It's Not Just "Surespa." Try These Unique Titles, Too! 5 Recommended Deck-Building Games [Steam Autumn Sale]

From October 2 to October 9, 2026, Steam is hosting the “Steam Autumn Sale 2026.”

With a wide range of titles on sale—from major releases to indie games—we’ve selected five games under the theme of “deck-building.” While this genre has expanded significantly since the release of *Slay the Spire*, we’ve put together a selection of titles that are either must-knows or unique and offbeat.

*Decktamer* – 40% off: ¥1,080

This game is a roguelike that combines deck-building with monster collecting. It features a *Pokémon*-esque mechanic where you weaken enemy monsters to the brink before capturing them (you even choose your first partner from the “starter trio”).

It’s fun because you’re constantly faced with the dilemma of whether to defeat enemies and win without taking any damage, or to accept taking some hits in order to tame them.

There are plenty of things you can do, such as extracting a monster’s traits and transferring them to another monster to create the ultimate creature, making it a game you’ll want to play over and over again.

“As We Descend: The Path to the Abyss” – 35% off ¥1,553

I’d recommend this game to fans of the genre who think, “Typical deck-building games are just too easy.” Above all else, it’s challenging!

“As We Descend: The Path to the Abyss” is a deck-building roguelike set in a floating fortress city that’s constantly sinking. It follows a classic formula: explore the city to gather resources, assemble your units, and take on external enemies.

However, the upgrades you gain from a single battle are meager, enemy attacks are relentless, and you’ll find yourself constantly fighting while your resources dwindle. Unless you skillfully utilize debuffs like “Crush” and “Electrocution,” you won’t even be able to defeat early-game enemies. This game is recommended for those who enjoy simulation games and those seeking a thrilling experience in card battles.

"Man-Te-Ittai" - 25% off: ¥1,500

The title is striking, and so is the game’s visuals. It’s a psychological horror × card game featuring live-action collages, where the protagonist’s body and the world itself are covered in countless “hands.” While it wasn’t originally a roguelike, a roguelike mode has since been implemented.

At first glance, it might seem like a bizarre oddity, but at its core, it’s a solid card battle game. You’ll use cards to fight enemies while unraveling the secrets of this nightmare-like world.

It seems the protagonist has committed a grave mistake, and it’s heartbreaking to see them constantly writhing in agony…

Despite its appearance, the tutorial is very thorough, which is a nice touch.

"Monster Train 2" – 30% off: ¥1,960

This is the latest entry in the “Monster Train” series, where you build your deck aboard a train. The series features tower defense elements, requiring you to stop enemies approaching the engine somewhere within the three-tiered train cars. The course of the battle changes drastically depending on where you concentrate your forces.

The sequel, “Monster Train 2,” adds new clans, enemy factions, game modes, and challenges. While the UI is a bit cluttered, it’s an excellent game where deck-building and tower defense blend together perfectly, so I highly recommend giving it a try.

“My Cards Are Way Better Than Yours!” – 20% off ¥1,224

Just as the title suggests, this is a truly heartwarming game where kids compete to see whose cards are stronger. The way to make them stronger is also very childlike: you simply stick stickers all over the cards to keep making them more powerful.

(Only nosy adults would think, “Maybe these will be worth a fortune in a few years…”).

The game features over 300 types of stickers that can be combined to create synergies through their various effects. Despite its cute appearance, the deck-building aspect—where you search for stickers that work well together—really makes you think. It’s a fun game that combines a deck-building system with the childlike joy of “showing off your cards.”