Best Trading Card Games to Collect

Thirty years after the release of the first trading card game, the genre is teeming with an abundance of diverse offerings. From Cyberpunk to Gothic Horror and Magical Fantasies, TCGs have it all. Unfortunately, you can’t catch ‘em all!

Buying the right game can be a harder decision than you might think. You will have to account for the price, your interest in the genre, and if there are any players in your region. So, whether you’re a beginner hoping to find new interests or a seasoned player looking to expand your collection, here are the best trading card games to collect. 

9. Cardfight!! Vanguard | Best Clan-Based System

Source: Amazon

Released in 2011, Cardfight!! Vanguard is an extension of the anime franchise of the same name. The card game features compelling anime-inspired characters and fleshed-out settings. And though the game looks daunting at first, it’s surprisingly beginner-friendly.

Players play the game as a kindred spirit on Planet Cray with the ability to summon units for battle. Your goal is simple – attack your opponent’s vanguard, and force them to add a card for each hit you land. The game is over when your opponent ends up with 6 or more cards in the damage zone. 

You can go with a trial deck or construct your own.  

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Unique combat mechanics with a focus on the Vanguard ✅ Expansive card library with varied clans and playstyles ✅ Regular updates and expansions ✅ Engaging artwork and design ✅ Strong community support	❌ Learning curve can be steep for newcomers ❌ Some cards can be expensive on the secondary market

8. Flesh & Blood | Best Newcomer TCG

Source: Amazon

Flesh & Blood is a new player in the game. And yet surprisingly, it has managed to climb through the ranks as one of the best TCGs out there. The hero-centric fantasy card game offers simple mechanics and beautiful illustrations. 

Playing the game is as simple as choosing your hero and heading into battle. Of course,  you will need to play it smart by choosing the right items and weapons to back you up. All in all, Flesh & Blood is a fast-paced duel card game that’s bound to keep you entertained!

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Deep strategic gameplay with a focus on player choices ✅ Beautiful artwork and card design ✅ Fresh mechanics that differentiate it from other TCGs ✅ Growing popularity and community ✅ Regular tournaments and events	❌ Newer to the market, so less established ❌ Some initial investment required to start competitive play

7. Digimon Trading Card Game | Best Anime-Based TCG

Source: Amazon

Launched in 2020, the Digimon Trading Card Game has managed to find an audience in the TCG genre in a short span of time. With simple and easy-to-understand game mechanics, the game is a good entryway for beginners looking to step into the captivating world of TCG. 

Unlike Pokemon, your goal will be to knock out your rival’s Security cards instead of defeating a set number of enemy creatures. And since the cards don’t break the bank, you can build yourself a collection in no time. Since it’s a niche interest, you’ll have to find other Digimon fans to play with. 

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Nostalgic value for Digimon fans ✅ Dynamic gameplay with evolving Digimon ✅ Regular updates and expansions ✅ Engaging artwork capturing the essence of the franchise ✅ Growing competitive scene	❌ Might be complex for younger players ❌ Reliant on franchise knowledge for full appreciation

6. Marvel Champions | Best Cooperative Card Game

Source: Amazon

If you love superheroes and everything Marvel, then Marvel Champions will be right up your alley. After making its mark in every way you can think of, it comes as no surprise that Marvel has made the realm of TCG its own as well. 

Instead of competing with another, like most games, you and your buddies will be going up against a villain wreaking havoc. Each player will take turns to launch lethal blows against their common enemy. Although the game promises endless fun and adventure, you will need to keep the rulebook in handy for the first few games. 

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Cooperative gameplay offers a unique TCG experience ✅ Features beloved Marvel characters ✅ Scenario-based gameplay keeps things fresh ✅ High-quality card design and artwork ✅ Suitable for solo play	❌ Not the traditional competitive TCG format ❌ Expansions required for full experience

5. Final Fantasy | Best Video Game Adaptation TCG

Source: Amazon

Final Fantasy is a well-recognized name, even in the world of TCGs. Featuring the same elements as the widely acclaimed RPG series, the two-player TCG made its way to the global audience in 2016. 

Gameplay-wise, the card game is similar to Flesh & Blood. You will have to deal enough damage for your opponent to end up with 7 or more cards in the damage zone. You will also need to spend Crystal Points for flipping the cards, which are generated by either discarding or playing cards from your hand. 

