Game Information

Developer: SZ Games

Rating:

3.6/5

Released: April 2024

Last Updated: June 2025

Technology: HTML5 (Unity WebGL)

Platform: Browser

Size: ~15 MB

Plays: 24,539

Mobile Support: No

About Cards n' Varmints

Yeehaw, partner! Welcome to the wild and whimsical world of Cards n' Varmints, an indie action-packed browser battler that turns classic western showdowns into turn-based card duels with a twist. Developed by the ultra-creative cryy22, with iconic artwork by Beau Blyth, Cards n' Varmints rockets you into a vibrant frontier bursting with personality, tactics, and relentless charm. Under those sun-baked skies, you won’t just sling cards—you’ll wrangle a team of adorable yet fierce varmints, each promotable into over-the-top jobs like Cactus Cowboy, Sarsaparilla Sharpshooter, and more. This early demo delivers 19 wacky jobs to experiment with (out of an ambitious 60 planned for the full game) and a lush tapestry of strategic possibilities.

Dive into an energetic game loop designed for quickfire, repeatable thrills: choose your ragtag posse, battle invading interlopers using skillful card plays, then evolve your recruits between rounds. Every victory or misstep unlocks further depths—upgrading your critters, switching up team dynamics, and juggling not just cards, but grand frontier dreams. Whether you’re an autobattler aficionado or a turn-based tactics rookie, Cards n' Varmints’ blend of deck-building, job-promotion meta strategy, and adorable hand-drawn visuals delivers relentless fun—no download, no fuss, just browser-based brawling.

Rich, layered soundscapes and catchy western tunes complete the experience, immersing you in a world that’s equal parts goofy and gripping. With no mobile compatibility and a medium skill curve, the demo is perfect for desktop gamers looking to sharpen their wits. Cards n' Varmints isn't just a game—it’s a rowdy ride through a comedic, card-slingin’ West. Try the demo free, wishlist it for the full release, and see if you have what it takes to become the ultimate sheriff of strategy.

How to Play

Boot up Cards n' Varmints right from your browser—no downloads or installations required! Once you’re on the frontier, your first mission is assembling a team of scrappy varmints, each sporting unique base skills. Select from a roster of western critters and set your starting lineup—each match is a chance to experiment!

Every battle is fought in turns using a dynamic card system. Each card represents an action or ability—think attacks, defenses, and clever cowboy tricks. Play your cards wisely: the positioning and promotion of your varmints drastically affect battle outcomes. The autobattler element means once those cards are down, the shootout unfolds on its own, letting you watch your strategy come alive without needing twitch reflexes.

Between rounds, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade your critters into new jobs. Strategize which recruits get promoted—higher-tier jobs offer stronger abilities, but balancing your team is key. Mix and match jobs for wild combo plays!

Controls are crisp and intuitive: select cards with your mouse, drag the right ones onto your varmints, and reconfigure your lineup with a quick click. There’s no rush—the game’s pace lets you consider every decision, rewarding tactical minds.

For beginners: start by exploring how different jobs interact, and don’t stress if your posse loses a round—each defeat offers insight for the next showdown. Watch enemy patterns and adapt your team to counter new threats. The demo is forgiving enough to welcome experimentation, so feel free to test wild job mixes and card synergies. With practice, you’ll be wrangling victories and unlocking new tactical depths!

Controls

mouse

keyboard

Tips & Tricks

Promote a balanced mix of offensive and defensive jobs—don’t stack just one type!
Regularly rotate your lineup after each round to counter new enemy threats.
Experiment with card combos; certain actions stack for massive effect.
Watch your varmint’s health between battles—sometimes a bench seat is smarter than a knockout.
Save powerful job promotions for key battles instead of using them immediately.
Study your opponents’ abilities—adapting your card choices is crucial for survival.
Replay tough rounds; the demo allows learning from losses without punishing setbacks.

Game Features

Turn-based card tactics blended with satisfying autobattler excitement
19 unique, quirky jobs to unlock and experiment with in the early demo
Adorable hand-drawn art and comedic western personality
Strategic job promotion system that lets you reinvent your crew every run
Quick, replayable sessions designed for browser play—no download required
Dynamic soundtrack and sound effects that deepen immersion
Built-in team switching for endless combinations and creative strategies

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cards n' Varmints different from other autobattlers?

Cards n' Varmints fuses turn-based card play with job-promoting tactics in a wild west theme—so you get both autobattler excitement and deep strategic planning. The adorable, hand-drawn visuals and distinctly comedic personality set it apart from more traditional autobattlers.

Is Cards n' Varmints free to play?

Yes! The demo version of Cards n' Varmints is completely free to play in your browser via itch.io. No downloads or payments needed—just hop in and enjoy.

Can I play Cards n' Varmints on my phone or tablet?

At this time, Cards n' Varmints is not mobile compatible; it's designed for desktop and browser play only. For the smoothest experience, use a laptop or desktop computer.

How many jobs are in the demo and will more be added?

The early demo features 19 playable jobs out of the planned 60+ for full release. More jobs, features, and content are in development—wishlist the game on Steam for future updates!

What happens if my team loses a battle?

Losing a round isn’t the end! You can regroup, review what went wrong, and try new strategies or combinations. Each match helps you learn and get closer to victory—don't be afraid to experiment!