Munchkin

Munchkin is a dungeon-crawl card game that sends up every fantasy RPG cliché going, and it actively encourages you to cheat, backstab and undermine your friends whenever you can.

It’s silly, and it’s very funny.

How it works

Players draw equipment cards (the Horned Helmet, the Boots of Butt-Kicking, the Chainsaw of Bloody Dismemberment) and monster cards (the Potted Plant, the Snails of Doom, the Undead Horse). When you fight a monster, your combat strength against its level decides the fight. Other players can help you, get in your way, or play a card mid-fight that gives the monster three heads and a level bonus.

The first player to reach Level 10 wins. To get there you have to kill enough monsters while stopping everyone else from doing the same.

Why it works for groups

Munchkin is very easy to pick up. The text on each card tells you what it does, and you can be playing a proper game within ten minutes of opening the box.

It’s also great for group chaos. Someone says “I’ll help you kill that monster if you give me the Flaming Armour”, then betrays you straight afterwards, and that kind of table drama makes for a good evening.

A note on length

Munchkin can run long if players are cautious and everyone’s levels stay close together. I keep the pace up. At some point the game needs a push, and knowing when to give it is the difference between a fun 90 minutes and a slog.

Best for

Groups who want something light and funny, especially friends who like games where the rules are also weapons. It also suits anyone who’s curious about fantasy RPGs but doesn’t want to commit to a full D&D session.