The Top 10 Best Card Games in 2025: A Must-Play List for Every Gamer
- blaze aldrich
- Sep 16
- 4 min read
By: Blaze Aldrich | September 16th, 2025
(C. Juras, 2024)
The Top 10 Best Card Games in 2025: A Must-Play List for Every Gamer
Let me guess you are tired of playing the same old boring card games, well great! You are in the right place! If you been playing card games like Go Fish, War, or even Hearts... what are you doing with your life. These modern card games will sure open your eyes to a reimagined card game experience where you'll want to keep playing these games over and over again. Then you'll end up accidently buying all these games on the list, and your bank account will accidently go to zero. Don't blame me! These card game are not listed in any particular order.
1. The Crew: Mission Deep Sea ($14.95)
Playtime: 20-30 minutes | Players: 2-5 | Complexity: Medium
(H. Rolleman, 2021)
Why It’s Great: This cooperative trick-taking game builds on the brilliance of its predecessor, The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine. Players work together as a submarine crew, tackling increasingly complex missions with clever card play.
Why It’s Hot in 2025: Its engaging teamwork, compact size, and immersive missions make it a game-night staple, with new players discovering its charm daily.
Who’s It For: Fans of cooperative games and trick-taking enthusiasts.
2. Lost Cities ($17.99)
Playtime: 20-30 minutes | Players: 2 | Complexity: Light
(Spearjr, 2009)
Why It’s Great: A timeless two-player classic, Lost Cities challenges players to embark on expeditions by playing cards in ascending order, balancing risk and reward.
Why It’s Hot in 2025: Its elegant simplicity and tense decision-making remain unmatched, with a refreshed 2025 edition featuring updated art.
Who’s It For: Couples or players who love quick, strategic duels.
3. Scout ($22.99)
Playtime: 15-20 minutes | Players: 2-5 | Complexity: Light-Medium
(W. Martin, 2021)
Why It’s Great: This fast-paced ladder-climbing game has players forming better sets than opponents while strategically “scouting” cards. Dual-sided cards add a brilliant twist.
Why It’s Hot in 2025: Its quick gameplay and clever mechanics keep it trending, with a new expansion boosting replayability.
Who’s It For: Fans of competitive games with a fresh spin on classic mechanics.
4. Castle Combo ($24.95)
Playtime: 30-45 minutes | Players: 2-4 | Complexity: Medium
(Catch Up Games, 2024)
Why It’s Great: Castle Combo blends set collection and tableau-building as players construct medieval castles, with cards offering multiple strategic uses.
Why It’s Hot in 2025: Stunning art and streamlined rules make it a hit, with a new expansion adding fresh factions for deeper strategy.
Who’s It For: Players who enjoy combo-driven gameplay and gorgeous aesthetics.
5. Star Wars: Unlimited ($20-$119.99)
Playtime: 30-60 minutes | Players: 2 | Complexity: Medium-Heavy
Why It’s Great: This collectible card game brings the Star Wars universe to life with dynamic deck-building and tactical battles across iconic settings.
Why It’s Hot in 2025: New sets featuring beloved characters keep the meta evolving, while its accessibility draws in new players.
Who’s It For: Star Wars fans and CCG enthusiasts craving immersive battles.
6. Space Base ($35.99)
Playtime: 45-60 minutes | Players: 2-5 | Complexity: Medium
(S. Caviness, 2019)
Why It’s Great: In this dice-driven card game, players build space fleets to earn points, with cards activating on both your and opponents’ turns for constant engagement.
Why It’s Hot in 2025: Its addictive “just one more turn” feel and a new expansion with asymmetric powers keep players coming back.
Who’s It For: Fans of engine-building and sci-fi themes.
7. Sea Salt & Paper ($17.99)
Playtime: 20-30 minutes | Players: 2-4 | Complexity: Light
(H.Rolleman, 2024)
Why It’s Great: This minimalist set-collection game has players collecting ocean-themed cards to score points, with a push-your-luck twist and surprising depth.
Why It’s Hot in 2025: A deluxe edition with stunning art and new card types keeps it a favorite for quick, thinky sessions.
Who’s It For: Players who want a light but strategic game with beautiful design.
8. Dominion ($34.95-$60)
Playtime: 30-45 minutes | Players: 2-4 | Complexity: Medium
(D. Hanlon, 2010)
Why It’s Great: The pioneer of deck-building, Dominion lets players construct decks to dominate a medieval kingdom, with endless card combinations for unique games.
Why It’s Hot in 2025: New expansions with innovative mechanics like dual-purpose cards keep it fresh for veterans and newcomers alike.
Who’s It For: Strategy gamers who love building engines and planning ahead.
9. The Fellowship of the Ring: Trick-Taking Game ($26.99)
Playtime: 30-45 minutes | Players: 2-4 | Complexity: Medium
(L. Fenzi, 2025)
Why It’s Great: This trick-taking game captures the epic journey of Tolkien’s Fellowship, with cooperative or competitive quests and powerful event cards.
Why It’s Hot in 2025: Its immersive theme and unique trick-taking mechanics, plus a new solo mode, make it a standout.
Who’s It For: Lord of the Rings fans and trick-taking lovers.
10. Flip 7 ($7.99)
Playtime: 10-15 minutes | Players: 2-6 | Complexity: Light
(H. Rolleman, 2025)
Why It’s Great: Flip 7 is a fast-paced push-your-luck game where players flip cards to score points without busting, perfect for all ages.
Why It’s Hot in 2025: A vibrant 2025 reprint and travel edition make it a go-to for quick, exciting fun at gatherings.
Who’s It For: Casual gamers and families seeking fast-paced entertainment.
Why Card Games Shine in 2025
Card games remain a cornerstone of the board gaming hobby due to their portability, affordability, and diverse playstyles. From the cooperative brilliance of The Crew: Mission Deep Sea to the strategic depth of Dominion, this list showcases the variety and innovation driving the genre. Whether you’re battling in Star Wars: Unlimited or building castles in Castle Combo, these games promise endless fun. What’s Your Favorite? Have you played any of these card games, or is there another 2025 release you’re loving? Drop a comment below, and let’s keep the conversation going! For more board game recommendations, check out our other posts, and happy gaming!
