Exploding Kittens (2015) Board Game

Exploding Kittens is a card game created by Elan Lee, Matthew Inman, and Shane Small. It was initially funded through a Kickstarter campaign in 2015 and quickly became one of the most backed projects on the platform. The game revolves around a simple concept of drawing cards while avoiding the exploding kitten cards, leading to player elimination.

Game Components of Exploding Kittens

Card Deck: Includes Defuse cards, Exploding Kitten cards, and various action cards.

Number of Cards: A standard deck contains 56 cards.

Expansions: Multiple expansion packs such as Imploding Kittens, Exploding Kittens Party Pack, Streaking Kittens, and Barking Kittens.

Player Tokens: None, but some expansions may include additional components.

How To Setup Exploding Kittens

To set up the game, all cards are put into a deck except for the Defuse and Exploding Kitten cards. The deck is shuffled, and each player draws 4 cards (or 7 in newer versions with extension packs) and takes a Defuse card. The Exploding Kitten cards are then shuffled back into the deck, ensuring the number of Exploding Kitten cards is one less than the number of players. The remaining Defuse cards are also put back into the deck. A turn order is decided, often based on a trivial condition.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Drawing Cards: Players draw cards from the deck, trying to avoid drawing an Exploding Kitten card.

Defuse Cards: If a player draws an Exploding Kitten card, they must show it and are out of the game unless they have a Defuse card.

Action Cards: Players can use various action cards to manipulate the game, such as Skip, Attack, and Shuffle.

Objective: The last player still in the game wins.

Player Experience

Exploding Kittens is known for its chaotic and entertaining gameplay. Players engage in a mix of strategy and luck, trying to avoid drawing the lethal Exploding Kitten card. The game is quick, lasting about 15 minutes, and encourages social interaction and bluffing among players. It is particularly enjoyed for its light-hearted and humorous nature, making it a great addition to family game nights or casual gatherings.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules that can be explained quickly.

High Replayability: Each game is different due to the random card draws.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 7 and up.

Social Interaction: Encourages bluffing and strategic play among players.

Humorous: Features quirky and humorous card designs.

Cons

Luck-Based: The game relies heavily on chance, which may not appeal to strategic players.

Limited Depth: The gameplay is not complex or deeply strategic.

Repetitive: After multiple plays, the game may become less engaging for some players.

Not for Serious Gamers: May not satisfy players seeking more complex board games.

Personal Thoughts on Exploding Kittens

Exploding Kittens is ideal for casual gamers, families, and those seeking a light, fun game for social gatherings. It is not designed for serious board game enthusiasts looking for deep strategy or complex gameplay. The game excels at providing a quick, entertaining experience that is easy to learn and plays well in a variety of settings, from family nights to casual meetups with friends. However, it may lose its appeal after repeated plays due to its limited depth and high reliance on luck.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.