Deck Building
Ongoing coverage on Deck Building.
Latest coverage
How to Build a Competitive Pokémon TCG Live Deck
This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on building a competitive deck for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Live. It covers basic deck construction rules, card types, different game formats like Standard and Expanded, and offers a step-by-step example of building a deck around Mega Starmie EX. The article also touches on trainer card selection, energy requirements, and testing strategies within the game.
Unstoppable review: "May just bring enough to the table to get me to put my controller down"
Unstoppable is a deck-building board game with a solid card crafting system and varied bosses, but it suffers from a disconnected sci-fi theme and a tedious card unsleeving process. Designed by John D. Clair and published by Renegade Game Studios, the game offers a unique, offense-focused puzzle-like experience that can be enjoyed solo or with one other player.
Dark-fantasy bullet heaven auto-shooter Hand of Fate: Hordes arrives July 22nd
Hand of Fate: Hordes, an auto-shooter combining bullet heaven and deck-building elements, will launch into Early Access on July 22nd. Developed by Spitfire Interactive, the game features four unique heroes, strategic card-based gameplay, and ongoing content updates planned throughout its Early Access period.
My favourite card-battling action brawler just got a sequel, and you can play it right now
The sequel to the card-battling action game Fights in Tight Spaces, titled 2 Fights 2 Tight Spaces, has been shadowdropped and is available now in Early Access. The sequel introduces co-op multiplayer, environmental interactions, and the ability to pick up weapons, building upon the original's deck-building mechanics.
Everything Announced at PC Gaming Show 2026
The PC Gaming Show 2026 featured numerous announcements and reveals for upcoming PC titles. Highlights included new trailers and gameplay for games such as Star Trek: Outposts Unknown, Hack 95, Company of Heroes Definitive Edition, and Serious Sam Shatterverse. Several games announced demos or upcoming playtests, with a focus on diverse genres from city builders and RPGs to roguelikes and party games.
Defender of the Crown Returns This August!
Defender of the Crown: The Legend Returns, a remake of the classic medieval strategy adventure, is set to launch on August 13th for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Developed by Black Tower Basement and published by Nordcurrent Labs, the game will feature three modes: Retro Mode with the original Amiga version, Classic Mode as a modernized remake, and Kingdom Mode, a new roguelite deck-building experience.
Dragapult Isn't a One-Trick Dragon
The Dragapult ex card has become a dominant force in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, particularly the Twilight Masquerade print, due to its Dragon typing granting it no weaknesses. Its evolution line, starting with Dreepy and Drakloak, provides consistency through abilities like Recon Directive, while Dragapult ex boasts high HP and Tera protection. Various builds and support Pokémon like Crispin, Budew, Munkidori, and Meowth ex contribute to its strategic depth and consistent performance in competitive play.
Shin-chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation-Like Kabuto Park Lands on Consoles
The cosy sim Kabuto Park, developed by Doot Tiny Games, has been released on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, following its PC launch last year. The game focuses on catching and battling bugs, with a goal of becoming the Summer Beetle Battles champion. It is available for $5.99 and is also included with Xbox Game Pass, featuring full gamepad support and compatibility with Steam Deck and ROG Ally.
5 Games for Paternity Leave Worth Your Time | TAG
This guide recommends five video games suitable for players on paternity leave, prioritizing one-handed play, interruptible sessions, and low mental load. Games like Balatro, Vampire Survivors, Slay the Spire 2, Hades II, and Stardew Valley are highlighted for their compatibility with the unpredictable nature of caring for a newborn. The article also offers advice on gaming etiquette and mental health during this period.
Viractal, the “Very Positive” Board Game RPG of Dice and Betrayal, Launches on Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch September 30
The board game RPG Viractal: Will You Trust Your Party? is launching on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch on September 30th in the West and October 1st in Japan. The game features procedurally generated maps, randomized events, deck-building mechanics, and online multiplayer. It currently holds a "Very Positive" rating on Steam, where it is already available.
