10 Card Games Similar to Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering (MTG) has set the gold standard for collectible card games (CCGs) since its inception in 1993.

With its deep strategic gameplay, rich lore, and competitive scene, it has captivated millions of players worldwide.

But what if you’re looking for something similar to MTG?

Whether you’re a seasoned Planeswalker seeking a new challenge or a newcomer wanting to explore different CCGs, this guide covers several card games that share similarities with MTG.

1. Yu-Gi-Oh!

Overview

Yu-Gi-Oh! is one of the most popular and enduring CCGs, originating from the manga series of the same name.

It offers a unique blend of strategy, complex mechanics, and a rich storyline.

Gameplay Mechanics

Yu-Gi-Oh! features a variety of card types, including Monsters, Spells, and Traps. Players aim to reduce their opponent’s life points to zero using a combination of these cards. The game emphasizes quick, tactical decision-making and intricate combos.

Key Similarities to MTG

• Deck Building: Like MTG, Yu-Gi-Oh! involves building a deck with a strategic balance of cards.
• Resource Management: Players must manage their cards and life points effectively.
• Competitive Scene: Yu-Gi-Oh! has a robust competitive scene with tournaments and events.

Yu-Gi-Oh! also incorporates a strong narrative element, with many cards and strategies inspired by the original manga and anime.

The dynamic between players often involves rapid exchanges and counterplays, making for an intense and engaging experience.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of summoning powerful creatures and casting spells in a high-stakes duel, Yu-Gi-Oh! offers a thrilling alternative to MTG.

2. Hearthstone

Overview

Hearthstone, developed by Blizzard Entertainment, is a digital CCG set in the Warcraft universe. It combines strategic gameplay with a user-friendly interface and engaging animations.

Gameplay Mechanics

Players choose a hero class, build a deck, and use Mana crystals to play cards each turn. The goal is to reduce the opponent’s hero to zero health.

Hearthstone emphasizes synergy between cards and timing your plays effectively.

Key Similarities to MTG

• Deck Building: Constructing a deck with a cohesive strategy is crucial.
• Turn-Based Play: Both games feature turn-based gameplay where players react to each other’s moves.
• Card Synergy: Successful play often depends on creating powerful combinations.

Hearthstone’s digital format allows for a level of polish and presentation that physical card games can’t match.

The animations, sound effects, and overall design contribute to an immersive experience.

Blizzard frequently updates the game with new expansions and balance changes, keeping the meta fresh and engaging.

If you appreciate MTG’s strategic depth but want a more visually dynamic and accessible experience, Hearthstone is an excellent choice.

3. Legend of the Five Rings: The Card Game

Overview

Legend of the Five Rings (L5R) is a living card game (LCG) from Fantasy Flight Games. Set in the fictional land of Rokugan, it blends elements of Japanese mythology and samurai culture.

Gameplay Mechanics

L5R involves managing two decks: Conflict and Dynasty. Players vie for control of the game’s provinces using a combination of military and political conflicts.

The game emphasizes tactical decision-making and resource management.

Key Similarities to MTG

• Deck Building: Customizing your Conflict and Dynasty decks is key.
• Resource Management: Effective use of fate (resources) and honor (a secondary win condition) is crucial.
• Strategic Depth: The game rewards thoughtful, strategic play.

L5R’s thematic richness, influenced by Japanese mythology and samurai culture, adds a unique flavor to the strategic depth.

Players must carefully balance their military might and political influence to succeed, making for a complex and rewarding gameplay experience.

If you enjoy MTG’s strategic depth and thematic richness, L5R offers a unique cultural twist.

4. Pokémon Trading Card Game

Overview

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) brings the beloved Pokémon franchise into the world of CCGs. It combines creature battles with card-based strategy.

Gameplay Mechanics

Players build decks around Pokémon cards, using Energy cards to power attacks and Trainer cards for various effects.

The objective is to knock out the opponent’s Pokémon and collect Prize cards.

Key Similarities to MTG

• Deck Building: Building a balanced deck is essential.
• Resource Management: Managing Energy cards is akin to MTG’s mana system.
• Collectibility: Both games have a strong collectible aspect.

The Pokémon TCG appeals to both competitive players and collectors.

The familiar characters and straightforward mechanics make it accessible, while the strategic depth and competitive scene keep it engaging.

If you’re a fan of Pokémon or enjoy the creature battle aspect of MTG, the Pokémon TCG offers a nostalgic and strategic experience.

5. KeyForge

Overview

KeyForge, designed by Richard Garfield (the creator of MTG), is a unique CCG where each deck is algorithmically generated and completely unique.

Gameplay Mechanics

Players use their decks to forge keys by gaining Aember.

The game eschews traditional deck building, focusing instead on mastering the unique deck you receive.

