Upcoming Deckbuilder Games to Keep on Your Radar in 2026

I honestly don’t know when I switched from loving platformer games to being totally obsessed with deckbuilders – I definitely don’t think of myself as some kind of strategy genius! But I think it probably started way back when I was a kid. Everyone was playing Magic: The Gathering then, and it just stuck with me, you know? It really made an impression.

So, years later, I’m totally hooked on deckbuilder games! It’s awesome how much they’ve changed and grown up with me. They’ve really branched out into all sorts of cool and creative mixes of genres. The core idea is still about building and playing a deck of cards strategically, but developers have found so many interesting ways to make each game unique.

I’m a huge fan of deckbuilding games, so I put together a list of some of the most promising ones coming out soon for anyone else who loves the genre. Yes, Slay the Spire 2 is already out in Early Access, which is awesome, but there’s so much more on the horizon! I’ve ranked these games based on how excited I am about them, since release dates and details are still a bit up in the air for some.

10. Cropdeck

Grow and Nurture

I usually don’t enjoy farming games – I find them quite repetitive. However, I’m a big fan of deckbuilding, and that’s why I decided to check out Cropdeck.

You’ll be using cards not just to play, but to farm and earn money! Build powerful combinations with scarecrows, protect your crops from harsh weather, and use gems to get even more cards. Just be prepared to pay rent to Sir Landlord – he’ll always take a cut of your earnings.

I really appreciate that Cropdeck offers a fresh and heartwarming approach to its genre. I’m hoping it also provides a well-rounded, thoughtful, and engaging experience that will hold my interest.

9. Archon Soul

Rolling the Dice

Platforms PC
Publisher Goblinz Publishing, Maple Whispering Limited
Genre Roguelike, Deckbuilder
Release Date Q3 2026

If a game where you roll dice to build a deck doesn’t immediately spring to mind, you likely haven’t experienced the amazing Astrea: Six-Sided Oracles. It was a really challenging game when I played it a few years ago, but also incredibly rewarding. I especially enjoyed how each side of the dice offered unique abilities and effects.

Simply put, Archon Soul has the potential to be a fantastic game if it learns from this experience. Players will customize dice with powerful runes and build collections of magical spells. You can choose from several unique characters, like the Gaiamancer and Pyromancer.

With appealing 2D graphics and a soundtrack by Ofelia Giro, Archon Soul has the potential to build on the recent revival of this unique game style.

8. TOKENS

The Roaring ’20s

Platforms PC
Publisher Atelier QDB
Genre Roguelike, Deckbuilder
Release Date 2026

I usually don’t long for times I never experienced, but there’s a definite charm to the glamorous, rebellious spirit of the 1920s. The fashion, the excitement, and the nightlife are all incredibly appealing – and that’s something the new game, TOKENS, really captures.

Created by Atelier QDB, this game combines the challenge of Roguelike deckbuilders with a unique token-based system instead of traditional cards. Players can also influence their fate with tarot cards and other clever tactics. You’ll need every advantage you can get to defeat Mister Mirage!

TOKENS seems to be taking inspiration from the success of games like Balatro, and I hope it does well. However, its success will likely depend on how easy it is to understand and use the game’s combo system.

7. NUTMEG! A Nostalgic Deckbuilding Football Manager

Moving the Goalposts

I don’t usually follow sports, but I really appreciate the look of collectible cards. That’s why I’m excited about the new game, NUTMEG! A Nostalgic Deckbuilding Football Manager. It lets you experience the ’80s and ’90s while you build and manage your dream football team.

Just to clarify, this is about football – what most of the world calls it, and what Americans know as soccer. This is a celebration of the skill and artistry of that sport, not American football. The game involves carefully collecting and upgrading cards, developing strategies, and proudly displaying your collection.

What makes NUTMEG! A Nostalgic Deckbuilding Football Manager unique is that all money earned from the game is donated to charity. This means you can enjoy a challenging and strategic game while also supporting a good cause – it’s a win-win!

6. Beastro

Cooking Up Success

Platforms PC
Publisher Timberline Studio
Genre Roguelike, Deckbuilder, Cooking
Release Date 2026

I have two passions: clever puns and delicious food. Luckily, the upcoming game Beastro combines both! Developed by Timberline Studio, you’ll be cooking meals for brave heroes called Caretakers. As you cook, you’ll also uncover the mystery of your missing teacher.

