Top 10 Deck Building Board Games

[@nikosmessis]

It's insane how Dominion is still trending for so many years. One of the first board games I have ever played and the only one I still enjoy after all these years. My only complaint is the price tag for the expansions. 40 euros is a lot for 250 - 300 cards.

[@TotallyTabled]

That's a great point. It is expensive, especially since 3-4 expansions are needed to really get the most out of the game. I'd love to see a Dominion Essential Edition with the base game, Intrigue, Prosperity, and Seaside (maybe Hinterlands) in one package, with new art and a nice storage solution. That might be all the Dominion I'd ever need. Thanks for watching!

[@jonio2210]

I love deck builders! Thanks for the list. I would love to see the other 20 in your top 30!

[@TotallyTabled]

That would be a fun video, but I think most people only care about the top 10. Thanks so much for checking out the video!

[@user-qm5fy9tf7s]

For me, Aeon's End is by far my favorite deck building game of all time. ^^ Great video as always.

[@TotallyTabled]

Yeah, Aeon's End is one of the most popular choices for deckbuilding games. It is loved and has been supported with so much content over the years, which is awesome to see. It didn't land with me in my few plays but I need to try it more before I have a definitive opinion. Thanks so much for watching the list!

[@Zulfrak]

Absolutley agree on Dominion. Its so easy to teach and play but so complex. I got a lot of people into Deckbuilding by showing them Dominion One of my Favourites is Aeons End. Its basicly Co-Op Dominion Versus the game where you need to defend a city from Monsters and fight off a hughe Boss. Tons of Unique Characters, Cards and every Boss has its own unique gameplay twist.

[@TotallyTabled]

Yeah, Aeon's End is beloved and mentioned a bunch. Thanks for watching!

[@oschiott]

Thanks a lot for this video. I own and love every single game from 1 through 7 on your list, with the exception of Loop. My absolute favorite board game of all time is Dominion, and I think Mage Knight is no. 2. Your taste seems to match mine pretty good, so I think I have to play Loop, now. :D Thank you!

[@TotallyTabled]

The Loop is fantastic. Highly recommend it, especially if you like other solo/co-op games. It strangely reminds me of a stripped down, more quirky and clever version of Return to Dark Tower. Thanks so much for checking out the video!

[@kmontzka]

A solid list overall, including some of my favorites (Friday, Dune: Imperium) For solo play, I love Imperium Classics/Legends. I saw in another post that you haven’t tried it, but it is well worth learning. I also enjoy Astro Knights - rethemed and streamlined Aeon’s End (which I was too dark and complicated for me with all the expansions)

[@TotallyTabled]

I do want to try Imperium Legends. Seems really interesting. I thought about giving Astro Knights a try, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I wasn't really a fan of Aeon's End but I might give it another play soon. I'm not ready to give up on it. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@starshocker]

I've played the Loop recently and if it is underated indeed I'm shocked... This is such an interesting co-op. I also love Ruins of Arnak, especially with the expansion ( can't wait for the latest)

[@TotallyTabled]

I just got the latest expansion and I also can't wait to try it out. Arnak keeps getting better. I wonder how well The Loop sold. Not sure. I just know very few people seem to talk about it. And it is still outside the top 500 on BGG. That seems underrated, but maybe it is more popular than I realize. I LOVE IT and try to talk about it as much as I can. Thanks for watching!

[@stormburns]

The Ark Nova thumbnail really got me 😂

[@TotallyTabled]

Now that is a deck!

[@Civ2boss]

Haha me too I was like that's not a deck builder!

[@ajeckler]

Great list! Dominion is still a classic, and while it doesn’t have the satisfying thinkiness of Dune or Arnak, the elegant simplicity and accessibility keep it in my top 10. I’d say Spirit Island is deck building adjacent and it would be my number 1.

