9 Most Popular TCGs and which is the best to collect and play
Posted by Magic Madhouse on 22nd Jun 2026
Magic: the Gathering was the world’s first trading card game (TCG) when it made its debut back in 1993. In the 33 years since then, the world of TCGs has blossomed and evolved in a variety of exciting ways. Now there are card games covering a wide variety of different genres, and with gameplay suited to the palates of all manner of different players. Whether you can envision yourself barraging out a dynamic combo in a game of Yu-Gi-Oh!, or you would rather gather a pirate crew in One Piece, there’s bound to be a TCG out there that appeals to you. Let’s take a look at nine of the biggest games on the scene.
Magic: the Gathering was the world’s first trading card game (TCG) when it made its debut back in 1993. In the 33 years since then, the world of TCGs has blossomed and evolved in a variety of exciting ways. Now there are card games covering a wide variety of different genres, and with gameplay suited to the palates of all manner of different players. Whether you can envision yourself barraging out a dynamic combo in a game of Yu-Gi-Oh!, or you would rather gather a pirate crew in One Piece, there’s bound to be a TCG out there that appeals to you. Let’s take a look at nine of the biggest games on the scene.
The Big Three
Magic: the Gathering
The original TCG, is still going strong more than 30 years on. The quintessential fantasy card game, in Magic: the Gathering, players take on the role of Planeswalkers and use creatures, enchantments, artifacts, and sorceries to battle it out with one another across a vast multiverse of possibilities. With worlds based on fairy tales, the Wild West, and classic Sci-Fi, as well as crossovers with popular series like Final Fantasy and The Lord of the Rings. Magic: the Gathering opens up a wide vista of different worlds to explore.
Pokémon
Ever since the original Game Boy game was released back in 1996, people all over the world have been incredibly passionate about Pokémon. The Pokémon Trading Card Game transfers the popular pocket monsters from the screen to the tabletop. With its 30th anniversary coming up this September, and a selection of beautiful full art illustration rare cards to choose from, there are plenty of reasons to pick up some Pokémon cards.
Yu-Gi-Oh!
When you’re looking for an intense duel, there’s no better game than Yu-Gi-Oh!. Yu-Gi-Oh! games are fast paced combo-based affairs, an intricate strategic ballet with both players acting, responding, and countering each other’s plays. With iconic monsters like Dark Magician, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and the Egyptian God cards, there are all sorts of archetypes to base your deck around. If you want a game that really rewards mastery and is full of deep decision making, then try out the tactical combat of Yu-Gi-Oh!.
Impactful Newcomers
Lorcana
From Aladdin, to Rapunzel, to Mickey Mouse, there are no shortage of Disney characters singing their way through life. Lorcana shapes the musical glee of Disney into a trading card game. In Lorcana, you can build a deck with your favourite Disney heroes (or Disney villains if you’re more of a fan of Maleficent, Jaffar, and their co-conspirators) there are even mechanics for having your characters sing songs. You’ll be sending your characters on quests, gathering lore, and proving that you’re the greatest Illumineer to ever gather together a deck of Disney-themed cards.
One Piece
If you’re an anime fan, then you may already be familiar with Monkey D Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates from One Piece. Their Swashbuckling adventures across the Grand Line have inspired Shonen fans for almost two decades. Now, the Straw Hats are ready to undertake some new adventures in the One Piece TCG. Pick your favourite character to lead your deck, and build a game plan that takes advantage of the unique strategic opportunities that they open up for you. With the One Piece TCG, you’re not just building a deck, you’re putting together a pirate crew.
Riftbound
League of Legends defined the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena or “MOBA” genre, and now it’s seeking to conquer the tabletop space as well. Riftbound is the League of Legends trading card game, and it brings all of the competitive hero based combat that you would expect straight out of Summoner’s Rift. Every player picks a “legend” to lead their deck, and then fills it with champions, units, spells, and gear. You’ll spend the game gaining points by conquering and holding bases and ensuring that you never yield an inch to your opponent.
