Top 6 Horror Deckbuilding Games You Must Play Now

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Summary

  • Horror theme fits into any genre of gaming, even deckbuilding, leading to unique and fascinating gameplay experiences.
  • Some of the best deck builders benefit from horrifying atmospheres, delivering chilling experiences without heavy visuals or jump scares.
  • Deckbuilding games like “Do You Have A Moment To Talk About Our Lord And Savior?” offer horror elements and unique gameplay mechanics.

The horror motif holds such universal appeal and excitement that it can seamlessly blend with various genres of gaming, including ones where the gameplay mechanics are as basic as card-building, devoid of intricate visuals or startling moments.

It’s really intriguing for card game enthusiasts to see how far deckbuilding games have advanced, allowing developers to experiment with different themes. What’s more, some of the top-tier deckbuilders significantly leverage their eerie ambiance to enhance the gaming experience.

6. Do You Have A Moment To Talk About Our Lord And Savior?

When A Simple Job Becomes A Matter Of Life Or Death

  • Developer: Worst Event
  • Release Date: November 12, 2024
  • Platforms: PC

As a passionate player of deckbuilding games on Steam, I can’t help but recommend taking a moment to explore the captivating world of “Do You Have A Moment To Talk About Our Lord And Savior?” for those who found joy in playing “Inscryption.” While it may not scale the same heights, this game offers an intriguing concept that is worth delving into.

In this game, you assume the character of a missionary venturing into an enigmatic individual’s home with the intention of sharing your message. But, events take an unexpected turn as the mysterious man proposes a card game. He reveals that the missionary can only depart from his house if he ever manages to reach Level 13 in the game.

As a fervent admirer, I must say that the idea behind this game sends shivers down my spine. During these card battles, there’s an undeniable element of terror that creeps in, although it may not be as intense as some might hope. The nostalgic PSX visuals add a distinct and appealing aesthetic to the game, enhancing its overall horror atmosphere without compromising on quality.

5. WAGON

A Survival Deckbuilding With Unique Visuals

  • Developer: de_husk
  • Release Date: April 30, 2025
  • Platforms: PC

If you were to imagine a fusion of the acclaimed games “Inscryption” and “The Return of Obra Dinn,” the resulting creation would be “WAGON.” This game borrows concepts from both highly-regarded titles while also introducing its own unique elements, creating a blend that is already captivating.

In the game “WAGON“, terror and dread aren’t instigated by typical horror elements like monsters, sudden shocks, or bizarre entities. Instead, it stirs a fear of mortality that can unexpectedly grip players if they don’t handle the journey skillfully or lack the courage to confront difficult choices.

Just like Inscryption, WAGON presents a dual-layered gaming experience. At its heart lies a card game, yet there’s an additional aspect that involves ensuring everyone has enough food, and effectively managing resources to ensure survival.

4. Deck Of Haunts

Become A Ruthless Villain And Haunt Humans

This unique independent game, Deck of Haunts, boasts an innovative and captivating idea. It draws inspiration from celebrated deck-building games, seamlessly merging their elements to create a distinct gameplay style of its own.

In addition to deck construction being the main aspect of gameplay, Deck of Haunts introduces a streamlined city-building element as well. This enables players to alter the game’s environment, providing an additional strategy for success and amplifying the scary atmosphere of the game.

In the “Deck of Haunts,” the player assumes the role of the sinister protagonist, tasked with eliminating any unwary guests who dare enter their relentlessly growing home or pushing them towards madness instead. By introducing increasingly unsettling motifs to each chamber, players contribute to the chilling atmosphere and eventual mental breakdowns of the game’s visitors.

3. Draft Of Darkness

Explore A Corrupted Dungeon Filled With Monsters

  • Developer: Crawly Games
  • Release Date: August 23, 2023
  • Platforms: PC

For enthusiasts of Darkest Dungeon, you’ll want to give the game “Draft of Darkness” top priority, as its gameplay bears a striking resemblance. The experience starts with selecting a distinctive hero equipped with special skills, followed by descending into the shadowy dungeon where you encounter spooky monsters and fellow survivors.

In addition, players might encounter friendly individuals who can join their team to assist during challenging sections within the dungeon. This is reminiscent of Slay The Spire. Successfully conquering each battle grants players a new card, broadening their strategic choices for future encounters.

While inspiration plays a role, it’s not the only factor. The Draft of Darkness has its own mechanism for sorting cards and restricting their use simultaneously. The game offers distinctive pixelated graphics that lend it an uncanny, chilling aesthetic.

2. Shadow Corridor 2

Trapped In The Ever-Changing Corridors Of A Haunted House

  • Developer: Space Onigiri Game LLC
  • Release Date: March 29, 2024
  • Platforms: PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC

The emphasis placed by the developers on Shadow Corridor 2 varies, with horror taking precedence over deckbuilding. However, both aspects are skillfully integrated to deliver a thrilling experience that leaves players feeling fulfilled.

Shadow Corridor 2″ offers a first-person perspective, immersing players in a chilling tale set within a shrouded manor filled with mysterious entities and shifting corridors. As you delve deeper into the mystery, you uncover playing cards that grant unique powers or effects to aid you in confronting the enigmatic creatures lurking within the house.

The player must select some of their cards to create a deck, as they can’t use every card available. Having more cards gives them more possibilities to discover the optimal combination needed to endure the long night.

1. Inscryption

A Story-Driven Roguelike With Neat Puzzles

Without a shadow of a doubt, it’s the undisputed ruler among deck builders that revolve around horror. While Inscryption draws inspiration from Slay The Spire, it carves out its own niche with a captivating puzzle-solving mini-game, enhancing the overall horror ambiance by providing an additional layer of depth to its core deckbuilding mechanics.

In the game called Inscryption, players must engage in a series of battles with a monster, aiming to defeat it every time they encounter it. By doing so, they can advance through the game and eventually discover a means to escape from the confined space they find themselves in. Unlike other card games on the market, this unique title boasts its own distinct rules and unpredictable twists designed to keep players engaged and intrigued.

Regardless of its narrative, Inscryption presents a roguelike challenge, requiring players to persevere and give their utmost effort to uncover every secret hidden within each room.

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2025-05-19 05:35