KARDS is a WWII collectible card game from Icelandic studio 1939 Games, built on 40 card decks that pair one major nation with up to 12 cards borrowed from a single ally. Both headquarters start at 20 defence and the match ends the moment one of them hits zero. What sets it apart from other digital card games is the frontline: your board is split into two lines, and which line a unit sits in decides what it is allowed to attack.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | A | Balanced | Blitzkrieg | Yes |
| Soviet Union | A | Balanced | Katyusha | Yes |
| United States | A | Balanced | Mito Regiment | Yes |
| Britain | A | Balanced | The War Machine | Yes |
| Japan | A | Balanced | Hawker Hurricane | Yes |
New player? Start with Soviet Union. See our beginner's guide for why.
Germany
Germany is a strong option in KARDS - The WWII Card Game.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Blitzkrieg |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Kredit economy |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Blitzkrieg
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Ranked Battle to learn Germany-specific mechanics
- Focus on Kredit economy. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Blitzkrieg as your first major upgrade
- See our full Germany build guide for the optimal gear progression
Soviet Union
Soviet Union is a strong option in KARDS - The WWII Card Game.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Katyusha |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Deployment and operation costs |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Katyusha
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Ranked Battle to learn Soviet Union-specific mechanics
- Focus on Deployment and operation costs. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Katyusha as your first major upgrade
- See our full Soviet Union build guide for the optimal gear progression
United States
United States is a strong option in KARDS - The WWII Card Game.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Mito Regiment |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Frontline and support line |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Mito Regiment
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Ranked Battle to learn United States-specific mechanics
- Focus on Frontline and support line. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Mito Regiment as your first major upgrade
- See our full United States build guide for the optimal gear progression
Britain
Britain is a strong option in KARDS - The WWII Card Game.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | The War Machine |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Ally nation limit |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with The War Machine
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Ranked Battle to learn Britain-specific mechanics
- Focus on Ally nation limit. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize The War Machine as your first major upgrade
- See our full Britain build guide for the optimal gear progression
Japan
Japan is a strong option in KARDS - The WWII Card Game.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Hawker Hurricane |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Combat keywords |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Hawker Hurricane
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Ranked Battle to learn Japan-specific mechanics
- Focus on Combat keywords. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Hawker Hurricane as your first major upgrade
- See our full Japan build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Soviet Union is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Germany is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Blitzkrieg for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Japan offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Britain shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More KARDS - The WWII Card Game Guides
- KARDS - The WWII Card Game KARDS - The WWII Card Game Overview
- KARDS - The WWII Card Game Best Builds
- KARDS - The WWII Card Game Tier List
- KARDS - The WWII Card Game Walkthrough
- KARDS - The WWII Card Game Beginner's Guide
- KARDS - The WWII Card Game Tips & Tricks
- KARDS - The WWII Card Game Weapons Guide
- KARDS - The WWII Card Game Combat Guide
- KARDS - The WWII Card Game Boss Guide
- KARDS - The WWII Card Game Maps & Locations
- KARDS - The WWII Card Game Crafting Guide
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