Major New Series
Cyberpunk TCG
The Cyberpunk TCG is so futuristic that it’s still only available to pre-order, but it’s generated a tremendous amount of hype. With an expected release later this year, this edgerunning card game is hot off a successful crowdfunding campaign that raised more than 28 million dollars. Once it releases, you’ll be able to stand up to the mega corporations that dominate Night City, and pull off daring gambits to become a Cyberpunk legend.
Gundam TCG
The Gundam anime has been bringing us intense mecha space battles across its dozens of different series and spin offs since the 1970s. Now you’re able to bring those battles exploding into life with the Gundam TCG. Containing pilots and mobile suits from all across the series, the Gundam TCG thrusts you into the cockpit and lets you enjoy epic sci-fi dogfights from the safety of your home or local game store.
Star Wars Unlimited
While the Star Wars saga began a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, the Star Wars Unlimited card game began far more recently in March of 2024, but it’s getting off to an explosive start. Star Wars Unlimited explores every aspect of the Star Wars universe through each of its different expansions. Secrets of Power explores the politics of both the Republic and the Empire, A Lawless Time delves into the murky world of bounty hunters and crime bosses, while Legends of the Force brings the Jedi to the forefront. Star Wars Unlimited lets you see the sci-fi series from a whole new perspective
| TCG Name | Key Selling Points | Complexity | Best for |
| Magic: the Gathering | The first ever TCG. A game of myriad fantasy worlds, and epic spellcasting battles. | Medium | Players looking for engaging social play, or wanting to experiment with the card game that started it all. |
| Pokémon | A wide variety of beautifully illustrated pocket monsters to collect. | Low | Collectors that want to amass colourful cards depicting iconic Pokémon. |
| Yu-Gi-Oh! | Incredibly high skill ceiling, and intricate combo based gameplay. | High | Duelists searching for a combo based game with a sky high level of mastery. |
| Lorcana | Race to collect mystical lore using singing Disney characters. | Low | Disney fans, and anyone looking to play a game about collecting points rather than depleting life. |
| One Piece | Anime based pirate battling card. | Medium | One Piece fans, and anyone that wants to build a deck around the strengths of a specific character. |
| Riftbound | Base capturing mechanics with iconic League of Legends characters. | Medium | League of Legends fans, and players who want to try a territory control game. |
| Cyberpunk TCG | Dystopian Cyberpunk game about building up notoriety and securing dice. | High | Sci-Fi fans, and players looking to try out something experimental. |
| Gundam | Slot pilots into mechs for sci-fi battles. | Medium | Anyone who enjoys mecha anime and wants to build synergistic decks focused on the interactions of pilots and their robots. |
| Star Wars Unlimited | Play as characters from across the Star Wars Galaxy and destroy the enemy base. | Medium | Star Wars fans looking to get cards that delve deeply into the lore of the setting with classic TCG gameplay. |
Which TCG should you collect?
This isn’t an easy question to answer, as so much depends on personal preference. The more complex games here may appeal to you if you’re looking for a rich and layered tactical experience. You may enjoy the lower complexity games if you’re looking for something relaxing to play whilst you unwind, or you’re searching for something entertaining to collect.
Magic: the Gathering and Pokémon have very well established fanbases, so if you’re looking to pick up a hobby to foster a sense of community, then it’s well worth giving them a try. They also both have major events on the horizon with Pokémon’s 30th anniversary rapidly approaching, while Magic is preparing to cross over with Marvel and The Hobbit.
Frequently asked questions
- Which is the most popular TCG in 2026?
Magic: The Gathering remains the most popular trading card game in the world, beating out its competition in terms of its sales performance and the size of its community. - What is the best TCG to start for beginners?
Both the Pokémon TCG and Disney’s Lorcana are highly approachable and easy to adopt for new players. - Is the Cyberpunk TCG worth collecting?
Yes, it’s about to kick off officially after an extremely popular crowdfunding campaign. It will definitely be worth watching how the Cyberpunk TCG develops.
Shop the World's Best TCGs at Magic Madhouse
TCGs have been going strong for more than thirty years now, and they show no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re looking for a card game to immerse yourself in, or a casual hobby to enjoy infrequently, Magic Madhouse offers card games of all kinds. You can browse our full catalogue of cards from all 9 of these TCGS to pick up singles and sealed products for your collection.
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