Review: Drop Duchy – Complete Edition (Nintendo Switch)
Drop Duchy - Complete Edition for Nintendo Switch offers a unique blend of Tetris-like puzzle mechanics and roguelike deck-building elements. While the game boasts an intriguing concept, pleasing visuals, and ample replayability, it suffers from significant level grinding and a slow progression that can lead to player apathy. The game is best enjoyed on a TV due to small text in handheld mode.
MLB The Show Mobile launches globally today
MLB The Show Mobile has launched globally, offering a free-to-play mobile adaptation of the popular baseball simulation game. The game features simplified controls, mini-game modes, and a unique deck-building system using Topps player cards. Players can collect cards of current stars and historical legends to build their team and compete in various modes like Moments, Head-to-Head, and Seasons.
SANGOKUSHI BOND: Former SEGA Producer Brings New Deck-Building Strategy Epic for Steam Release Summer 2026
Get Wrapped Up Inc. announced SANGOKUSHI BOND, a deck-building roguelite strategy game produced by former SEGA producer Yasuhiro Nishiyama, for a Summer 2026 Steam release. The game features 10-minute tactical battles with no pay-to-win mechanics and over 100 newly illustrated Three Kingdoms generals. It will be available for PC on Steam for $7.99 USD.
Kabuto Park, a cozy bug collecting adventure game, heading to Nintendo Switch
Kabuto Park, a cozy bug collecting adventure game developed by Doot and Seaven Studio, is scheduled for release on Nintendo Switch on May 28, 2026. The game will feature simple mechanics, including a capture mini-game and bug battles with deck-building elements, and will be available digitally for $5.99.
Wild Forest Arena Mode Debuts: Open Deck Access for Players
Wild Forest has launched a new competitive mode called Arena, allowing players to freely assemble decks using any units in the game, regardless of ownership or rarity. This mode features its own ELO rating system and leaderboard, with top players qualifying for special tournaments. Arena decks are also usable in private battles for practice, promoting skill-based gameplay over collection size and inclusivity for all players, including those without NFTs.
Unleash Your Inner Goblin With The New Secret Lair Commander Deck: Goblin Storm
Wizards of the Coast announced the Secret Lair Commander Deck: Goblin Storm, a 100-card deck designed by Carmen Klomparens and Eli Rice. Featuring artwork by Wizard of Barge, the deck focuses on goblin-themed attacks and the Storm mechanic, including 12 borderless foil cards. It will be available for $149.99 starting May 18th, 2026.
Post-Apocalyptic Deck-Building RPG The Dead Await Sets Full Release for May 18, 2026
The Dead Await, a post-apocalyptic deck-building survival RPG developed by Shotx Studio and published by indie.io, will launch its full 1.0 version on May 18, 2026. The game is currently available in Early Access on Steam and the indie.io Store. Players lead a caravan of survivors, managing resources and engaging in card-based combat in a zombie-infested open world.
Yokai Art 2 Launches on Steam With Roguelite Mode and 12% Discount | HappyGamer
Yokai Art 2: Tales of the Nine-Tails has launched on Steam, featuring a new roguelite mode with deck-building mechanics and hex-based maps. The sequel to Night Parade of One Hundred Demons expands its Japanese mythology-inspired strategy gameplay with a new story mode, crafting system, and various battle modes. Developer Lao Ya has released the game with a 12% launch discount after facing production delays.
Best cards to use in Vampire Crawlers for each cost
This guide for Vampire Crawlers details the best cards to use for each mana cost, focusing on 0, 1, 2, and 3-cost options. It highlights powerful cards like Whip, King Bible, Axe, and Thousand Edge, emphasizing their utility in deck building and combo creation.
Best Gems to use in Vampire Crawlers
This guide details the best gems to use in Vampire Crawlers to enhance deck synergy and increase the chances of completing runs. It highlights gems like Double Damage, Drain, Easy Combo, and Refund for their widespread utility and ability to amplify card strength and mana management.