If you’ve ever been curious about the differences between card games, you’re not alone! With so many options out there—like LCGs vs TCGs vs card-based board games—it can get a bit confusing.
Each type offers something different, and that’s what makes them so exciting. But what exactly separates these games from each other, and how do you choose the one that’s right for you? Let’s look at the differences and find out what makes each type of game unique!
Card-Based Board Games
What are card games vs board games? Card games are exactly what they sound like—board games that primarily use cards as the main component of gameplay. They come as a single, boxed item where all players typically have the same pool of cards to play from.
These games focus on the strategic use of cards drawn from a shared deck, with each player working towards a set goal. The variety in gameplay often comes from how players use their hands of cards to outmaneuver opponents.
Some examples of card-based board games include:
Unmatched
Unmatched is a card-driven game where legendary characters from different universes clash in epic battles. Players use a unique deck for each character, reflecting their abilities and personalities. You’ll find yourself thinking several moves ahead, as you try to balance the offensive and defensive capabilities of your character to outwit opponents. Plus, the game’s stunning artwork and strategic depth make it a must-play for fans of tactical card games.
Sea Salt and Paper
Imagine a card game where origami comes to life! Sea Salt and Paper combines the simplicity of card collecting with the elegance of paper art. As you gather cards, you’ll create beautiful sea creatures, all while strategizing to outscore your opponents.
But beware—every decision could give your opponents an edge! The game’s design makes it quick to play, but the strategy involved ensures it’s always a challenge. Easy to learn and endlessly replayable, it’s a delightful addition to any game night.
Love Letter
Can you outwit your rivals and win the heart of the princess? Love Letter is an intense game of risk and deduction where players compete to deliver their love letter to the princess while thwarting their opponents’ attempts.
Each round, you’ll play one of the sixteen cards, trying to outmaneuver the others with cunning strategy. Despite its simplicity, Love Letter is packed with tension and surprises, making it a staple card game for any board game night where social interaction and strategy are key.
Coup (PH Edition)
Who can you trust? Coup is a fast-paced game of deception and power where players vie to eliminate each other’s influence and be the last ones standing. Bluff your way to victory by claiming influence over powerful roles, but be ready to back it up—or risk losing everything if you’re caught lying.
With its quick rounds and high replayability, Coup keeps everyone on their toes, making it a must-have for fans of social deduction and strategy. Coup: Philippine Edition adds a unique flavor by using Filipino references and characters, making it not just a game of strategy and deception, but also a celebration of Filipino identity and culture.
Dixit
In Dixit, your imagination is your greatest asset. This game revolves around storytelling, as players try to match beautifully illustrated cards with cryptic clues. Each round, the storyteller gives a clue—be it a word, phrase, or even a sound—while the other players choose cards they think match.
The goal is to guess the storyteller’s card, but not too easily! Dixit is a game that sparks creativity and brings out the storyteller in everyone, making it a magical experience for all ages.
Trading Card Games
What is the definition of a trading card game? Trading card games (TCGs), also known as collectible card games (CCGs), are card games where players collect cards to build decks, which they then use to compete against others in player-vs-player showdowns. Unlike card-based board games, TCGs are usually sold in randomized packs, meaning that players don’t know what cards they’ll get until they open the pack.
This element of surprise is part of the thrill, but it also means that competitive deck styles vary from player to player. TCGs often have expansive universes with rich lore, and they encourage players to trade cards to complete their collections or build stronger decks. These games are popular not only for their gameplay but also for their collectibility, with rare cards sometimes fetching high prices on the secondary market.
New Wave of TCGs: Flesh and Blood
Flesh and Blood reimagines the TCG experience with a fresh perspective. Created by James White, a former professional Magic: The Gathering player, this game rekindles the thrill of classic card battles.
This game doesn’t just play by the old rules—it redefines them. Instead of gradually building up your power like other TCGs, you dive straight into action with your hero at full strength. Every move counts from the start, setting the stage for intense, tactical duels where your decisions truly matter.
In Flesh and Blood, you are the one fighting. Unlike other TCGs where you might summon minions, this game focuses on direct combat, keeping the gameplay fast and the action flowing. There’s no hiding behind summoned creatures here—just pure, strategic face-offs.
What’s more, the game minimizes “dead” turns. You draw up to your maximum hand size every turn, and most cards serve multiple purposes. This flexibility ensures that every turn is impactful, giving the gameplay incredible depth and keeping you engaged from start to finish.
