Deckbuilding games can seem daunting to get into for players, especially ones who feel that learning the intricacies of a card game isn't what suits their fancy. It doesn't help that some deckbuilders are so hard that players will give up after failing to make progress for a few runs.
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Thankfully, some deckbuilding games aren't too challenging to get into and don't punish players for their mistakes too much. This ensures that the lowered difficulty of these deckbuilders will make things more manageable for fans.
Marvel's Midnight Suns
For A Firaxis Game, This Is Way Easier Than Fans Expected
Marvel's Midnight Suns
- Released
- December 2, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Language, Mild Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Tactical, RPG
Most people are familiar with both XCOM and its sequel, two challenging tactical games with permadeath elements that are daunting for fans to get into. This is why Marvel's Midnight Suns may seem just as challenging to try out for players unfamiliar with strategy games or deckbuilding elements, but there's one thing fans are ignoring.
In a bid to make this game more appealing for fans, the difficulty of this title is nowhere near as harrowing as that of the XCOM games. Players will love amassing a party of heroes that can take on tough foes using powerful attacks, with the game's downtime allowing players to interact with their favorite heroes and deepen their bond with them.
Inscryption
The Toughest Thing In This Game Is Stomaching The Horror Elements
Inscryption
- Released
- October 19, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Roguelike, Deckbuilding
Inscryption may seem daunting to get into, especially given how creepy its atmosphere is. However, if players give this title a chance, then they'll be rewarded with one of the best indie games ever made, with deckbuilding that is surprisingly easy to get into.
All three acts are easy to overcome once players get a hang of the shifting gameplay loops. Once players are done with the main story, they can choose to challenge themselves by playing Kaycee's Mod, which is essentially a harder version of Inscryption's first act.
Balatro
Very Beginner-Friendly And Eventually Becomes Unputdownable
Balatro
- Released
- February 20, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ // Gambling Themes
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Digital Card Game, Roguelike
Poker is a game most people are familiar with, which is why getting into Balatro isn't a challenge at all. However, once players are absorbed by the gameplay loop and unlock more decks, their mastery of the game and its gameplay elements will become apparent in no time.
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Completing multiple antes and dealing with tough "bosses" made for a great time that fans will find to be unputdownable. If players feel like they're mastered the gameplay mechanics, then new decks and challenge runs can enhance the enjoyment players attain from this title.
Dicey Dungeons
A Surprisingly Easy Game, Especially Compared To The Developer's Previous Games
Dicey Dungeons
- Released
- August 13, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Fantasy Violence
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, Tactical, Roguelike, Deckbuilding
When people think about Terry Cavanaugh, the first games that come to mind are VVVVVV and Super Hexagon. Both titles are incredibly challenging in their own way, which is why players may feel like Dicey Dungeons will carry on this developer's insistence to make hard-as-nails gameplay loops that are a pain to master.
So, they'll be surprised to find out that Dicey Dungeons is actually one of the easier deckbuilders that players can sink their teeth into. The charming art style and unique combat mechanics ensure that winning on this title's game show is something fans will actively look forward to.
Griftlands
A Story-Driven Deckbuilder That's Easy To Get Into
Griftlands
- Released
- July 11, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Indie Games, Adventure, Strategy
People who like their deckbuilders to have fun stories and unique mechanics will love what Griftlands brings to the table. The title's deckbuilding gameplay isn't all that challenging to handle, and the game has many other elements to keep players occupied.
The story-driven focus, excellent art style, and a unique sci-fi fantasy setting ensure that players will be captivated by what this game brings to the table. It's one of the best beginner-friendly deckbuilders for players who want to get into this rewarding genre.
I Was A Teenage Exocolonist
The Deckbuilding Elements Of This Game Aren't Overpowering
I Was a Teenage Exocolonist
- Released
- August 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Indie Games, Adventure, Simulation, Puzzle
Players who want to check out an interesting video game where they manage a colony and engage in deckbuilding mechanics from time to time will love what I Was a Teenage Exocolonist brings to the table. The charming writing and a great combination of gameplay loops will draw fans in easily.
It helps that the deckbuilding mechanics aren't hardcore, ensuring that players who aren't too familiar with this kind of gameplay won't be struggling for too long. The LGBTQ-friendly romances are the cherry on top and hammer in I Was a Teenage Exocolonist's reputation as one of the more inclusive and welcoming games fans can enjoy.
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