What Are The Hardest Trading Card Games?

Stepping into the world of trading card games is undoubtedly exciting, but it’s not all smooth sailing. Certain titles pose formidable challenges that can give even the most seasoned players a run for their money.

Whether it’s the web of intricate rules or an ever-expanding lore that you can never fully grasp, the following article lists the hardest trading games out there. Only pick these up if you have the skill and the dedication to match. 

Be sure to read more about trading card games in the TCG section of MyKindofMeeple.

Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn | Best Artwork Design

Source: Amazon

“Ashes: Rise of the Phoenixborn” is an engaging two-player expandable card game that immerses players in a rich fantasy world. In this game, participants step into the roles of powerful beings known as Phoenixborn, who were once revered protectors but now find themselves locked in an epic struggle to absorb each other’s Ashes and ascend to godhood.

The game’s core mechanics revolve around a custom dice to cast magic and a uniquely tight resource system. There are a bunch of different decks available, each with its own strengths, strategies, and playstyle. So your win will depend upon knowing the strengths of each deck. Players will also need to effectively manage their resources and come up with the perfect strategy to win. 

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Unique dice mechanic introduces a fresh take on resource management ✅ Beautifully illustrated cards and components ✅ Customizable decks allow for varied gameplay experiences ✅ Rich lore and world-building ✅ Balanced gameplay with multiple strategies to explore	❌ Learning curve can be steep for newcomers ❌ Some cards can be hard to find due to limited print runs

KeyForge | Most Innovative Gameplay

Source: Amazon

KeyForge is set on the Crucible, an artificial world built for the mighty Archons. Different factions of these beings clash with each other, to uncover the hidden Vaults on the planet for the pursuit of ultimate power. As exciting as it sounds, this game is not for the uninitiated. 

KeyForge breaks away from traditional TCGs as it leaves behind deck-building. Instead, each deck is uniquely built. Given the situation, only players who can adapt to the unsuspecting combinations can excel at the game. This TCG is one of the best to collect, according to the MKoM editorial team.

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Unique “no deckbuilding” concept ensures every deck is one-of-a-kind ✅ Fast-paced gameplay suitable for quick sessions ✅ Accessible for newcomers while offering depth for veterans ✅ Rich lore and diverse factions ✅ Regular expansions keep the game fresh	❌ Lack of deck customization might not appeal to everyone ❌ Some decks can feel more powerful than others

Race for the Galaxy | Best Space-Themed Game

Source: Amazon

Race for the Galaxy is an enigmatic tabletop game where players build galactic civilizations, using the cards before them. You will have to select a role before you proceed with the round. 

Although you can finish one round in 30 minutes, make no mistake it will be the hardest 30 minutes of your life. It will take you a couple of rounds before you can get used to all the symbols. The game gets to be a handful when you add in the fact that you need a Rosetta stone to decipher the card’s actions. 

Like San Juan, players will have to spend cards as a form of currency to build various buildings in the game, which adds another layer of intricacy to the game. However, it’s precisely this level of complexity that keeps the game engaging, even after multiple playthroughs, ensuring that each time you return to it, you discover something new and exciting.

“With all that out of the way, Kudo’s to the creator of this game! Again I’d like to reiterate that this game is an absolute masterpiece that has virtually no luck involved because the endless strategies are all so balanced, and the effectiveness of your strategy is based on how well you improvise and sacrifice based on the cards you draw There are probably a dozen different strategies just in the base game that can all be combined and adapted and improvised at will and cards are played by discarding other cards so you are constantly sacrificing decent cards and passing on development opportunities to make the most of what you have,” wrote an eloquent Amazon customer.

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Deep strategic gameplay with multiple paths to victory ✅ Compact size makes it portable and easy to set up ✅ Icon-driven cards reduce language dependency ✅ Scalable difficulty with expansions ✅ Quick playtime with simultaneous actions	❌ Iconography can be overwhelming for new players ❌ Requires multiple plays to grasp strategies

Legend of the Five Rings | Best Historical Fantasy Game

Adding to the list is the Legend of the Five Rings. As internal battles ravage the lands of Rolugan, get ready to step into the land of samurais, dragons, and mystics. The game’s foreign nature makes the commitment to playing a bit more of a reach for some players.  