Flesh and Blood emphasizes in-person play, encouraging players to connect through local tournaments and events. It blends the nostalgic feel of old-school TCGs with modern innovations, making it a standout choice for anyone looking for a card game that’s both familiar and refreshingly new.
Old School TCGs
Old-school TCGs like Magic: The Gathering laid the foundation for the definition of trading card games. Much like strategy games, resource management in TCGs limits player actions and creates a sense of time escalation. As players build up resources, they unlock more powerful options, shaping the game between early- and late-game strategies.
Deck-building in these classic TCGs is also straightforward: players must craft a deck with a minimum number of cards and a limit of copies per card. In Magic, for instance, players manage lands to cast spells and summon creatures. This resource management allows creative deck-building that mixes different colors for unique strategies.
The real challenge lies in balancing resources, threats, and answers, making every decision count and setting the stage where strategies evolve. This dynamic has not only defined old-school TCGs but also influenced countless games that followed.
Living Card Games
What is a living card game? Living Card Games (LCGs) are a newer genre of card games. In an LCG, the cards are not sold in randomized packs. Instead, players buy pre-constructed decks or expansions (with which they will build and upgrade decks), knowing exactly what cards they will receive.
This eliminates the need for players to spend large amounts of money on booster packs in search of specific cards. Players can build their decks and strategies knowing that everyone has access to the same cards, fostering a more level playing field and deliberate deck construction. Additionally, this distribution model allows for experiments in the game format, with some LCGs focusing on narrative-driven cooperative gameplay and others fostering more strategy-heavy player-vs-player action.
Key Differences Between Trading Card Games vs Living Card Games
- Frequency of Production. TCGs typically release new sets several times a year, whereas LCGs release new content monthly. This regular update schedule for LCGs keeps the game fresh and allows players to steadily expand their collections.
- Second-Hand Market. TCGs are highly valued in the secondary market due to the rarity of certain cards, which can make them expensive and difficult to obtain. In contrast, LCGs are more accessible since players know exactly what they are purchasing, making them less desirable for collectors but more appealing to casual players.
- Card Sets. In TCGs, card packs are randomized, meaning players never know exactly what they’ll get. LCGs, however, provide fixed card sets, so players know what they are getting with each purchase. This makes LCGs a better choice for those who prefer a more predictable gaming experience.
Fun fact: Fantasy Flight Games, a game developer, came up with the term and meaning of living card games. While it started as a marketing term, it has since become the go-to name for games like:
Arkham Horror: The Card Game
Can you survive the cosmic horrors that lurk in the shadows? Arkham Horror: The Card Game plunges you into a Lovecraftian nightmare where you must solve mysteries, battle eldritch monsters, and stave off madness.
As a cooperative living card game, players build their decks and work together to uncover dark secrets and prevent the end of the world. Each scenario is part of a larger campaign, with every decision carrying weight. Fans of horror and narrative-driven games will find Arkham Horror both challenging and endlessly replayable.
Marvel Champions
Team up with your favorite superheroes in Marvel Champions, a cooperative card game where players take on the roles of Marvel heroes to thwart the schemes of infamous villains. Each hero comes with a unique deck that reflects their powers and personality, offering a fresh experience every time you play.
Whether you’re swinging through the city as Spider-Man or smashing foes as the Hulk, Marvel Champions delivers fast-paced action and strategic depth. With regular expansions adding new heroes and scenarios, the adventure never ends.
The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game
Journey through Middle-earth in The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game, a cooperative LCG that lets you relive the epic tales of J.R.R. Tolkien. As members of the Free Peoples, you and your companions must band together to combat the forces of Sauron. Each scenario is a standalone adventure, but they all contribute to a larger campaign.
With richly thematic gameplay and beautifully illustrated cards, this game offers an immersive experience for fans of the books and movies. Test your courage and wisdom as you embark on quests across Middle-earth!
Find Your Perfect Card Game at Gaming Library
Card-based board games vs LCGs vs TCGs each offer unique experiences for players, from the strategy of deck-building to the thrill of collectible cards. Whether you’re looking for a game that’s easy to pick up and play or one that offers wild possibilities, there’s something for everyone in these three categories.
Why not explore them all? Discover the perfect game for your next game night at the Gaming Library!
