Exploding Kittens
Also known as: Exploding Kittens card game
Draw cards, avoid the Exploding Kitten, use action cards to shift the explosion to your opponent.
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What You'll Need
About This Game
A card game of kitten-powered explosions and strategic defusing. Draw cards until someone pulls an Exploding Kitten. If you can't defuse it, you're out. The deck is stacked with attack, skip, and peek cards that let you manipulate whose turn it is and what's coming next.
How to Play
**Setup:** Remove all Exploding Kittens and Defuse cards from the deck. Deal each player 1 Defuse card and 7 random cards. Shuffle Exploding Kittens back into the deck (for 2 players, use 1 Exploding Kitten).
**Gameplay:** Play as many action cards as you want, then draw a card to end your turn.
**Key cards:**
- **Exploding Kitten:** If drawn, you must play a Defuse card immediately or you're out. After defusing, secretly place the Exploding Kitten back anywhere in the deck.
- **Defuse:** Saves you from an Exploding Kitten. One use.
- **Attack:** End your turn without drawing. Next player takes 2 turns.
- **Skip:** End your turn without drawing.
- **See the Future:** Peek at the top 3 cards.
- **Shuffle:** Shuffle the deck.
- **Favor:** Force opponent to give you a card of their choice.
- **Nope:** Cancel any action card (except Defuse and Exploding Kitten).
**Winning:** Last player standing.
History & Background
Elan Lee, Matthew Inman (of The Oatmeal webcomic), and Shane Small created Exploding Kittens. Their 2015 Kickstarter campaign raised $8.7 million from 219,000 backers, making it the most-backed project in Kickstarter history at the time. The game's success came from combining Inman's absurdist humor with genuinely solid card game mechanics. It has sold over 11 million copies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play Exploding Kittens with 2 players?
Yes, Exploding Kittens works great with 2 players. The game is well-suited to a duo and you'll have a fantastic time together.
What changes when playing Exploding Kittens with 2 players?
With 2 players, Exploding Kittens plays smoothly — the main difference is a more direct, head-to-head dynamic. You'll interact more closely with your opponent, which can make each round feel more personal and strategic.
How long does Exploding Kittens take to play?
A typical game of Exploding Kittens takes about 10-20 min. This can vary based on players' experience level and how quickly decisions are made.
What do you need to play Exploding Kittens?
To play Exploding Kittens, you need: Exploding Kittens card game. That's it — no special equipment required.
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