Some players have complained about the combat being complicated as well. More importantly, the game uses a unique resource system and intricate storytelling elements, which means that players may need a while to get acquainted. And as complicated as the rules, they’re not laid out clearly for the unfamiliar. 

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Rich lore and world-building set in a fantasy feudal Japan ✅ Dynamic gameplay with political and military dimensions ✅ Customizable decks allow for varied strategies ✅ Regular expansions and updates keep the game fresh ✅ Engaging multiplayer dynamics	❌ Can be complex for newcomers ❌ Requires investment in expansions for the full experience

Arkham Horror: The Card Game | Best Atmospheric Gameplay

Source: Amazon

Although not the first to bring Lovecraftian horror to the tabletop, Arkham Horror is easily one of the best in the genre. You and your friends will be working as investigators in the quiet New England town of Arkham, taking on strange creatures and haunted houses. 

As promising as the game sounds, it’s not an easy one. For starters, you can die multiple times. Unlike other games, mastering Arkham Horror is not as simple as coming up with a successful strategy. Each scenario has multiple outcomes with defeat being a very common one. 

Overall, the game has a steep learning curve, which is why you might need to play a couple of rounds before you can confidently play the game. Either way, it’s hard to deny the draw to scary, spooky, or horrifying games, says the MKoM editorial staff.

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Deeply immersive Lovecraftian theme ✅ Cooperative gameplay promotes teamwork and strategy ✅ Campaign mode offers ongoing story progression ✅ High-quality cards with stunning artwork ✅ Scalable difficulty caters to both novices and experts	❌ Initial setup and understanding can be complex ❌ Expansions are almost necessary for the full experience

Yu-Gi-Oh! | Most Iconic Trading Card Game

Source: Amazon

Yu-Gi-Oh has been a prominent name in the world of TCGs since 1999. Embodying the same elements as the renowned anime franchise, Yu-Gi-Oh is a mix of spells, traps, and monsters. Although the game has a huge following, playing the widely loved card game is not a piece of cake. 

Yu-Gi-Oh! Omega alone has over 12,000 cards to choose from. Not to mention, that each card in the game is densely packed with information with some having as many as 6 effects with detailed instructions printed in tiny text. What’s more, each player’s turn is concluded in six phases which are governed by a complex set of rules. 

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Iconic and widely recognized in pop culture ✅ Dynamic gameplay with a vast array of cards and strategies ✅ Regular tournaments and events foster a strong community ✅ Accessible for newcomers with depth for veterans ✅ Regular expansions and updates	❌ Power creep can make older cards feel obsolete ❌ Some cards can be expensive and hard to find

Magic: The Gathering | Best Overall Trading Card Game

Source: Amazon

Introduced in 1993 by Wizards of the Coast, Magic: The Gathering is easily one the most popular card games in the fantasy genre these days. Two players otherwise known as planeswalkers, must use an array of spells, artifacts, and creatures at their disposal in a powerful duel. 

While undeniably enjoyable, Magic: The Gathering is far from child’s play. With several expansions released every year, the universe of Magic: The Gathering is ever-expanding. From the five-sided color pie that determined the strength of each card, to the 252-page rule book and the thousand cards in circulation, there’s no end to the complexity of the game. 

Pros:	Cons:
✅ The original trading card game with a vast history and lore ✅ Deep strategic gameplay with endless deckbuilding possibilities ✅ Strong global community with regular tournaments ✅ Constant updates and expansions keep the game fresh ✅ Diverse card mechanics cater to all playstyles	❌ Can be expensive to keep up with the latest cards ❌ Complexity can be daunting for newcomers

Summing Up the Hardest Training Card Games

So, these were the hardest training card games.  These games have given the best of the best players a tough time with their complexity, strategic depth, and rich lore, providing endless opportunities for gamers to test their skills.

Didn’t see something that should be on the list? Feel free to drop us a suggestion! Hopefully, you found something to keep you occupied for the holidays. You can read 15 Best Blue Card Draw Cards in MTG! for more.