from invaders. Why’s it the best? It combines deep strategy, cooperative gameplay, and a poignant theme flawlessly. Deck building here is more about enhancing your spirit’s powers, pushing you to think creatively. The level of satisfaction when you and your friends manage to fend off the invaders is unparalleled. This game is a masterpiece in the deck building genre.

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.