OiO Episode 92 - Deckbuilding Board Games

Podcast – Outside is Overrated · Jan 1, 2026 · 1h 38m

In this episode, we discuss deckbuilding board games. We explain the core mechanic and variations on it, along with some of our favorite titles.

Episode guide:

13:35 - What is a Deckbuilder?

25:58 - Victory Point/Optimization Deckbuilders

33:23 - Direct Conflict Deckbuilders

40:42 - Hybrid Games

52:36 - Cooperative Narrative Deckbuilders

1:04:01 - Our Preferences: Optimization vs. Tactical

1:05:57 - Optimal Player Counts

1:14:08 - Market Styles: Fixed, Variable and Random

1:23:09 - How Much Randomness is Too Much

1:26:47 - Where Do Deckbuilders Have More Potential: Board or Video Games

Thank…