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Find out more about the top 14 best Android card games for 2023 that you should play right now.
Digital card games for Android are traditionally grouped with the best multiplayer games, but there are also plenty of single-player adventures. But while the genre has grown to touch on nearly every genre, they still share a common set of features. Expect to collect cards, build decks, and discover some fascinating new ways of storytelling through cards.
We’ve scoured the Play Store for card games and brought you the best. We recommend grabbing one of the top Android tablets to play these games as not only is it more immersive, but you’ll be able to appreciate the stunning artwork that permeates all these games.
1/ Voice of Cards
Voice of Cards is a trilogy of card-based RPGs that is an excellent choice for any fans of card games or tabletop RPGs. Thanks to the narrator, you feel like you’re playing with a human dungeon master as his voice-over is accompanied by coughs, mumbles, or meandering sentences. Far from frustrating, it drags you deeper into the narrative.
We recommend giving the free version of Voice of Cards a go first. This has the added benefit of acting as a prologue for the main trilogy (available for purchase separately).
2/ Thronebreaker
Development for Gwent will cease next year, making its spin-off, Thronebreaker, more appealing to play than ever. This game marries Gwent with RPG mechanics, making this perfect for people who love playing Gwent but aren’t competitive.
As a single-player RPG, don’t expect content updates for Thronebreaker. However, there are few games around that offer a better single-player card-based experience.
3/ Marvel Snap
Developed by former Hearthstone director, Marvel Snap blends classic collectible card game themes with original mechanics. As we noted in our hands-on, it’s a breath of fresh air to anyone intimidated by the bloat of established card games like Hearthstone. Marvel Snap limits your deck to 12 cards, and games last only six turns. This doesn’t mean the game is simplistic; far from it. Each match is a high-stakes affair; you’ll need all your wits to beat your opponent. Overall, Marvel Snap is just what the card game genre needed; a brilliantly fun, highly competitive, fast-paced game with fair monetization.
4/ Exploding Kittens
Exploding Kittens is one of the best physical card games you can buy, and the Android version is no different. It contains all the content offered by the original game, including all the expansions plus exclusive ones for Android.
Exploding Kittens is a family-friendly game of Russian Roulette for those unfamiliar with the popular party game. You’ll take turns drawing cards, but if you draw the Exploding Kitten, you’re out. Thankfully there are plenty of cards to move, mitigate, or skip the explosive cat.
5/ Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire is one of the best roguelikes for Android and is a deck builder. At the beginning of each game, you’ll build a deck that hopefully contains everything you need to climb to the top of the spire. Enemies you encounter are randomized each time, so it’s impossible to know what cards to bring each time. However, the more you play, the better you’ll adapt to the ever-changing spire. One of the most demanding games on this list; it’s bound to satisfy the hardcore gamer.
6/ Hearthstone
Anyone familiar with card games will recognize the name Hearthstone. One of the biggest card games around, it tasks players to build the perfect deck from a cast of World of Warcraft characters and creatures. There are multiple game modes, but the original PvP mode offers a straightforward premise; reduce your opponent’s health pool to zero before they do the same to you.
There’s a colossal amount of cards available, and with new expansions released regularly, it can seem a little overwhelming to new players. However, there are plenty of PvE game modes to practice with, so you can pick up the fundamentals in no time. Hearthstone is the best game on this list for the most competitive card game players.
7/ GWENT
Like Hearthstone, GWENT is a PvP card-battler, but that’s about where the similarities end. This game is adapted from the mini-game in The Witcher 3, simulating massive battles instead of private duels. Each game is split into three rounds, and players win by scoring more points than their opponents. However, cards are not replenished between rounds – deplete your deck to win the first, and you may struggle in the second and third rounds.
GWENT is a complex game that takes some time to wrap your head around. However, persevere, and you’ll find yourself lost in this beautiful and challenging card game.