[@TotallyTabled]

Yeah, I don't consider Spirit Island a deckbuilding game, so I didn't include it. These labels are somewhat meaningless at the end of the day. It's a great game. Thanks for checking out the list!

[@Tedzee8]

Do you include Glow as deck building game? If no. I wd agréé but it's one if m'y fav'!. I m feeling there is so much to play and so much more deck building games about to come in 2024

[@xTonyLeo]

Suprised not to see spirit island on this! Great list for me to check out.

[@TotallyTabled]

Spirit Island isn't technically a deck building game, so that is why it's not on the list. Thanks for checking out the list!

[@rcornwall6339]

Love the list. I would add Imperium Classics/Legends, especially for a solo deck builder

[@Xebeche1860]

Absolutely! This is my favorite heavy deckbuilder for solo play! 🙂

[@TotallyTabled]

Haven't gotten around to playing those. They seem cool. One day, hopefully. Thanks for watching.

[@paulhamrick3943]

Thank you for putting Dominion at #1. I got into the hobby about 4 years ago and for the first two years I was disgusted by Dominion because of the box art and the card art. I finally tried it during the pandemic because I discovered it was one of the best games to play online, and I could play it over a Zoom/Facetime meeting with family members. I quickly discovered how amazing it is. I see sooooo many board game KZbinrs dismissing it because "it's only deckbuilding". I think way too many people are addicted to the "toy" factor of so many games, and the "more is better" bias. The fact that Dominion is a pure (and the first) deck builder is a good thing! To anyone reading this, if you buy the base Dominion game, then the Intrigue, Seaside, and Prosperity expansions, you'll have a game you can play hundreds of times. And it plays well at the full range of 2 to 4 players (some people complain about game length/downtime at 4 player but I disagree).

[@PNG25]

Nice list. I have played 7 out of 10 and probably I would add them in my own list. I love also the tyrant's of the underdark.

[@TotallyTabled]

That is one I haven't tried yet, but I remember it looked cool. Definitely one I would love to table. Thanks for watching!

[@Valen-D]

Perfect time for more Mage Knight playthroughs!

[@TotallyTabled]

Ha, soon. Very soon.

[@tiberiocamargo]

the loop is a perfect game IMO, and very, very, very underrated - just wished the board was a bit smaller, because adding cards around the eras takes a lot of space

[@TotallyTabled]

I'll never understand why The Loop hasn't become this cult classic in the same way Obsession slowly gained awareness. It has everything and yet it still seems like nobody speaks about it. Crazy. Thanks for checking out the list!

[@tiberiocamargo]

yeah, and because of its no-hype its usually VERY CHEAP for its contents (there are 4 modes, each with 3 difficulties); the 80s and 90s references on it are beyond awesome

[@coalitionofseekers9572]

​@TotallyTabled I think it's the art work. Meganerd and snobby gamers think it's too childish. I just played my first gane last night! Can't wait to play again

[@olivierjodoin2283]

​@@TotallyTabledFunny you make the comparison to Obsession, that's one I've made in the past. In both cases, it's the high luck factor that bothers a lot of people. However they both have a lot of tools to mitigate the luck, enough that it doesn't bother me. Both games are in my top 15.

[@coreys6421]

I LOVE deck building games and have quite a few overlaps with you. Some that I really love that were missing from your list are: Aeon’s End Hero Realms Baseball highlights 2045 Undaunted I’m super excited to try paperback adventures when I can get my hands on it and also heard a lot of good buzz around the new Star Wars deck building game.

[@TotallyTabled]

Paperback Adventures looks really interesting. I have it on Steam, so I might try it there first. I don't need too many spelling games in my life, but there might be room for one more. 😂 Thanks for watching!

[@daem0nfaust]

Eminent Domain will always be on my top5 deck builders. Clearly, I need to try The Loop. Didn't give it much thought when it came out.