You’re Panko, a chef with a special gift: your cooking actually gives people powers! You’ll gather ingredients, cook meals through fun mini-games, and then serve them up. The key is to create dishes that the Caretakers will love – doing so gives them new abilities and unlocks even more options for you.

My only minor issue with Beastro is that it’s not yet available on consoles. Otherwise, it’s a deckbuilding game I’m really excited about.

5. Pocket Legend: Inventory Roguelike Deckbuilder

The Adventures of Blitz

Platforms PC
Publisher Shading Box, Paras Games
Genre Inventory Management, Deckbuilder
Release Date Q3 2026

When I’m trying to decide which deckbuilding games stand out, I often look at their art style. I immediately became interested in Pocket Legend: Inventory Roguelike Deckbuilder because of its charming, cartoonish look – it reminded me of games like Bravely Default. What makes it unique is that it also includes inventory management, adding a new twist to the genre.

The game emphasizes managing your items, and you’ll discover powerful, soul-infused weapons. Essentially, keeping your inventory well-organized will make those weapons even more effective when you fight.

Each turn, you’ll need to manage your weapons, armor, abilities, and other gear. Can you use your strength and wits to escape the strange world of Tanebra and find your way back home?

4. Witch’s Apocalyptic Journey

Witch Squad Represent!

Platforms PC
Publisher MeowAlive
Genre Roguelike, Deckbuilder, Multiplayer
Release Date Q2 2026

I’ve enjoyed a lot of deckbuilding games lately, but most of them are single-player experiences. While I usually prefer playing alone, I think it would be really fun to play one with friends, especially if we could all be powerful witches surviving the apocalypse!

The core idea behind Witch’s Apocalyptic Journey is that you’re part of a coven predicting the world’s end. While you can’t prevent it, you can influence events and change your destiny to improve your odds. Plus, the game allows you to create incredibly strong cards to help you survive.

The success of Witch’s Apocalyptic Journey really hinges on how well they execute the crafting system. Everything else – the beautiful artwork and compelling story – already seems fantastic.

3. Moonsigil Atlas

Magical Tetris

Platforms PC
Publisher Snake Tower Games
Genre Roguelike, Deckbuilder
Release Date Q1 2026

You might be surprised to see Tetris mentioned in a list of deck-building games – I was too! But Tetris is a personal favorite of mine, so any game that incorporates those kinds of puzzle mechanics immediately catches my attention. That game is Moonsigil Atlas.

Subscribe for deeper deckbuilder game coverage

Unlock curated deckbuilder previews, standout picks, and developer insights by subscribing to the newsletter. Receive informed analysis of upcoming titles, mechanics to watch, and which releases are truly worth your attention as a genre fan.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

In Moonsigil Atlas, you don’t use energy to play cards. Instead, the game uses the available space on the board to limit which powerful spells you can cast. Combine these spells strategically to battle ancient beings.

On top of everything else, the game lets you play as three different characters, boasts a beautiful, atmospheric look, and includes a card-customization system. If it’s even remotely as fun as it seems, I think I’ve found my next favorite game.

2. Montabi

Deckbuilding Monster Catcher

I’m a big fan of both deckbuilding games and monster-catching games. Combining the two seems like a fantastic idea, but it’s actually quite difficult to pull off well. That’s why I’m really hoping Montabi succeeds in bringing those genres together.

In Montabi, you’ll build a team of three characters, each with their own deck of cards representing their attacks and powers. You’ll then battle on a grid-based map, using strategy to win. With unpredictable events and a charming art style, Montabi has the potential to be a really fun game.

With over 40 unique monsters, including evolved forms, this game really shows promise.

1. Hungry Horrors

Delicious Distress

Platforms PC
Publisher Clumsy Bear Studio
Genre Cooking, Roguelike, Deckbuilder
Release Date 2026

While we’ve seen cooking deckbuilders before, like Beastro, Hungry Horrors really stood out – it was easily one of the most enjoyable Early Access games I’ve played recently. It’s a smart, funny, and surprisingly dark game that perfectly blends cooking with the unpredictable chaos of a Roguelike.

In the game Hungry Horrors, you play as a spoiled princess who finds herself in a strange castle existing between worlds. This castle is filled with monsters constantly tormented by endless hunger. You can either feed these creatures, or become their next meal!

Create tasty dishes with a variety of flavors, then combine them into meals to keep hungry monsters happy and full before they get to you. As you play, you’ll meet strange and unusual characters, and you might even discover you’re the hero everyone’s been waiting for.

Read More

2026-03-09 16:43