Quick Deck-Building Games for Busy Gamers: Play in No Time!

Summary

Dive into the deck-building genre with these varied and quick-to-play video games.
SteamWorld Quest offers RPG fun with unique card-based combat interactions.
Griftlands, Slay the Spire, and Balatro add depth to the deck-building experience with strategic elements.

The genre of card-construction games, while being a relatively small segment, has produced some significant successes. Strategy enthusiasts are drawn to these games for the chance to create an optimal strategy and construct a deck capable of overcoming any obstacle. The level of complexity in many of these titles varies greatly, allowing players to demonstrate their skills across diverse difficulty levels.

To put it simply, deck-building games are known for being lengthy due to the time spent by players in evaluating various card choices to optimize their strategy. For those who prefer a more speedy gaming experience, here are some alternative deck-building games that offer an exciting experience without consuming too much of your precious time.

9. SteamWorld Quest: Hand Of Gilgamech

Like Clockwork

The successful SteamWorld series has provided a multitude of independent gaming encounters, appealing to fans across various genres. SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech marks the franchise’s debut into Role-Playing Games, allowing players to guide a group of resilient robots on their quest to save the world. The strategic combat is enriched by a deck created from distinctive cards for each character in the party, ensuring that every turn presents a fresh challenge.

Players possess significant autonomy over the characters within their team and the cards included in their deck, making SteamWorld Quest a distinctive RPG that offers a variety of playstyles due to its flexibility. Consequently, it’s an accessible game for enthusiasts to engage with at their leisure, allowing them to experiment with their party configurations whenever they desire.

8. Marvel SNAP

Head-To-Head Heroes

In today’s media landscape, Marvel stands out as one of the rare entities commanding significant dominance. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has become almost unavoidable in the film industry, and its beloved superheroes are consistently prominent figures in the gaming world too. Marvel SNAP offers an exciting tribute to this immense impact by allowing these timeless heroes to engage in multiplayer card combat.

Based on its title, this fast-paced card game prioritizes swift and lively skirmishes. The battles tend to be over in a blink of an eye, usually spanning just a few minutes, and the gameplay is straightforward, allowing enthusiasts to grasp it easily within a short timeframe. This makes it perfect for card game enthusiasts who are always on the move.

7. Peglin

Pachinko Plays

Platform: PC, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch
Released: April 25, 2022
Developer: Red Nexus Games

Peglin is an exceptional game that combines elements of deck-building with a simulation of the classic game Pachinko. Players propel orbs towards a set of pegs, navigating through the game’s roguelike challenges depending on which pegs they successfully hit during their descent. As players progress, they also build a deck of power-ups that can impact the outcome of each round on the board.

In a casual and straightforward manner: This game’s roguelike structure combined with its easy-to-grasp pinball mechanics ensures each session is fast and fun. That way, players can join and leave at their convenience, ready to knock down some virtual pins whenever they have spare moments.

6. Cobalt Core

Do The Time Loop Again

Among numerous games belonging to the deck-building roguelike genre, Cobalt Core distinguishes itself through its enchanting visuals and exceptional concept. The game centers around a band of anthropomorphic animal characters who find themselves adrift in space, entangled within a perplexing time loop. To endure and escape this loop, players construct a deck of cards to assist them in controlling their spaceship and overcoming intense battles with hostile vessels.

For every humanoid creature that players select, they get a unique set of cards showcasing their specific skills aboard the ship. Since a game allows only three crew members per journey, each playthrough is unique, prompting players to experiment with different tactics by playing repeatedly.

5. Gwent: The Witcher Card Game

Earning Your Coin

As a devoted fan of “The Witcher” franchise, I’ve been captivated by the intriguing card game known as Gwent since its roots in the original novels. The thrilling playable version that was unveiled in “The Witcher 3” sparked such enthusiasm that it led to a standalone spinoff – none other than “Gwent: The Witcher Card Game“. Now, as a player, I can immerse myself fully in this cherished in-fiction pastime of mine.

In the realm of Gwent, participants strive for gathering crafting resources to fabricate fresh cards and refine their decks. Each encounter concludes within approximately half an hour, thus enabling players to squeeze in a swift bout of this renowned card game during any free time they might have.

4. Dicey Dungeons

Roll Them Bones

In Dicey Dungeons, the core gameplay involves dice rolls, yet it also offers an ample amount of deck-building for those who enjoy strategic depth. Players traveling through randomly generated dungeons will accumulate a variety of gear and skills. Each item can be activated using different dice, with the result of the die dictating the card’s effect.

In Dicey Dungeons, the outcome of each game is largely unpredictable due to its focus on chance. This feature ensures that no two playthroughs are identical, providing a fresh experience every time you decide to dive in.

3. Griftlands

Social Cards

In Griftlands, the deck-building aspect is not just an added bonus, but a standout feature. This is a sci-fi roguelike game with RPG elements, where players can enhance their mercenary’s skills and abilities over time. But what sets Griftlands apart from other games is its innovative card game mechanics. These mechanics aren’t just about fighting enemies; they offer much more, creating a unique gaming experience.

In Griftlands, players manage two distinct sets of cards: one for confrontations and another for conversations or negotiations. This dual system provides players with two vital resources to monitor during their adventure, enhancing the gaming experience by introducing an additional strategic dimension. Fortunately, like many roguelikes, playthroughs tend to be brief, ensuring that each session remains engaging regardless of how much time players can dedicate to the game.

2. Balatro

Read ‘Em And Weep

In the year 2024, Balatro swept across the globe unexpectedly, gaining a nod for Game of the Year at the Game Awards. This peculiar deck-building game, set in the realm of poker, offers a unique twist with numerous special cards and rules, ensuring that each playthrough is distinct from the last.

Due to the adaptation of the game Balatro onto mobile platforms, players now have the freedom to enjoy it at their convenience, regardless of time availability. Plus, with frequent DLC additions introducing fresh cards from various games and universes, there’s consistently an incentive for revisiting this engaging title.

1. Slay The Spire

The Legend Continues

The renowned game “Slay the Spire” might not be the initial deck-building roguelike that emerged, but it indisputably left the deepest impact on the genre. To this very moment, it remains a benchmark within its category, and due to the existence of more than 730 cards distributed among the game’s four playable characters, dedicated players will need to invest considerable time to experiment with every potential strategy.

Fortunately, although each solo session might take some time, they typically don’t exceed an hour. Moreover, gamers can interrupt or pause a run whenever it suits them, allowing them to progress at their convenience as they uncover all the intricate details and secret riches within Slay the Spire.

2025-03-10 12:07