Ten years ago, any mention of card games probably brought to mind classics like Magic: The Gathering or Yu-Gi-Oh! Overwhelmingly, the majority of collectible card games focused on in-person competitions and physical decks. Though some popular games were venturing into digital territory, the shift hadn’t quite happened yet.
Fast forward to 2024 and just about every single game now has a virtual counterpart—from collectible card games to more general board games. Mobile gamers will be happy to hear that many of these titles are available for download on Android devices, including those that were first released on PC or even those distributed physically.
Wondering what sorts of card games you can get into straight from your phone? Let’s take a closer look at some of the most playable games, including digital collectible card games (DCCGs) and other classics.
Omaha
Back in the early 2000s, online poker took off worldwide, which has since led to the release of mobile-ready poker platforms. If you’re new to the world of virtual poker and haven’t heard of brands like PokerStars, then keep in mind that you can access more than Texas Hold’em. In fact, we recommend trying out Omaha if you’re new to this classic card game. Players are given four hole cards at the start of the game instead of two, which makes creating a hand a bit easier—but also challenges players to read the table more than in Texas Hold’em.
Exploding Kittens
Back in 2016, Exploding Kittens helped put board games back in the public eye. This title involves drawing cards, which may then cause them to explode and require players to use special diffusion moves. Since its release, this game has been digitized and released for Android players. That means you can now play this thrilling game straight from your phone. There are now two mobile versions available, one from Microsoft and another from Netflix.
Thronebreaker
When it comes to the Witcher franchise and card games, gamers automatically think of Gwent. Gwent was an in-game card game introduced in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which became incredibly popular with players and earned a separate release of its own. Gwent is a worthy title—but we’re here to recommend you take a chance on Thronebreaker instead. The game follows Queen Maeve as she attempts to reclaim her throne. Not only does it include all the classic elements of CCGs, but it also includes plenty of RPG elements that make it similar to more traditional game releases.
Magic: The Gathering Arena
This wouldn’t be a list of digital card games without a mention of MTG. Compared to other DCCGs, Magic took its time entering the world of digital gaming—and it’s been well worth the wait. In fact, Magic: The Gathering Arena has been lauded by so many players that it’s now the entry point to the game that this title has desperately needed. The digital version includes tutorials and even practice matches, which allow you to take your time as you build your deck and learn how to take down your magical opponents.
Marvel Snap
Many DCCGs include a learning curve—but Marvel Snap masterfully bypasses much of that study period by handing players recognizable heroes. This game lets you build a deck of cards that double as superheroes. Players battle it out in three unique locations, all of which have special effects on their heroes. Currently, the game features over 170 characters, which has made it a hit for those who like truly immersive gameplay and are hardcore fans of the Marvel universe.
Legends of Runeterra
Similar to Marvel Snap and Thronebreaker, Legends of Runeterra builds on the hype of another project: League of Legends. This game is set in the same world as LoL, which means it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to expand their participation in the game. If you’ve played Hearthstone, then you’ll be very familiar with the setup for this CCG. Each deck focuses on a separate archetype, which means that you’ll be able to dive deep as you master the game.
