Tutorials explain the buttons and skip the reasoning. This covers how to play exploding kittens card game the other way around.

Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. Start with the simplest option before touching anything that is hard to reverse.

The short answer

Learn the three actions you will use constantly, ignore everything else for the first session, and come back to the rest later.

The rules in plain language

There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing. Small details matter more than they should here, so read the order of steps carefully. The approach below has been checked against the current version rather than a patch from two years ago. Nothing below requires mods, paid tools or an account on some sketchy site.

If something here stops matching what you see on screen, the game has probably changed a value in an update. People often blame the game when the actual cause is a setting they changed weeks ago. If you are short on time, the first section alone is usually enough.

Your first session

Small details matter more than they should here, so read the order of steps carefully. The rules that feel arbitrary at first usually exist to stop a degenerate strategy. People often blame the game when the actual cause is a setting they changed weeks ago.

  • Check the version you are running before following any step-by-step advice.
  • Back up your save if the game gives you the option.
  • Write down what you changed, so you can undo it if the result gets worse.
  • Test one change at a time instead of five at once.
  • Keep a spare loadout for the attempts that go badly.

Habits that pay off later

Start with the simplest option before touching anything that is hard to reverse. Anything marked optional really is optional, so skip it without guilt. Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. Nothing below requires mods, paid tools or an account on some sketchy site.

Anything marked optional really is optional, so skip it without guilt. Most advice on this topic assumes you already know half the answer, which is exactly the problem. There is a fast way and a safe way, and they are not the same thing.

Mistakes worth avoiding

  • Changing several settings at once, then having no idea which one helped.
  • Following a guide written for an older version and assuming nothing moved.
  • Giving up one attempt before the point where it usually clicks.

Frequently asked questions

How long until it clicks?

For most people, somewhere in the second or third session. The first one is mostly interface friction rather than the actual game.

Should I play with someone experienced?

It helps enormously, as long as they explain rather than take over.

Is there a faster method?

Usually yes, and usually it is riskier. The route above trades a little speed for a much lower chance of having to start over.

Bookmark this if you expect to look up how to play exploding kittens card game again after the next update.