[@TotallyTabled]

I highly recommend The Loop. You can check out my full solo play to get a sense of it, but man is it a great cooperative game. I try to spread the word whenever I can. Eminent Domain is great and would have been top 15 for me. Like I said, I could have done a Top 30 and many games nearly cracked the Top 10. Thanks for watching!

[@giannisc.5254]

I wanted to try Eminent Domain ever since i found out about it, but I initially passed up on it and now I can't find it anywhere ! :(

[@daem0nfaust]

@@giannisc.5254 yeah, with its publisher gone, I think you might fare better in the secondary market. I myself only had the base game for a long time, and got the complete expansions from a friend selling his.

[@TotallyTabled]

@@giannisc.5254 If you play on Board Game Arena, they have a pretty good implementation of Eminent Domain. Fun game.

[@giannisc.5254]

@@TotallyTabled Thank you, I don't use BGA much so I didn't think of that !

[@MalikAlghani]

Amazing list! I agreed to almost everything lol except for dominion. Idk why i tried it and I don't understand the hype, maybe its because the game is the "dad" of deckbuilding so it's pretty old. I'd change dominion with star realms. One more thing, you use a deck of ark nova cards on your thumbnail on a video about deckbuilding, yes i know this is basically nothing but it somehow annoys me so much HAHAHAHA but still, amazing list 🫶🏽

[@TotallyTabled]

Dominion is both old and new -- its 15th expansion came out last year -- so it is always refreshing itself with new ideas. Star Realms got stale pretty quickly for me, but I don't find the dueling aspect all that compelling. Thanks for watching!

[@thesolitairegambit2556]

Most games on yours list are also my favorites. I would also add DC Deckbuilding, Marvel Legendary, Star Wars Deckbuilding, Ascension, Hero/star realms, and Aeons End. I’m probably one of the few people that’s does NOT like Dominion. The art is not appealing to me and I can’t stand having one action per turn till I get more cards to have more actions. I’d like to play ALL my cards and trigger lots of combos! 😁

[@TotallyTabled]

I would like to try the Star Wars Deckbuilding game. That looks cool. Thanks for watching!

[@UmouMais]

Amazing list!

[@TotallyTabled]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@tonybowers9490]

Thanks for sharing. Lost Ruins of Arnak and Dune: Imperium are in my Top Ten of board games and both are in my top five of deck builders so I'm right there with you. It's close, but I may enjoy Arnak a little more than Dune due to the theme. I've heard a lot about The Loop and have it on order. Based on what I've heard it may be near my top too.

[@TotallyTabled]

I like the deckbuilding in Dune better than Arnak, and I like Dune better as a 3-4 player game, but I like Arnak better as a 1-2 player game overall. Both are awesome and deserve their popularity. Let us know what you think about the Loop once you table it. Thanks for watching, Tony!

[@FernCircle]

A little shout out to Apex Theropod Deck building game which is good solo and the art is great. Also Star Realms, and Hero Realms - which has a coop/solo campaign expansion. 😊

[@TotallyTabled]

I haven't tried Apex. Sounds really great. Thanks for the recommendation and thanks for watching!

[@brianstephens8866]

Some excellent games in the list. There a few dfifferent ones I could add, but its more personal taste rather than anything else. I like Lost Ruins but it's really only a psuedo deck builder as you never shuffle the whole deck and any items you buy are unlikely to be seen as they go to the bottom of your deck. The other choice I could argue with is Friday, as it can be solved. It's very clever in that what you need to do is counter-intuitive; but once you've discovered the trick(s)... I can now beat on top level of difficulty 90% of the time (drawing the cards in a horrible order can still screw you over). Sadly it now sits on my shelf gathering dust.

[@TotallyTabled]

Luckily Friday hasn't been spoiled for me, so I still enjoy it. In fact, I find it quite difficult! I'm not sure what you mean by "any items you buy are unlikely to be seen." They are more likely to come up quicker than in a traditional deckbuilder because they aren't going into a discard pile but rather they are going to your deck. If your deck is thin you will probably see them next round. Anyway, thanks for watching.

