Gudnak Core Set

Amid so many expansive and time-consuming "lifestyle" games, it's nice to have something that gives the same vibe but demands nothing and evokes a tremendous amount of fun. Games are short and snappy, deck-building is crazy approachable and rewarding (20 card faction-only decks plus neutrals), multiplayer actually works very well, and expansions—if they choose to make them and you choose to get them—hit maybe once a year.

This is an exceptional 2-4 player experience right out of the box, complete with four unique factions and a double-sided map (1v1 and Multiplayer). Our favorite mid-weight tactical card/board game, with an actually unique theme and a cohesive and distinct art style provided by the brilliant Vittoria Pompolani.