Exploding Kittens: Newbie Edition (2017) Board Game

Exploding Kittens: Newbie Edition is a simplified version of the original Exploding Kittens card game that was released in in 2017. Designed by Matthew Inman, Elan Lee, and Shane Small, this edition is aimed at new players or those looking for a quick and easy to learn game experience.

Game Components of Exploding Kittens

Cards: The game includes various card types such as Exploding Kitten cards, Defuse cards, Action cards, Favor cards, and more.

Players: Designed for 2-5 players, with expansions allowing up to 10 players.

Age: Suitable for players aged 7 and above.

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 along with a Defuse card. The Exploding Kitten cards are then shuffled back into the deck, ensuring there is one less Exploding Kitten card than the number of players. The remaining Defuse cards are also added back to the deck. A turn order is determined, and players are ready to start.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Draw and Play: Players draw a card and can play as many cards from their hand as they like.

Action Cards: Cards like Skip, Attack, and Nope allow players to manipulate the game flow.

Defuse Cards: Used to save a player from an Exploding Kitten.

Objective: The last player remaining in the game wins by avoiding drawing an Exploding Kitten card without a Defuse card.

Player Experience

Exploding Kittens offers a hilariously unpredictable gaming experience, mixing strategy with luck. Players must carefully manage their cards to avoid the explosive kittens while trying to sabotage their opponents. The game is quick, lasting about 15 minutes, and is easy to learn but challenging to master.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple setup and rules make it accessible to new players.

Quick Games: Games are short, lasting around 15 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Despite simplicity, the game has layers of strategy.

Humor and Fun: The game’s quirky theme and unexpected twists keep players entertained.

Cons

Luck Factor: The game involves a significant amount of luck, which can sometimes overshadow strategy.

Limited Player Interaction: Some players might find the interaction between players to be somewhat limited.

Personal Thoughts on Exploding Kittens

Exploding Kittens is perfect for those who enjoy casual, fun, and slightly irreverent card games. It’s an excellent choice for families, casual gamers, and anyone looking for a light-hearted game that doesn’t require a significant time commitment. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking complex, deeply strategic games.

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.