[@billyvaillancourt6617]

Tyrants of the Underdark is a really good deck building game and area control game. It should be on this list. You should try it if you never play it.

[@carlosd.7208]

Also path of light and shadow is a solid pick

[@TotallyTabled]

Yep, I missed that one. Looks cool. Thanks for the rec!

[@sebastianrams5507]

Thanks for you list! But why the cards of Ark Nova in the thumbnail of this video?

[@TotallyTabled]

It's just a big deck and doesn't spoil the list. Thanks for watching!

[@hachoo3318]

Hi shaggy! Interesting that you put The Loop so high up. I'm still interested in the game but also not really because of the core actions which look kind of dull and repetitive: 1.remove a cube 2.remove a disc 3.move. Any thoughts on that? (Also missing Spirit Island on your list)

[@TotallyTabled]

Not dull and repetitive at all. Have you checked out my full solo playthrough of the Loop? Watching that is the best way to answer your question. But in short, you aren't removing discs -- you are pushing and pulling them, trying to get them in the right slice of the board, which is not always easy. To do well you need to make very clever moves with your cards. The whole thing is really puzzly and exciting. You are also trying to complete missions, which just adds to the thinkiness. Awesome game, if you like co-ops. And I don't consider Spirit Island to be a deckbuilding game. Thanks for watching!

[@CamObscura88]

Have you played Aeons End? That is my favorite deck builder by far!

[@TotallyTabled]

I've played a few times and it didn't grab me, so I haven't played again in a while. I'll try it again at some point. I understand why it is so popular. Thanks for watching!

[@tehpickle1250]

For my money, Hardback is a better game than Paperback. It's almost the same game, but the ability to draw extra cards at will (without specifically lucking out on getting the right card) as well as the push your luck element it adds is very satisfying. I also like how the different card genres allow you to essentially make a specialised build. I like them both a lot but out of the two, Hardback is the game-ier game, and better for it. Great list though. I'm yet to play GWT but I do already own the New Zealand edition. Just need to get it learnt!

[@TotallyTabled]

Yeah, I think Hardback vs. Paperback depends on who you are playing with and what you want out of the game. I slightly prefer the original -- it felt more streamlined. But maybe if I had played them in reverse order, I would feel different. Thanks for watching the list!

[@Gamesablaze]

Hi, Paperback looks interesting and I was thinking of getting it but I'm also considering its sequel, Hardback. I thought I would just get one physically and one digitally but if you also played Hardback, which do you recommend I should get first?

[@TotallyTabled]

I've only played Hardback a tiny bit, so I'm not the best person to compare them. Paperback is a simpler and more straightforward experience than Hardback, which feels more gamery. I prefer Paperback and that is usually the one I recommend, but it really depends on your tastes. There is also Paperback Adventures which is a completely different animal but I haven't tried it yet. Hardback is available on Board Game Arena, which is a great place to try it out. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@Gamesablaze]

@@TotallyTabled Thanks for the comparison. Maybe I'll try them out digitally eventually on Board Game Arena (for Hardback) and Tabletopia (for Paperback). Nice video by the way.

[@TotallyTabled]

@@Gamesablaze Thanks. I appreciate that. Hope you enjoy the games!

[@sh-kr]

Dominion never gets old. I still love it too. 💯

[@VNGAMINGTV]

it does, i played it way to much

[@TotallyTabled]

Yeah, I've seen a bunch of backlash about Dominion but for me it stands the test of time. It is a one of a kind card game and a forever game for me. Thanks for watching!

[@VNGAMINGTV]

@@TotallyTabled i feel like i have completed it. I never loose in it anymore. X)

[@TotallyTabled]

@@VNGAMINGTV Do you mean just the base game? There's over a dozen expansions, it is impossible to complete it.

