Top 8 UNO Killers: Games That Replace The All-Time Classic

If you have to name one card game that works in every possible situation, with all ages & types of people, I bet it’s gonna be UNO. But, is the game as perfect as we claim it to be? Although it’s our safe choice always, and we will keep playing it, if we dive deeper, there are some flaws we’re hoping to discuss with you. And not only that! We are recommending 8 card games that could possibly be the better alternative to UNO. 

So, UNO Isn’t Perfect?

It does make us feel good, has kept the party alive since 1871, and is extremely simple to play, even by kids or elders. But to be honest, there are a few things we wish could’ve been different. 

• No specific strategy is required. The only strategy you might use in UNO is guessing what color your opponents are running out of, so you keep that specific card for the end. Otherwise, it’s more luck than strategy-based.
• It gets repetitive. Unfortunately, new rounds don’t bring new gameplay, unless you decide to add any of the house rules, or extra packs of UNO, such as UNO All Wild. So, although it’s always fun & competitive, yes, the actions can get repetitive. 
• Sometimes, it can get longer than expected. Good thing or bad, UNO can get up to 2 hours at times. With all the reverse and wild cards, it just keeps going on. Even though this is a good thing most of the time, when it exceeds the 1 hour, it could get boring. 
• A few rules can create confusion. Can you place a wild card on top of another? Can’t you play the Wild +4 anytime? These and a few others, make the UNO gameplay a little confusing sometimes. However, with just a little research, it is manageable. 

1. Codenames

Ages 10+ | 2 to 8+ players | Gametime of 15 minutes.

While UNO is all individualistic and each player is against the other, Codenames requires teamwork, however, brings the competitive element too. While playing the latter, you develop a story and that’s what keeps you all in the game, without getting bored. Simply, the objective of Codenames is guessing words using the clues from your teammates, and finding the agents, which you only know from their codenames! 

2. Love Letter

Ages 10+ | 2 to 6 players | Gametime of 20 minutes;

UNO has over 100 cards, while Love Letter has only 16, still, the energy it brings is unmatched. Unlike UNO, Love Letter doesn’t almost ever get repetitive, considering that your gameplay depends on the character you’re representing. Also, the combination of luck and skill you find in this game is rare. Love Letter’s main idea is getting your love letter to the Princess of Tempest. Are you good enough to do that?

3. Llama 

Ages 8+ | 2 to 6 players | Gametime of 20 minutes;

Llama can end up being a very explosive game, compared to UNO. This means everyone gets really involved even though the rules are pretty simple. Another thing is that Llama has a reasonable playing time, so, it won’t over last, like UNO can do. Basically, you play cards from your hand, but in some specific orders, and aim to be the player with the fewest points. For every card that remains in your hand, you gain tokens, and that’s plus points for you mate! 

4. Exploding Kittens

Ages 7+ | 2 to 5 players | Gametime of 15 minutes;

Unlike UNO, Exploding Kittens has a good replayability level, considering the diversity of rules in each card. Both games are luck-based; however, Exploding Kittens has more dynamism and unexpected scenarios. When playing the latter you play cards and complete the actions in them, until you draw an Exploding Kittens and get out of the game. Unless…

5. No Thanks

Ages 8+ | 3 to 7 players| Gametime of 20 minutes;

In No Thanks, there’s the perfect amount of strategy to keep everyone entertained, but there’s luck too, to surprise the flow of the game. Just like UNO, No Thanks is a light game, with only 33 cards, but the interplay with game chips gives it a fully different vibe. Simply, on your turn, if you have any chips left, you play it, otherwise, you take the card. And how do you win? If you have the lowest score of them all! 

6. Bohnanza

Ages 10+ | 3 to 5 players | Gametime of 45 minutes;

UNO doesn’t have a specific theme and it’s all about respecting the card order, Bohnanza, in our opinion, has a specific theme, and that’s an added value. Also, Bohnanza is way more interactive than UNO, keeping in mind that you won’t only draw and play cards, but trade them, harvest ‘beans’, and more. In Bohnanza, you get gold points for your actions, and depending on that, you win. Or lose.      

7. Fuji Flush

Ages 7+ | 3 to 8 players | Gametime of 20 minutes;

Even though both these games in principle have the same idea – playing cards in order, there are much more unexpected twists in Fuji Flush than in UNO, which makes it more entertaining. While skills are a key factor in Fuji Flush, there’s a little luck you’ll need too! In the latter, higher cards are rarer, and whenever one is played, the lower-value cards get discarded. Once you get rid of all your cards, you win. 

8. Cockroach Poker

Ages 8+ | 2 to 6 players | Gametime of 25 minutes;

Far from the name, Cockroach Poker is nothing like Poker. Compared to UNO, Cockroach Poker is themed and requires a higher level of strategy – not really luck-based. While in UNO all cards are numbered, in CP, cards show cockroaches, bugs, or rats. On your turn, you will slide your card to a player of your own, and declare the card type, while the other player can either accept it or slide it to another player!