Key Similarities to MTG

• Strategic Play: The game rewards strategic thinking and adaptation.
• Resource Management: Managing Aember is crucial to victory.
• Unique Decks: While deck building is absent, the variety and strategy remain.

KeyForge offers a fresh take on the CCG genre, with a focus on adaptability and strategy. Each game feels unique due to the distinct decks, challenging players to think on their feet.

It’s perfect for MTG fans looking for something innovative and different.

6. Android: Netrunner

Overview

Android: Netrunner is an asymmetrical LCG set in a cyberpunk universe. It pits a megacorporation against a hacker (runner) in a battle of wits.

Gameplay Mechanics

One player takes on the role of the Corp, protecting their assets, while the other plays the Runner, attempting to hack into the Corp’s systems.

The game emphasizes bluffing, strategy, and resource management.

Key Similarities to MTG

• Deck Building: Both Corp and Runner players build decks with specific strategies.
• Resource Management: Effective use of credits (resources) is crucial.
• Strategic Depth: The game rewards strategic planning and adaptation.

The asymmetrical gameplay of Netrunner creates a unique experience, with each side offering different challenges and strategies.

The cyberpunk theme adds a layer of intrigue, making it a great choice for those who enjoy MTG’s strategic depth but want an asymmetrical, thematic game.

7. The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game

Overview

The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game (LOTR LCG) is a cooperative LCG where players work together to overcome scenarios set in Tolkien’s Middle-earth.

Gameplay Mechanics

Players build decks featuring heroes, allies, and events, then face off against a deck controlled by the game itself. The objective is to complete quests and overcome challenges.

Key Similarities to MTG

• Deck Building: Customizing decks with a mix of characters and events.
• Strategic Play: The game requires strategic planning and coordination.
• Thematic Depth: Rich lore and thematic elements.

LOTR LCG’s cooperative gameplay and narrative-driven scenarios offer a different experience from competitive CCGs.

The rich lore of Middle-earth adds depth, making it a must-play for fans of Tolkien and MTG alike who enjoy cooperative, thematic adventures.

8. Arkham Horror: The Card Game

Overview

Arkham Horror: The Card Game (AHLCG) is a cooperative LCG set in H.P. Lovecraft’s mythos.

Players take on the roles of investigators trying to solve mysteries and fend off cosmic horrors.

Gameplay Mechanics

Players build decks for their investigators, each with unique abilities and weaknesses. The game involves exploring locations, gathering clues, and combating supernatural threats.

Key Similarities to MTG

• Deck Building: Customizing investigator decks with a mix of cards.
• Strategic Play: The game rewards strategic planning and adaptation.
• Thematic Depth: Rich narrative and thematic elements.

AHLCG’s cooperative, story-driven gameplay provides a unique and immersive experience.

The Lovecraftian horror theme adds a layer of suspense and intrigue, making it a great choice for MTG fans who enjoy thematic, narrative-driven games.

9. Gwent: The Witcher Card Game

Overview

Gwent, based on the minigame from The Witcher series, is a digital CCG that emphasizes strategic play and bluffing.

Gameplay Mechanics

Players build decks from different factions and use cards to control the battlefield.

The goal is to win two out of three rounds by having the most points at the end of each round.

Key Similarities to MTG

• Deck Building: Constructing a balanced deck with faction synergy.
• Strategic Play: The game rewards strategic planning and bluffing.
• Competitive Scene: A robust competitive scene with tournaments.

Gwent’s focus on strategic play and bluffing sets it apart.

The Witcher lore adds depth, and the digital format offers accessibility and frequent updates.

If you enjoy MTG’s strategic elements and competitive nature

, Gwent provides a fresh, digital experience with a unique twist.

10. Force of Will

Overview

Force of Will is a CCG that blends fantasy elements with deep strategic gameplay. It offers a unique resource system and a variety of card types.

Gameplay Mechanics

Players use Ruler cards to generate Will (resources) and summon Resonators (creatures) to battle. The game emphasizes strategic planning and resource management.

Key Similarities to MTG

• Deck Building: Constructing a balanced deck is crucial.
• Resource Management: Managing Will is akin to MTG’s mana system.
• Strategic Play: The game rewards thoughtful, strategic decisions.

Force of Will’s unique mechanics and rich lore provide a fresh take on the CCG genre.

The emphasis on strategic planning and resource management will appeal to MTG fans looking for a new challenge with a familiar strategic depth.

A Gathering of Adjacent Card Games

Exploring new card games similar to Magic: The Gathering can be an exciting journey.

Whether you’re drawn to the fast-paced duels of Yu-Gi-Oh!, the digital ease of Hearthstone, or the cooperative adventures of LOTR LCG, there’s a game out there to satisfy your strategic cravings.

Dive into these alternatives and discover new worlds of card-based strategy and fun.