Cards have power. Creative games with deckbuilding elements on PC

What are PC card games exactly?

PC card games—is that possible? Of course, it is, and a perfect example of playing cards on a computer monitor is the well-known Solitaire, which is a free game in the Windows system. This version of Solitaire had its beginning in the 1990s. Today's PC card games offer much more than just translating classic card games into electronic versions. There are constantly new proposals emerging that are based on building and managing a deck of cards throughout the gameplay. Modern PC deckbuilding games offer players representations in the form of cards of various characters, abilities, spells, items, or other elements that affect the gameplay. During the game, players can draw cards from the deck to attack opponents, defend themselves, implement strategies, or cast spells. The goal is usually to defeat the opponent or achieve specific objectives using their own deck.

At the start of the game, players usually receive a basic, limited version of cards "in hand," and as time passes, they acquire additional cards. The specific rules and conditions for obtaining cards depend, of course, on the particular game, its mechanics, as well as the playing style and strategy chosen by the player. If the player skillfully constructs their deck, makes the right tactical decisions, and perhaps has a bit of luck, collecting the best cards for a given match will lead them to victory. PC card games involve constructing decks according to specific rules and strategies and then using those cards immediately or turn by turn, depending on the game type. The focus is on acquiring new cards for the deck, exchanging them for others, or upgrading existing ones.

Slay the Spire

Spire means a spire in English, and climbing it with a character of your choice is the storyline of the game Slay the Spire. However, before that happens, many opponents must be defeated. In Slay the Spire, this is done in a turn-based mode. After winning a battle, the player receives several cards to choose from, which will enrich the deck in subsequent turns. Through these cards, the player gains the ability to deal additional damage or block the opponent's attacks. By utilizing the power of special relics collected during the gameplay, the effects of cards can be enhanced with additional effects. One of the strengths of the game is its high level of randomness, which means that each play session is different, and it is impossible to "play from memory." In each turn, the player makes different decisions. The comic-style graphics complement the enjoyment of the gameplay.

Gloomhaven

Gloomhaven on PC originated from the board game of the same title, but the computer version offers a single-player mode. The player controls a team—their own party—that explores dungeons full of monsters, traps, and treasures. The party is composed of several available character classes. The gameplay is turn-based, and the locations of the adventures, such as caves and dungeons, are randomly generated. Gloomhaven on PC is a common choice for fans of the board game version, who purchase the digital edition with their own money or through gift cards, all driven by their sentiment for the physical board game. It often turns out that the electronic version captures their hearts even more.

Terrascape

Fans of city building and card games should definitely take an interest in TerraScape. It is quite an original combination—constructing new buildings is intertwined with card drawing, and the cards determine the nature of each building. The game offers two modes: puzzle challenges, where the player must overcome a series of progressively more difficult tasks, or free play mode, where they can build kingdoms on randomly generated maps and earn medals.

Kingdoms Reborn

Similar to Terrascape, Kingdoms Reborn is a city-builder game. However, it presents an open world and is slightly more complex in terms of the need for strategy and management, both resources and the work of the settlement's inhabitants. The game begins with choosing a starting location, which will be expanded over time. Cards are used for expansion and also allow the player to take specific actions or gain additional bonuses.

Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales

Fans of The Witcher gaming trilogy surely remember that Geralt of Rivia liked to play Gwent from time to time. Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales is a game set in the Witcher universe and serves as a story-driven campaign in Gwent! The world is presented as an isometric map in this computer card game. As the player explores the map, they receive a series of tasks, gather resources, and recruit new soldiers. Battles against enemy armies take the form of Gwent duels, and the outcome of these card battles reflects the ongoing conflict on the map. Good news for PlayStation gift card enthusiasts: the game is also available on PS4.

Tainted Grail: Conquest

This is another example of a PC game that originates from a popular board game, this time titled Tainted Grail: Fall of Avalon. The PC version offers environment exploration on a map, battles with enemies, and acquiring valuable items or practical abilities, represented by cards. Turn-based battles allow for combining acquired items and abilities, creating special combinations capable of defeating enemies.

Loop Hero

The gameplay in this unconventional game is incredibly fascinating. The game mechanics involve the player's character moving through the titular loop automatically. The player's task is to plan the next fields using appropriate cards and collect suitable equipment from defeated enemies. Ultimately, defeating the boss guardians during the grand saga is necessary to save the world and break the time loop of the Lich! Players have a set of cards representing various elements of the world, such as terrains, buildings, or enemies. These cards are strategically used to influence the game's development. Each card has different effects that can impact the hero, enemies, and the world, adding depth to the gameplay and expanding tactical possibilities.

Games with deckbuilding elements are undoubtedly a highly dynamic genre but also very specific. Some claim that computer card games are either loved or hated. Those who are unsure whether it is worth investing in this type of entertainment can try downloading available demos or looking for opportunities on GG.deals or seasonal promotions on Steam. Since some titles offer multiplayer gameplay, it is possible to play together with friends and create a card-based team.