Top 20 Best Trading Card Games

Top 20 Trading Card Games

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the coolest and most enduring trading card games.

#20: “UniVersus Collectible Card Game” (2006-)

Originally known as the Universal Fighting System until its rebrand in 2021, UniVersus is surprisingly one of the longest running trading card games on this list. It’s well known for featuring several licensed properties over the years, including anime such as “My Hero Academia,” the popular web series Critical Role, and most recently the legendary “Godzilla.” The best part about it is that the sets are cross-compatible, meaning you can mix and match your favorite franchises in the same deck!


#19: “Chaotic Trading Card Game” (2007-14)

Originally created in Denmark around the beginning of the 21st century, “Chaotic” quickly became a popular niche card game overseas. This can easily be attributed to the game’s unique battle system, which pits two players against each other with an individual monster and battle gear, attacking until one emerges victorious. While the online version of the game has long since been taken down, “Chaotic” was the only franchise to be able to fully integrate a solid game across multiple platforms. Now that is dedication.

#18: “Duel Masters Trading Card Game” (2002-)

Spawned from the “Duel Masters” manga and anime series, the collectible card game is played much like “Magic: The Gathering.” Creatures and powers are used to attack and destroy the other player, and the game has a lot of strategic depth. “Duel Masters” was the best-selling card game in its native Japan for over a year after its release there in 2002. Its success stateside was more moderate, and it was discontinued in America in 2006. In 2012 “Duel Masters” would be rebranded and given new life under the title “Kaijudo: Rise of the Duel Masters.” Unfortunately this wouldn’t last very long, but “Duel Masters” itself continues to dominate to this day in Japan as one of the biggest card game franchises.

#17: “CardFight!! Vanguard Trading Card Game” (2011-)

Time to represent your astral spirits. A rather unique entry for our list, “Cardfight!! Vanguard” pits two players against each other as astral spirits on a faraway planet. With a finite number of units to call to their side, the player loses when he or she gets hit with too many damage cards or runs out of units. A monumental collaboration between creators of “Yu-Gi-Oh!” and “Duel Masters” that was first released in 2011, the game attributes most of its success to the popular anime of the same name. The card game still continues to this day, with a plethora of anime series released with it.

#16: “Netrunner” franchise (1996-2012, 2012-)

Let’s leave the magic behind and dive into the world of cyberpunk. Inspired by the William Gibson novel “Neuromancer,” this is yet another card series created and published by Wizards of the Coast. “Netrunner” casts characters as hackers competing with each other to hack and steal valuable data from a mega-corporation. While considered an underrated title by fans, critics praised “Netrunner” for addictive gameplay and impressive artwork. The game eventually won everyone over, and despite being discontinued, there’s an expandable card game based on it under the name “Android: Netrunner.”

#15: “World of Warcraft Trading Card Game” (2006-13)

When an MMORPG isn’t enough, add a card game. Not to be confused with Blizzard’s online card game “Hearthstone,” this trading card game was first released in 2006, and it pits players against each other one-on-one or with allies in an arena-style form of combat. Due to the monumental popularity of World of Warcraft, over 20 sets of cards were released, giving players control over almost every major character from the franchise. While the series was discontinued after a successful seven-year run, it later gave way to the even more popular “Hearthstone” series. So we can let this one go.

#14: “Vampire: The Eternal Struggle” (1994-)

Now these are real vampires – not ones that sparkle. Designed in 1994 as the second venture from famed creator Richard Garfield, “Vampire” is set in the World of Darkness and sets rival players as vampires from different clans in the eternal struggle for dominance. Unlike most trading card games that focus on a duel between two players, “Vampire” works best with a group of five in a king-of-the-hill style match, or it can even be played in teams. Regardless of how you play, “Vampire: The Eternal Struggle” shines a new light on the World of Darkness.

#13: “Weiß Schwarz” (2007-)

Characters from Japanese manga and anime are the focus of the next collectible trading card game on our list. “Weiß Schwarz” was released in 2007, the title of which translates from German into “black” and “white.” The game’s rules aren’t for the faint of heart and present a complex yet dynamic gaming experience for adept CCG players. The artwork on these “Weiß Schwarz” cards is sumptuous, to say the least, and feels collectible, even if one doesn’t want to play the game. There have also been many participating titles that lent their anime likenesses to the “Weiß Schwarz” brand, ensuring hours upon hours of gameplay.

#12: “Dragon Ball Collectible Card Game” franchise (2008-09, 2000-17, 2017-)

There have been several different collectible card games that have capitalized upon the popularity of both “Dragon Ball” and “Dragon Ball Z.” The original “Dragon Ball Z Collectible Card Game” arrived first in 2000, and lifted imagery directly from the anime. Bandai would then develop the “Dragon Ball Collectible Card Game” in 2008, before replacing it with the “Dragon Ball Super Collectible Card Game” in 2017. Fans of the franchise have been particularly pleased with this latter entry, thanks to its energetic and unpredictable playing style. The artwork has also resonated with fans, making this “Dragon Ball” card game one of the most faithful adaptations to the collectible market.

#11: “Arkham Horror: The Card Game” (2016-)

The literary world of H. P. Lovecraft is full of rich mythologies and even crazier creatures. This imagination led to many film adaptations of Lovecraft’s work, while 2016 ushered in a card game that attempted to bring the author’s fictional city of Arkham, Massachusetts to life. “Arkham Horror: The Card Game” isn’t one for beginners, or those new to card games in general, but instead offers harrowing stories of mystery and cosmic horror to those who dare open its contents. There’s deck building involved and a little bit of chance, as well as strategy and detective skills that will go a long way into uncovering what lurks behind the dark… or underneath the waves.

