Exploding Kittens

Ad Magic, Inc. (AdMagic Games), Exploding Kittens, (Self-Published) · Board game · 2015
2–5 · best 4 15 min Weight 1.1/5
7.7 rating Ludopedia
6.1 rating BGG
How to Play Buy · from US$ 12.99
7.7 rating Ludopedia
6.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you're looking for a quick, lighthearted game with a dash of chaos, Exploding Kittens is a purr-fect fit! It's a delightful blend of Russian Roulette and strategic card play that keeps everyone on their toes.

Highlights
  • Simple rules, easy to learn
  • Quick playtime, great filler game
  • High player interaction and tension
  • Humorous theme and artwork
Keep in mind
  • Luck plays a significant role
  • Limited strategic depth
  • Can feel repetitive over time
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
Access Rules Guide

About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for an explosive feline version of Russian Roulette! In Exploding Kittens, adrenaline runs high as players take turns drawing cards from a deck that hides one or more exploding kittens. The goal is simple: don't be the unlucky one to draw one of these pyrotechnic felines, or you're out of the game! But don't worry, the game isn't just blind luck. The deck is packed with cards that are your best friends (or worst enemies, depending on who uses them). You can peek at upcoming cards to avoid an imminent disaster, force an opponent to draw multiple cards and get closer to the explosion, or even shuffle the deck to change everyone's luck. With each card drawn, the tension increases exponentially, because the fewer cards remaining, the higher the probability of finding an exploding kitten and being ejected from the game in a hilarious fireball. The only salvation is to have a defuse card in hand, capable of calming the kitten and keeping you in the game. The other cards are strategic tools to manipulate the deck, divert the exploding kittens to other players, and, of course, avoid your own detonation. With a nonsensical humor and rules that can be learned in five minutes, Exploding Kittens is a perfect party game for those who like to laugh, bluff, and see their friends (literally) explode. Can you escape the explosion and be the last player standing?

Expansions

Published additional content

4 items

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

13 videos

Rules manual

Official PDF file

Rules manual — Exploding Kittens English · PDF
Download Manual

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST
5 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Animals: Cats Card Games: Matching Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: Google Play Game: Exploding Kittens
Publisher Ad Magic, Inc. (AdMagic Games), Exploding Kittens, (Self-Published), ADC Blackfire Entertainment, Angry Lion Games, asmodee
Designer Elan Lee, Matthew Inman, Shane Small
Artist Elan Lee, Matthew Inman, Shane Small

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

95,300owners
1,769wishlist
82want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can participate in Exploding Kittens?
The game is designed for 2 to 5 players, making it great for small groups of friends or family.
What is the average game duration?
Games are quite fast, usually lasting between 15 and 30 minutes. Perfect for playing multiple times or in short sessions.
Is it a complex game? Does it take long to learn the rules?
Not at all! Exploding Kittens is known for having super simple rules that can be learned in about 5 minutes. The complexity comes from player interaction and the cards themselves.
What are the main components of the game?
The game primarily consists of a deck of cards with hilarious, cat-themed illustrations, including Exploding Kitten cards, Defuse cards, and various action cards.
Who is Exploding Kittens best suited for?
It's ideal for anyone looking for a light, fun game with lots of player interaction. Great for parties, casual gatherings, and for introducing new players to the world of board games, especially those who appreciate humor and a dash of luck.
Is the game language dependent?
Not heavily. Although cards have text, the actions are very intuitive and repetitive, making them easy to memorize. Most editions already come in Portuguese, making it even easier.

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