[@VNGAMINGTV]

@@TotallyTabled played it with like 4 expansions.. ;P its a good game tho. but i gag a little if am asked now haha

[@Josh-hz8vz]

+1 for saying Dominion. Its such a classic

[@TotallyTabled]

Thanks for watching!

[@jorgedawsonwetto25]

the loop looks interesting! i wonder if it has solo play?? ill look into it! friday i still dont have it! waiting for it to come back to one of the stores otherwise ill order it online!

[@TotallyTabled]

The Loop has a great solo mode. I've done a full solo playthrough of it on my channel. You should check it out! Thanks!

[@olivierjodoin2283]

The LOOP is actually best as a solo game. 3-4p has a lot of downtime

[@TotallyTabled]

I totally agree, Olivier. Solo is best and two player is great. I have no desire to try at 3 or 4. In fact I prefer most co-ops at smaller player counts.

[@andrethannhauser6302]

There can be a huge difference of naming your top10 Deckbuilding games or naming your top10 games with Deckbuilding. Both Mage Knight and GWT are in my Top20 of all time BUT they arent there because of the Deckbuilding aspect. Both are only "soft" deckbuilders and I would argue that the hand management aspect is prior to the actual deckbuilding.

[@TotallyTabled]

Sure. This list is games with deckbuilding. Thanks for watching.

[@scyldscefing3913]

One of my favorites is Terrors of London.

[@TotallyTabled]

Never tried that one. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@ChrisCuly]

My top two deckbuilding games are Imperium: Legends and Fort!

[@TotallyTabled]

Fort is a great game. I really enjoy that one. Thanks so much for watching!

[@Manny0Calavera]

Star Realms never gets old, even after (approx.) 200+ playthroughs. Best £11 I've ever spent :)

[@tjoris9]

Especially since they released Frontiers, which added co-op and solo options. Then there's Hero Realms with its co-op campaign and expansions to let players choose a race and class combo.

[@TotallyTabled]

The base game of Star Realms did get old for me pretty quickly. But I agree with you about value for money. It is absolutely noteworthy for punching well above its cost and that is probably a big reason for its success. Thanks for watching!

[@TotallyTabled]

I've not tried Frontiers or really any of the expansions. I'm sure that helps breathe life into the game. Hero Realms base game was more fun for me. I would like to return to that one. Thanks for the recommendations.

[@victorgonzalez2927]

No love for Aeon’s End. Arguably the best deck builder made!

[@TotallyTabled]

Nope. No love for Aeon's End. It's fine but never grabbed me. Thanks for checking out the list.

[@shantelalbert7151]

Dominion is great, but Draconis has replaced it in my heart. I love harry potter battle for Hogwarts deck builder. I could never win Friday and eventually passed it on. Couldn't agree more with Clank catacombs (the solo campaign with the app is fantastic) along with dune and arnak. The newest Arnak expansion adds the campaign and makes it cooperative for two player and makes a game that was an 8/9 to 10 for me!

[@TotallyTabled]

Never heard of Draconis before. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the rec! I just received the new Arnak expansion. I was excited to table it before and now I'm really excited! Thanks for watching!

[@KesSharann]

The Leaders expansion for Arnak is a must. Never play the base game.

[@TotallyTabled]

I completely agree. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@ryanbartlett672]

Dominion! Not just my favorite deckbuilder, but my #1 of all time.

[@TotallyTabled]

Nice! It's a special game for sure. Thanks for checking out the list!

[@landlboardgames]

Have you ever beat Friday? Is it possible to? I love the game, but I've never gotten close to winning 😅

[@TotallyTabled]

Friday is a funny one, because it is by all accounts solvable, or at least extremely easy once you figure it out. I've never figured it out or even come close, so it is still a challenging game for me. I win rarely, and when I do, I'm not sure what I did differently to earn the W. The secret is lost on me, which is great because the game is still fun! Thanks for watching!

[@powertothemeeple1410]

amazing video

[@TotallyTabled]

Thanks so much. I appreciate that.