#10: “Star Wars: Unlimited” (2024-)

Star Wars has branched out into so many other forms of media that it’s no surprise that it has its own trading card game. As the youngest entry on this list, Unlimited has been designed by
Fantasy Flight Games to be easily accessible to newcomers. The objective of the game is to destroy the other's base card, with both players getting their own leader card along with a deck consisting of resource cards. Star Wars: Unlimited is one of the most promising card games in a long time, and we can’t wait to see where future expansions take it.

#9: “Final Fantasy Trading Card Game” franchise (2011-16, 2016-)

Whoever said that Japanese manga and anime needed to have all the fun when it came to collectible card games? The “Final Fantasy” franchise received its own CCG back in 2011, titled “Chapter,” although this version wouldn’t see a release outside of Japan. It wasn’t until 2016 that a new iteration of the “Final Fantasy Trading Card Game” would be issued worldwide, with the “Opus” series. Thankfully, fans around the world received a solid and commendable game with “Opus,” since it faithfully adapts a lot of elements from the “Final Fantasy” franchise. Everything from crystals and creature summons is available here, while the gorgeous artwork on each card is sure to evoke strong feelings of nostalgia for many “Final Fantasy” veterans.

#8: “Digimon Card Game” franchise (1997-)

The comparisons between Pokémon and Digimon will probably never end, at least by the uninitiated, but that doesn’t mean that both franchises can’t each enjoy their famous trading card series. The history of the “Digimon Card Game” dates back to 1997 when Bandai’s first version was released for the Japanese market. The current version of the game debuted in 2020, bringing back its nostalgic fanbase, while also ushering in new fans that are fascinated by the concept of these “digital monsters.” The art is bright and vibrant, the rules easy to follow, and the strategy here is compelling enough to keep bringing players back for more.

#7: “Marvel Champions: The Card Game” (2019-)

It sort of goes without saying that Marvel Comics’ rich world of heroes and villains serves as perfect fodder for a competitive card game. The goal here is a classic “good versus evil” scenario, with players teaming up their heroes to take down a sinister supervillain and his nefarious plans. The inclusion of both well-known heroes and more niche characters is a nice touch, while the various expansion packs keep stories and scenarios fresh for players. The Marvel Cinematic Universe may not be what it used to be, but at least fans of these characters can revisit them here with “Marvel Champions: The Card Game.”

#6: “One Piece Card Game” (2022-)

The “One Piece” manga and anime franchise is another one that received the collectible trading card treatment back in 2022. Copies of the game and its cards were initially slow to make their way overseas from Japan, but this TCG, much like its source material, continues to gain international popularity. And why not? Building up a dope pirate crew in your deck is tons of fun, as are the battles and competitive game mechanics of “One Piece.” This card game can be understood by beginners, while also being mastered by expert players who want to take their skills all the way. It’s this versatility that helps make the “One Piece Card Game” so cool.

#5: “Flesh and Blood” (2019-)

The explosive popularity of “Magic: The Gathering” is what eventually helped inspire the creation of the “Flesh and Blood” card game back in 2019. The game’s creator, James White, had previously been a professional Magic player and decided to parlay this experience into his own card-based venture. The resulting “Flesh and Blood” game adhered to a fantasy backbone with regards to story and art, similar to “Dungeons & Dragons.” A class system is in place, each with its own pros and cons, while players primarily focus on their intellect and life points during each game. It’s an easy game to learn, and a good one for those who feel entering “Magic: The Gathering” at this point is too daunting a proposition.

#4: “Disney Lorcana” (2023-)

The Wonderful World of Disney is no exception to the scores of IPs being adapted into a collectible card game. Thankfully, “Disney’s Lorcana” seems to have been worth the wait, since it brings to life countless classic Disney characters and inserts them into an exciting world of play. Ink is used to summon various Disney heroes and villains, from Mickey Mouse and Elsa to Captain Hook and Robin Hood. Naturally, brand recognition went a long way into the initial success of “Disney Lorcana” in 2023, but we wouldn’t still be discussing it a year later if it wasn’t also a good game. It’s also a solid potential bet for younger players looking to dip their toes into the CCG and TCG market.

#3: “Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game” (1999-)

Yeah, we know. It’s time to duel. Based on the fictional “Duel Monsters” plot device in the “Yu-Gi-Oh!” anime adaptation, this TCG sees two duelists set in opposition to each other, using monsters, spells, and traps to deplete their opponent’s life points. Launched in 1999, the game has been praised for its ease of play and unique card designs. As of 2021, the “Yu-Gi-Oh!” trading card game has sold more than 35 billion cards, snagging the spot as the best-selling card game in the Guinness Book of World Records. Clearly they’re doing something right; they must believe in the heart of the cards.

#2: “Pokémon Trading Card Game” (1996-)

I choose you! No not Pikachu; give us a Charizard instead. The Pokémon card game features two Pokémon trainers as they duel with their individual inventory of Pokémon in order to knock out their opponents and win the prize. The card game is heavily influenced by the accompanying anime series and video games, bringing simulated Poké-battles to the tabletop and schoolyard. This hasn’t hindered the cardgame’s success. The game was massive in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, but recently it’s received a gigantic boom due to it being extremely popular with collectors. Because, well, y’gotta catch ‘em all!

#1: “Magic: The Gathering” (1993-)

Earning our top crown is the world’s first trading card game. Created by Wizards of the Coast in 1993, “Magic” pits two mages against each other in an effort to pull mana from land and triumph over each other. As the game’s popularity skyrocketed, it became a household game staple and spurred the creation of a tournament circuit for tabletop and card games. On top of the game’s colossal success, “Magic” celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023 and has an estimated 50 million players as of 2023. Here’s to another thirty years of tapping that mana.

What was the first trading card game you ever played? Let us know in the comments!