Exploding Kittens: The Phenomenal Rise of the Viral Card Game
Exploding Kittens is a casual, dedicated deck card game that blends strategic tension with absurdist humor. Designed by Matthew Inman—the creator of the popular webcomic The Oatmeal—alongside Elan Lee and Shane Small, the game has evolved from a record-breaking crowdfunding project into a global entertainment brand spanning physical cards, mobile apps, and television.
The game first captured public attention in 2015 through a Kickstarter campaign. While the initial funding goal was a modest US$10,000, the project exploded in popularity, reaching that target in just eight minutes. By the end of the campaign on February 19, 2015, it had secured US$8,782,571 from 219,382 backers, making it one of the most-funded projects in the platform's history.
Key Facts
- Creators: Matthew Inman (The Oatmeal), Elan Lee, and Shane Small.
- Initial Funding: Raised over $8.7 million from 219,382 Kickstarter backers.
- Core Objective: Avoid drawing an Exploding Kitten card to be the last player standing.
- Player Count: Typically 2–5 players (expandable up to 10 in certain versions).
- Media Expansion: Adapted into mobile games and a Netflix animated series.
How to Play Exploding Kittens
At its core, Exploding Kittens is a game of Russian Roulette, but with kittens. The goal is simple: do not explode.
Setup and Basic Rules
The game begins by removing all Defuse cards (cards that save you from exploding) and Exploding Kitten cards from the deck. Each player is dealt a starting hand—four cards in the original version and seven in newer versions—plus one Defuse card. The Exploding Kitten cards are then shuffled back into the deck, with the number of kittens being one less than the number of players. Finally, the remaining Defuse cards are added back into the deck.
Turn Sequence
On a player's turn, they may play as many cards from their hand as they wish to manipulate the deck or avoid drawing. However, every turn must end by drawing a card. If a player draws an Exploding Kitten, they are immediately eliminated from the game unless they possess a Defuse card to neutralize the threat. The last remaining player is declared the winner.
Evolution and Expansions
Since its 2015 launch, the game has grown through a series of expansion packs that introduce new mechanics and increase player capacity. These expansions require the base game to play.
- Imploding Kittens (2016): Increased player limit to six and introduced the Imploding Kitten and "Alter the Future" mechanics.
- Streaking Kittens (2018): Added 15 new cards, including the "Catomic Bomb" and "Curse of the Cat Butt."
- Barking Kittens (2020): Introduced 20 new cards, such as "Tower of Power" and "Personal Attack."
Variant and Standalone Editions
The brand has released several standalone versions that can be played independently or mixed with other decks. These include an NSFW version with adult-themed artwork, Zombie Kittens (which allows eliminated players to return), and Good Versus Evil, created for the Netflix series. Other specialized versions include a UK Edition with British humor, a 2-Player Edition for travel, and a 10th Anniversary Edition in a collectible tin.
The franchise also expanded into a full board game, Exploding Kittens: The Board Game, which features a flipping board mechanic. This version was awarded the TOTY Game of the Year Award in 2026.
Digital and Multimedia Adaptations
Exploding Kittens has successfully transitioned from the tabletop to the screen. Multiplayer versions were released for iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch in 2016. In May 2022, Netflix launched a free-to-play mobile version of the game with no in-app purchases.
The brand's reach extended further with an adult animated series on Netflix, co-produced by Bandera and Chernin Entertainment. Executive produced by Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, the series premiered on July 12, 2024.
Game Specifications Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Players | 2–5 (Base), up to 10 (Party Pack) |
| Average Play Time | 15 Minutes |
| Setup Time | Less than 1 minute |
| Recommended Age | 7+ |
| Chance Level | Medium |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I draw an Exploding Kitten?
If you draw an Exploding Kitten, you are out of the game immediately unless you have a Defuse card. Using a Defuse card allows you to stay in the game and secretly place the Exploding Kitten back anywhere in the deck.
Can I play the expansions without the base game?
No, the expansion packs (such as Imploding, Streaking, and Barking Kittens) require a copy of the original Exploding Kittens base game to be playable.
Is there a version of the game for only two players?
Yes, there is a specific 2-Player Edition designed as a "grab and go" travel version with a streamlined deck.
Where can I play Exploding Kittens digitally?
The game is available on iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch. Additionally, Netflix offers a free-to-play version of the game for its subscribers.
What other games have the creators made?
The team has expanded their brand to include other titles such as Poetry for Neanderthals and Throw Throw Burrito, as well as a children's line called "Kitten Games," which includes the award-winning Hurry Up Chicken Butt.