When it comes to the thinkier forms of competitive gaming, nothing beats card games. To help you scratch that deck-building itch, here are the biggest new card games to play in 2022.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Live

Release date: 2022.
Platforms: PC, Mac OS, Android, iOS.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game Live is the long-awaited successor to Pokémon TCG Online, a game based on real-life Pokémon cards. Just like its predecessor, this new game allows the transfer from physical cards to their digital versions to build your decks.

Pokémon TGC Live brings several quality-of-life improvements and new features, such as the introduction of separate casual and ranked modes, an improved character customization system, and battle passes.

However, as our resident PTCGO specialist Rahul warned us, there will be no trading in Pokémon TGC Live, despite its name. This is not especially a bad thing, as getting new cards will now be easier for beginners who are not impacted by the inflation of the card prices.

Gordian Quest

Release date: Already available in early access, full game release TBA.
Platforms: PC.

Gordian Quest is a mix between an RPG and a card game. Players build a team of heroes to save the world from a mysterious evil threat. Each player's deck grants powers to their team so they can defeat enemies in turn-based combat.

If you are curious about Gordian Quest, you can already play it in Early Access. The development team has said they wanted to build the game with players' feedback, rather than shipping an already polished game and expecting people to just love it.

The early access version features the first act of the game, 7 heroes, 600 passive and active skill cards, and 200 unique items. The full game will include 4 acts, up to 16 heroes, thousands of skill cards, as well as a skill grid and crafting systems.

Total War: Elysium

Release date: TBA.
Platforms: PC, Android.

Total War: Elysium is a trading card set in the universe of Total War. The game takes place in the city of Elysium, where famous generals team up for you to set the best strategy to win the wars to come.

The game features leaders from different eras and factions, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. For instance, the Viking Lagertha focuses on defense while Napoleon is an all-rounder specializing in mid-range attacks.

Total War: Elysium introduces a new mechanic with its card game: the Daybreak. The turns are divided by parts of the day, from sunrise until night. The first step is the Daybreak, which allows you to pick 9 cards from your deck. These are the only cards you will draw until the next Daybreak, 7 turns later. This mechanic is made to emulate the battlefield stress, where you do not get back up and rest every time you need to,

Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel

Release date: Q1 2022.
Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is based on the popular trading card game and anime. This free-to-play card game features over 10,000 cards and will be available on most platforms, including current and last-gen consoles.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel will support cross-play and cross-platform battles at launch. The game will also feature a Solo mode for those who don't feel like competing against other players. The Solo Mode will dive deeper into the Yu-Gi-Oh! lore, explaining the origins of some of the most popular cards.

That wraps up our selection of the biggest new card games coming out in 2022. Did any of these games tickle your deck-building fancy? We also have selections of MMO and fighting games coming out in 2022 and beyond.