Definitive Deckbuilder Tier List 2025
After hundreds of hours across dozens of deckbuilders, here's our comprehensive tier list for 2025. Rankings consider gameplay depth, replayability, innovation, and overall polish.
S-Tier: Genre-Defining Masterpieces
Slay the Spire
Still the king. Perfect balance, endless replayability, and the template others follow. Every mechanic serves a purpose. Every run feels unique. The ascension system provides years of challenge.
Inscryption
Transcends the genre with narrative innovation. The escape room elements, meta-commentary, and atmosphere create an unforgettable experience. Not just a great deckbuilder – a great game period.
Monster Train
Vertical battleground revolutionizes positioning. Faction combinations multiply strategies exponentially. The covenant rank system rivals Spire's ascension for long-term engagement.
A-Tier: Excellence With Minor Flaws
Wildfrost
Charming aesthetic masks brutal difficulty. The counter system creates unique tactical puzzles. Only held back by occasionally crushing RNG.
Griftlands
Negotiation mechanics genuinely innovate. Story integration impresses throughout. Slightly long runs prevent quick sessions.
Across the Obelisk
Co-op deckbuilding done right. Massive content justifies the price. Solo play feels inferior to multiplayer experience.
B-Tier: Solid Experiences Worth Playing
Roguebook
Hex exploration innovates wonderfully. Dual-hero system adds depth. Lacks the addictive quality of higher tiers.
Vault of the Void
Mechanics-focused design appeals to purists. Incredible customization options. Presentation might deter casual players.
Fights in Tight Spaces
Position-based combat feels fresh. Replay system creates cinematic moments. Limited content reduces longevity.
Pirates Outlaws
Mobile-first design works everywhere. Multiple characters provide variety. Lacks the polish of premium titles.
C-Tier: Flawed But Interesting
Dicey Dungeons
Dice mechanics offer unique gameplay. Charming presentation attracts newcomers. Limited strategic depth compared to cards.
Ring of Pain
Dark atmosphere stands out. Dungeon crawling adds exploration. Card mechanics feel secondary to positioning.
Nowhere Prophet
Convoy management adds strategy layer. Post-apocalyptic setting feels fresh. Convoy mechanics sometimes overshadow deckbuilding.
D-Tier: Only for Genre Enthusiasts
Cardpocalypse
Nostalgic 90s theme charms initially. Story mode provides structure. Actual deckbuilding lacks depth.
Destiny or Fate
Interesting mythological theme. Multiple paths provide variety. Core mechanics feel dated.
Ranking Criteria Explained
Innovation (25%): Does it advance the genre or copy others? New mechanics score higher than refinements.
Replayability (25%): Hours of content matter. Procedural generation, unlocks, and difficulty modes extend value.
Polish (25%): Bugs, balance, and presentation affect scores. AAA polish isn't required, but functionality is.
Fun Factor (25%): Subjective but crucial. Does it create "one more run" addiction? Do mechanics satisfy?
Rising Stars to Watch
Several upcoming titles could shake up these rankings. Balatro's poker mechanics show promise. Cobalt Core's timeline system innovates. Keep these on your radar.
Platform Considerations
Rankings assume PC play. Mobile versions often suffer from UI compromises. Console ports vary in quality. Steam Deck compatibility increasingly matters.
Your Tier List?
Tier lists spark debate – that's the fun. Maybe you value innovation over polish. Perhaps story matters more than mechanics. Create your own rankings and share them.
Explore more deckbuilder content or discover why Gunslinger's Revenge belongs in S-tier.