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8/ Reigns
Reigns is a single-player card game that puts you in charge of managing a kingdom by drawing cards. To keep things stable, you’ll need to keep the church, people, and military happy, all while keeping your funds in check. To make decisions, you’ll swipe left or right on cards when they appear. It’s certainly not a hard game to learn, but exile or death will come sooner than you think.
Reigns is a fun, light-hearted game that is incredibly addictive. With each new playthrough, you’ll try to learn from past mistakes, but thanks to an enormous amount of events, no two playthroughs are the same. The best thing about it is that you can compare each reign to previous ones and find out which of your monarchs was the most successful.
9/ Magic: The Gathering Arena
Magic: The Gathering is one of the oldest collectible card games, and now you can have the same experience on mobile. You’ll battle players in real-time using the spells, monsters, and tools at your disposal to reduce your opponent’s health pool to zero. It might seem difficult at first, but a series of tutorials will quickly get you up to speed.
Whether you’re a fan of the original physical game or want a new card battler to play, Magic: The Gathering Arena should satisfy you. There are plenty of game modes to try out, so you’re bound to find something to enjoy. After all, the game has been around for 29 years, and it’s stood the test of time; just be prepared for a sharp learning curve.
10/ Legends of Runeterra
Legends of Runeterra was developed along similar lines as Magic: The Gathering, but with a lower barrier to entry. The disadvantage to games like Hearthstone and Magic is that it’s challenging to progress without purchasing extra card packs. Legends of Runeterra circumvents this by limiting how many cards you can buy a week while rewarding players with cards based on how much they play. You can also craft the cards you want, so you won’t get frustrated about missing out on a vital card.
While Legends of Runeterra’s gameplay isn’t that innovative, a unique attack/defense mechanic and accessible gameplay mean this is an ideal game for those frustrated with the more popular collectible card battlers.
11/ Cultist Simulator
Are you disappointed with the lack of alien gods and ancient cults in traditional card games? Cultist Simulator has you covered. You’ll have to evade suspicion, translate ancient texts, and recruit followers to meet your goal, but be prepared for failure. There’s no tutorial in the game; experimentation and loss are part of how you play. While you’ll struggle initially, you’ll gradually figure out the game’s mechanics and eventually achieve victory. It’s not as scary as it sounds; intuitive gameplay and a crystal-clear UI keep frustration at bay.
Cultist Simulator is the most challenging single-player card game on this list, but it might be the best. It’s a work of art that will keep you coming back for more.
12/ Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel
Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is a direct adaptation of the popular trading card game. If you’re a veteran Yu-Gi-Oh! player, you’ll be pleased with the authentic representation of the tabletop game enhanced with special effects and music. Then again, if you’re new to the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise Master Duel is a fast-paced card battler that offers thousands of cards to collect with tried and true gameplay attached.
Beyond the competitive online mode, Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel offers an extensive solo mode. This is ideal for players new to the franchise, as it will take you through the lore behind the cards while teaching you how to play without the shame of repeatedly losing online battles hanging over your head.
13/ Card Crawl Adventure
Card Crawl Adventure is a single-player roguelike solitaire game. Your goal is to combine cards to defeat bad guys, which you’ll need to do three times to exit the dungeon. As it’s a roguelike, every run will be different, but a good understanding of the cards will see you through successfully.
Card Crawl Adventure is free to download, but its in-app purchases aren’t intrusive. You can make runs a touch easier or unlock new characters early. Beyond this, you’re at the mercy of your solitaire skills.
14/ Pokémon TCG Live
The Pokémon TCG has had an app since 2016, but it was only available on tablets. Pokémon TCG Live is a brand-new app that brings the experience to phones. Unfortunately, it’s still in beta, so expect a few bugs as you play.
One of the biggest advantages of Pokémon TCG Live over its predecessor is the optimization of its card collection mechanics. Cards can be broken down and crafted into new ones, which means you’re no longer at the mercy of random number generators.
Play the perfect cards
As you can see, these card games have an astonishing amount of variety. There’s plenty to enjoy here, but if you want to cast your net wider, browse our roundup of the best games available for Android.
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