[@kdlittle88]

Nice video. The slow moving of pieces and cards is torture to watch though.

[@TotallyBoard]

I really need to try Dominion (and every game on the list tbh). What do you think about Star Realms?

[@TotallyTabled]

I like but don't love Star Realms. It is great for what it is. I haven't played the expansions and all that -- it has become quite big, so I'm sure it is better with all that stuff, but I've sort of played it and moved on at this point. I've never really been into dueling games, with a few exceptions. But I totally get why it is so popular. Thanks for watching the video!

[@TotallyBoard]

@@TotallyTabled Makes sense! I just got it at a crazy deal, but I’ve always had my eye on Dominion, and much prefer the theme to Star Realms. SR is still realllly good though! Awesome video!

[@lanceware2417]

Why are cards from Ark Nova on the title screen? AN is never mentioned, nor is it in any sense a deck building game.

[@manuelkooijman5757]

Weird that you choose Ark Nova as the thumbnail. Ark Nova is not a deck builder, but a tableau builder in my opinion. I know that picking Dominion is not going to be as sexy but at least that is a deck building game, or Imperium Legends.

[@blacksheep9950]

A turtle and a hare would have been a very different race.

[@TotallyTabled]

Yes, I misspoke there. You win a prize.

[@VexylObby]

To me, Dominion is like The Beatles. Yeah, it has had a lot of influence on the hobby. But MAN has it aged. And there are so many modern alternatives that do so many things better.

[@TotallyTabled]

We will have to agree to disagree about that. To me, Dominion doesn't feel like it has aged at all, in the same way classic cards games don't feel like they have aged. They are timeless. The variability of Dominion with the expansions keeps it feeling fresh. Thanks for watching!

[@raphael_tremblay]

This list is perfect except for Dune being in it imo. I hate the deck building aspect of it because you just don't get to see your hand that often and there is very few ways to trash those aweful starting cards. Played it 10+ times and never enjoyed it...

[@fingersmaster]

Deck building game video and no word of Century Spice Road, Splendor, Gizmos or The Builders?

[@TotallyTabled]

Well, what you have done is mention four games that aren't deck builders. Century is close, but it is what I am calling a hand builder, like Concordia. It is a subtle but meaningful difference and I talk about that at the end of the video. The other three aren't deck builders at all. Hope that clarifies your confusion.

[@fingersmaster]

@@TotallyTabled In which category would you then put Splendor, Gizmos or The Builders? Engine building?

[@TotallyTabled]

Yes, engine and tableau building. And open drafting.

[@hanslamal5632]

Dominion and Star Realms

[@eledv4521]

Friday, After the Virus, Goblivion, Hero Realms

[@TotallyTabled]

I haven't tried After the Virus or Goblivion. Thanks for the recommendations and thanks for checking out the video!

[@jasonjett2127]

Why is the thumbnail ark nova?

[@TotallyTabled]

Big deck.

[@idjester]

OK>.... totally tables I was going to have to yell and scream at you if you didn't do what you should -- make Dominion your #1 game... and you did... so no yelling this time... so I guess all of my comments and post finally wore you down until you realized I was right... Dominion is the #1 game of all time... as you said, there isn't many games out there that are still getting new expansions 15 years later and you are not talking about small box add 3-5 cards expansions we are talking about major expansions with as much content that came in the base game... You have restored my faith in you... my son -- you did well this time.. don't make me have to scold you again....

[@TotallyTabled]

Ha, well I expect to get yelled at by the people who think Dominion has been surpassed. For me, Dominion is in a completely different tier, as far as deckbuilding goes. It is definitely worthy of a #1 game of all time ranking, even if it doesn't quite get that high for me personally. It is a groundbreaking design. Thanks so much for checking out the list. I appreciate it!

[@Jonathan-ei7vp]

I thought for 5 years deck building were not for me until I realized it was just Dominion that I hated 🤭