In 2014, Hearthstone reshaped the genre, showing how card mechanics can be turned into an exciting PvP spectacle on the battlefield. A decade later, the digital arena expanded: dozens of projects offered their own interpretations of mechanics, spells, and the concept of “mana+card=chaos.” Not every clone could withstand the competition, but some games similar to Hearthstone offered something more than just an alternative.
Shadowverse: Japanese Strategy with Sharp Edges
Developer Cygames created not just a copy, but a full-fledged collectible card game with a unique evolution system of creatures and factions inspired by anime mythology. It stands out with a strong narrative delivery, advanced RPG mode, and support on PC and mobile devices. The visual aspect impresses with the quality of animations and the detail of cards.

Features:
- Over 2000 unique cards.
- Seven archetypes, each with its own battle style.
- Expanded game modes: single-player campaign, PvP, tournaments.
- Full localization support, including voiceovers.
Games similar to Hearthstone rarely offer such depth in visuals and narrative while maintaining balanced gameplay.
Gwent: Rethinking the Battle of Wits
CD Projekt RED, known for The Witcher, transferred card mechanics from an in-game pastime to a standalone PvP arena. Unlike classic formats, the battle is structured on rows — three rounds, two rows for fighters, and a delicate balance between risk and control.
Strong points:
- No mana dependency — cards are played freely, like in chess.
- Support on PC and mobile devices.
- High level of strategic depth.
- Regular updates from the developer.
Games similar to Hearthstone rarely venture so far into the realm of abstract logic and psychological pressure on the opponent.
Legends of Runeterra: When Riot Takes on Cards
After the success of League of Legends, Riot studio built a whole card architecture based on creatures and spells from the world of Runeterra. The interaction between fighters on the battlefield happens in real-time: actions take place in a dynamic mode of attack and defense, where each turn becomes a micro-struggle.
Features:
- Support on PC and mobile devices.
- Unique spell mechanics: slow, fast, instant.
- Huge selection of decks, regional synergy.
- Clear focus on PvP and competitive game modes.
Games similar to Hearthstone rarely combine the flexibility of magic, clear balance, and a recognizable universe with such depth.
Eternal: Combo Mechanics and Strategic Core
Dire Wolf Digital created something between Magic: The Gathering and Hearthstone. The mechanics of creature actions, the magic system, and mana offer more freedom. Each card can be combined with dozens of strategies, allowing for unpredictable decks to be built.
Features:
- Full arena mode available.
- Strong learning curve without imbalance.
- Support on all popular platforms.
- Balance between creatures, spells, and resources.
Games similar to Hearthstone rarely provide players with such a flexible toolkit for building strategies.
Duelyst II: Chessboard in Fantasy Style
The project combines elements of card battles and tactical RPG: fighters appear on the grid of the battlefield and move like pieces. Each turn requires not only deck calculation but also positioning.
Strong points:
- Pixel graphics combining style and functionality.
- Cutting-edge PvP — modes built around duels.
- Faction archetypes: from spellcasters to mechanical beasts.
- Support on PC, mobile device versions in development.
Games similar to Hearthstone rarely implement movement mechanics as a mandatory part of gameplay.
Top Alternatives to Hearthstone
Card strategies can be divided into several approaches — from classic creative interpretations to experimental formats. The best representatives by categories are:
- Tactical depth — Legends of Runeterra. Reactive combat, mana management, and cards with action prediction mechanics.
- Minimal randomness — Gwent. Focus on the power of the mind, not luck. Each move is calculated two rounds ahead.
- Fantasy with innovations — Shadowverse. Japanese aesthetics, advanced narrative, card evolution during matches.
- Mobile adaptation — Eternal. Balance of simplicity and depth, convenience on mobile devices, stable PvP.
- PC card games with battlefield — Duelyst II. RPG mechanics, territory control, duels requiring not only calculation but precise planning.
Each of the presented projects, similar to Hearthstone, offers its own formula of engagement and strategic depth. Such a range of solutions shapes a complete ecosystem of card battles beyond the template.
Balance Over Fantasy
The market is saturated with attempts to achieve similar success in the CCG genre, but it is balance that distinguishes successful projects from secondary ones. Player retention directly depends on the predictability of matchmaking, deck flexibility, and fair PvP. All the aforementioned games similar to Hearthstone use proprietary approaches to solving these challenges, maintaining a sense of competitiveness and engagement.
Decks, Magic, and Gameplay
Strategy wins when each action brings an effect. Existing alternatives to Hearthstone develop this formula. From mana and spell management to unit mechanics and battlefield dynamics — each project offers a unique path to victory.
Games similar to Hearthstone have evolved into independent ecosystems. They do not copy but evolve: creating new classes, reshuffling deck mechanics, redesigning arenas, and introducing modes that the original lacked. A card becomes not just a card but a part of a mechanism that includes battle, calculation, and intuition.
Developer Sets the Pace
A strong project starts with a team. The developer determines not only the visual style and balance but also the approach to updates, tournament support, and community feedback. Riot regularly releases patches with mechanics reworks, Dire Wolf Digital offers transparent economy and quality innovations, while Cygames retains player attention with dozens of crossovers and events. It is the developers’ approach that shapes trust and audience retention.
Similar projects in the CCG genre outperform competitors when the developer acts actively, honestly, and flexibly.
Mobile Card Games as Growth Foundation
The leadership of mobile devices in the industry dictates requirements: fast loading, user-friendly interface, synchronization with PC. Legends of Runeterra and Eternal demonstrate equal stability on all platforms, including iOS and Android. It is projects like these that set the quality standard, not compromising between convenience and functionality.
Games similar to Hearthstone are increasingly being created with cross-platform compatibility in mind, uniting gamers in one ecosystem.
Collectible Card Games
The physical format has faded into the digital shadow, giving way to instant matches, spell visualizations, and quick balance adjustments. Gwent replaced long matches with rounds lasting 2-4 minutes. Shadowverse transformed decks into narrative campaigns. Duelyst turned the battlefield into a strategic board. Instead of sluggishness — reactive gameplay.

Collectible card projects now value not only the rarity of a card but also its applicability in different modes. This requires development flexibility, thoughtful meta, and a lively community.
Games Similar to Hearthstone: Conclusions
Games similar to Hearthstone are now shaping new genre boundaries — some stand out with style, others with mechanical depth or unconventional presentation. Card battles have evolved into full-fledged strategies, maintaining interest for both newcomers and experienced gamers.