Exploding Kittens Card Game Review: Is It Worth the Investment?

Exploding Kittens is fun, but is it worth the cost? Check out our detailed review before you buy!

Our expert

Are you looking for a game that’s both hilarious and competitive, perfect for kids, families, and parties? Exploding Kittens might be the game to bring a burst of fun to your gathering! This family-friendly card game has taken the gaming world by storm, but is it worth the investment?

Let’s dive into the gameplay, the pros and cons, and find out if Exploding Kittens is the game you need or if it is worth it or not!

What is Exploding Kittens?

Exploding Kittens is a fast-paced, easy-to-learn card game. It is designed for 2-5 players. With its artwork and unpredictable gameplay, it has gained immense popularity.

The goal is simple: avoid drawing an Exploding Kitten card at all costs! The game is filled with twists, strategy, and hilarious moments. This makes it a great choice for families and parties.

Pros:

  1. It is quick and simple.
  2. It is beginner-friendly. It means it is easy to learn. 
  3. It has humorous artwork that will keep everyone entertained.
  4. It is a Strategic game. 
  5. It works well for 3-5 players.

Cons:

  1. Repetitive Over Time.
  2. Luck Over Skill.
  3. It’s not as engaging with just two people; it’s better with larger groups.

How to Play Exploding Kittens (Step-by-Step Guide)

Learning how to play Exploding Kittens is easy and quick. The goal of the game is simple—avoid drawing an Exploding Kitten card, or you’re out of the game! Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to play:

1. Deal Cards to Each Player

  • To start, shuffle the deck and give each player 7 random cards from the deck.
  • Every player also receives 1 Defuse card, which can save them if they draw an Exploding Kitten. It’s a crucial card to keep in hand because it’s your only defense.

2. Set Up the Deck

  • After the cards are dealt, shuffle the remaining cards in the deck.
  • Next, you’ll add Exploding Kitten cards to the deck. The number of Exploding Kitten cards should always be one less than the number of players. For example, if there are 4 players, you’ll add 3 Exploding Kitten cards to the deck.

3. Start Your Turn

Players take turns in a clockwise direction. On each turn, a player draws a card from the deck. The game’s main objective is to avoid drawing the Exploding Kitten card.

4. Play Action Cards

During your turn, you can also choose to play action cards from your hand to help change the game’s outcome.

Here are some of the key action cards you might encounter:

  • Skip: Allows you to skip your turn without drawing a card.
  • Attack: Forces the next player to take two turns.
  • Favor: Ask another player to give you one of their cards.
  • See the Future: Look at the top three cards of the deck so you can plan your moves.
  • Shuffle: Shuffle the entire deck to avoid an Exploding Kitten.

Playing these action cards at the right time is key to staying in the game and avoiding explosion!

5. Defuse the Explosion

  • The game will be over if you draw an Exploding Kitten card. You can play a Defuse card from your hand to avoid exploding and stay in the game.
  • When you use a Defuse card, you get to place the Exploding Kitten card back into the deck—anywhere you want! This gives you the power to strategically place it where it might cause trouble for the other players.

6. Keep Playing Until One Wins

  • Players continue drawing cards, using action cards, and defusing Exploding Kittens until only one player remains who hasn’t exploded.
  • The last player standing who didn’t draw an Exploding Kitten without a Defuse card wins the game!

Is Exploding Kittens Worth the Investment?

So, is Exploding Kittens worth the hype and worth the investment? Let’s break it down.

If you’re looking for a fun, quick, and family-friendly game, Exploding Kittens offers great entertainment value. The artwork alone is enough to keep everyone smiling, and the easy setup makes it ideal for parties or family game nights. It’s a game that delivers bursts of laughter and lighthearted competition.

However, for players who prefer more complex or strategic games, Exploding Kittens may feel a little too random or repetitive after frequent play. Luckily, some expansions bring new elements into the game, which might keep it fresh for longer.

Final Thoughts

If you love card games that don’t take themselves too seriously and bring a lot of energy to your table, Exploding Kittens is worth considering. It’s a game filled with surprises, quick turns, and tons of laughter. It’s perfect for families, casual gamers, and those who love light strategy with a touch of chaos.

Looking to add some explosive fun to your game night? Check out Exploding Kittens on The World Game Amazon store and see for yourself if this extremely popular game is the right pick for you!

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