All in all, the game aptly pays homage to the franchise on the tabletop.

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Draws from the rich lore of the Final Fantasy series ✅ Diverse card abilities and mechanics ✅ Regular expansions and updates ✅ High-quality artwork and design ✅ Strong competitive scene	❌ Might be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the franchise ❌ Some cards can be rare and pricey

4. Keyforge | Most Innovative Deck System

Source: Amazon

Crafted by the same genius that brought Magic: The Gathering, KeyForge is yet another timeless TCG. The game stands out for its impeccable game design, a rich assortment of characters, and a meticulously detailed multiverse.

However, what truly sets the game apart is its unique approach to deck construction. Each deck is generated randomly by an algorithm – down to the name. This means that no two players can have the same deck. The mechanics of the game differ from traditional TCGs as well. 

Instead of the usual “reduce your enemy to bits’ ‘, players need to forge three keys by collecting a resource called Aember in the game. 

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Unique deck system where no two decks are the same ✅ Eliminates deck-building, focusing on gameplay ✅ Fresh mechanics and playstyle ✅ Affordable entry point ✅ Regular expansions and updates	❌ Lack of deck customization might not appeal to everyone ❌ Some decks can be unbalanced

3. Magic: The Gathering | Best Overall TCG Experience

Source: Amazon

Thirty years after its release, Magic: The Gathering, the world’s first collectible card game, is still going strong. Set within a sprawling multiverse, the card game features some of the best art in the business. But it’s more than a set of pretty pictures. 

Beneath the captivating art lies an intricate strategy game, where players must strategically summon formidable creatures to defeat their adversaries. Your win hinges on what kind of deck you manage to build. And with Magic: The Gathering releasing a new one every few months, you will keep finding killer combos and effective strategies. 

Pros:	Cons:
✅ The pioneer of trading card games with a rich history ✅ Deep strategic gameplay with endless deck possibilities ✅ Vast card library and regular expansions ✅ Strong global community and competitive scene ✅ Engaging lore and artwork	❌ Can be expensive to maintain a competitive deck ❌ Complexity might be daunting for beginners

2. Yu-Gi-Oh! | Best TV Show-Based TCG

Source: Amazon

Based on the 90s popular manga and anime, Yu-Gi-Oh! has remained a big player in the world of TCGs. Even 25 years after its launch, the cards stand out for their brilliant art and unique aesthetic. 

The gameplay involves summoning powerful monsters, casting potent spells, and setting cunning traps, all with the ultimate goal of depleting the opponent’s life points. Thanks to the absence of set rotations for older cars, a vast collection of vintage cards has remained usable in the game. 

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Iconic status with a dedicated fanbase ✅ Dynamic gameplay with varied deck archetypes ✅ Regular updates and expansions ✅ Engaging artwork and design ✅ Strong competitive scene	❌ Rule changes can be frequent, requiring adaptation ❌ Some meta decks can be expensive

1. Pokemon TCG | Best Family-Friendly TCG

Source: Amazon

Pokemon hardly needs an introduction. The renowned card game has been around since the 90s and is still adored by TCG enthusiasts everywhere. Decades later, the card remains the same. Evolve your Pokemon mid battle, catch your enemy off guard with strategic attacks, and use trainer cards to your advantage.

With over 1,015 Pokemon at your disposal, get ready to start your journey as a Pokemon trainer. Over the years, the game’s become more about collecting rare cards, but you can still find someone to play with.  

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Nostalgic value for Pokemon fans ✅ Suitable for a wide age range ✅ Regular expansions featuring new Pokemon ✅ Engaging artwork capturing the essence of the franchise ✅ Strong community and competitive scene	❌ Meta can sometimes be dominated by specific decks ❌ Some rare cards can be pricey

Summing Up the Best Trading Card Games to Collect

So, these were our top picks for the best trading card games to collect. Whether you’re an anime fan looking to expand your collection, or a fantasy lover searching for his next adventure,  this list has something for everyone. Didn’t see something that should be on the list? Feel free to drop us a suggestion!

Hopefully, you found a good entryway into the genre. Read 15 Best Red Card Draw Cards in MTG! for more.