Bears vs Babies vs Exploding Kittens: Which Card Game Should You Buy?
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at two colorful boxes on a game store shelf, wondering which one will deliver the most laughs and strategic depth, you’re not alone. Bears vs Babies and Exploding Kittens are two of the most popular card games on the market, each offering a unique blend of humor, strategy, and chaos. But which one deserves a spot in your collection? In this Bears vs Babies review, we’ll break down the key differences, strengths, and weaknesses of each game to help you make the right choice.
Both games come from the same creative minds—The Oatmeal (Matthew Inman) and Elan Lee—so you can expect the same quirky artwork and hilarious card text. However, the gameplay mechanics are surprisingly different. Whether you’re a seasoned tabletop gamer or a casual party host, this comparison will guide you toward the best card game for adults in your group.
How Bears vs Babies Works: The Monster-Building Card Game
Bears vs Babies is a card game where players compete to build the most terrifying (or adorable) monsters by combining different body parts. Each player starts with a hand of cards that include heads, torsos, arms, and legs. The goal is to assemble a monster that can defeat the babies that appear in the center of the table. Babies come in various forms—some are harmless, while others are armed with weapons like laser guns or rocket launchers. The twist? You can also play 'ingredient' cards to modify your monsters or disrupt your opponents’ creations.
The game is played over several rounds, and the player with the most victory points at the end wins. Victory points are earned by defeating babies and by having the most impressive monster at the end of the game. The strategic depth comes from deciding whether to build a strong monster early or save cards for later combos. The humor is off the charts, with cards like 'Bear with a Laser on Its Head' and 'Baby with a Chainsaw' that will have everyone laughing. If you enjoy creative deck-building and chaotic fun, this might be your new favorite.
- Tip: Focus on building one strong monster rather than spreading your cards thin across multiple weak creatures.
How Exploding Kittens Works: The Russian Roulette Card Game
Exploding Kittens is a fast-paced, elimination-style card game that has become a household name. The premise is simple: players take turns drawing cards from a deck until someone draws an Exploding Kitten. If you draw one, you’re out—unless you have a Defuse card to cancel the explosion. The deck is filled with action cards that allow you to skip turns, peek at the future, steal cards from opponents, or even force someone else to draw multiple cards. The last player standing wins.
The game plays best with 2-5 players and takes about 15 minutes per round. It’s easy to learn but offers surprising strategic depth, especially when you consider the timing of using Defuse cards and the order of the deck. The art is delightfully absurd, featuring cats with tacos, laser beams, and other ridiculous scenarios. For those who want to expand the experience, expansions like Streaking Kittens: Expansion add new mechanics and cards, increasing replayability. If you’re looking for a quick, high-stakes game that fits in a pocket, this is a top contender.
- Tip: Use the See the Future card early to plan your moves and avoid drawing an Exploding Kitten at a critical moment.
Comparing Gameplay: Strategy vs. Luck
When it comes to strategy card games, both Bears vs Babies and Exploding Kittens offer plenty of decision-making, but they lean in different directions. Bears vs Babies rewards long-term planning and resource management. You need to decide which body parts to collect, when to attack babies, and when to sabotage your opponents. The game has a slower pace, allowing for more thoughtful play. In contrast, Exploding Kittens is more about risk assessment and bluffing. The luck of the draw plays a significant role, but skilled players can manipulate the deck and predict outcomes using cards like See the Future.
If your group enjoys games where careful planning pays off, Bears vs Babies might be the better choice. If you prefer fast, chaotic rounds where anything can happen, Exploding Kittens will keep everyone on edge. Both games have excellent replayability, but Bears vs Babies offers more variety in monster combinations, while Exploding Kittens relies on the tension of the elimination mechanic. For a balanced game night, you could even play both—start with a few rounds of Exploding Kittens to warm up, then dive into a longer session of Bears vs Babies.
Art Style and Theme: Which One Makes You Laugh More?
Both games feature the signature art style of The Oatmeal, which means you’ll encounter whimsical, slightly grotesque illustrations that are equal parts cute and weird. Bears vs Babies leans heavily into the monster-building theme, with cards depicting bizarre hybrids like a bear with octopus tentacles or a baby with a jetpack. The humor is more about the absurdity of the combinations and the over-the-top descriptions. Exploding Kittens, on the other hand, focuses on cats and explosions, with cards like 'Taco Cat' and 'Cattermelon' that are instantly meme-worthy.
The tone of both games is playful and irreverent, but Bears vs Babies feels more like a creative sandbox, while Exploding Kittens is a rapid-fire comedy of errors. If you enjoy games where you can show off your monster creations and laugh at the ridiculous names, Bears vs Babies is a joy. If you prefer quick, punchy humor that fits into a 15-minute game, Exploding Kittens delivers. Both are excellent choices for fans of The Oatmeal’s unique brand of humor.
Player Count and Replayability
Bears vs Babies supports 2-5 players and plays best with 4-5. The game lasts about 30-45 minutes, which is longer than Exploding Kittens but still manageable for a game night. The replayability comes from the huge variety of card combinations—each game feels different because the cards you draw are random. Exploding Kittens also supports 2-5 players but plays faster (15-20 minutes). Its replayability is high due to the unpredictability of the deck and the expansions available, such as the Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil variant, which adds a team-based twist.
For larger groups, you might want to consider party games like Throw Throw Burrito, which gets players moving. However, if you’re strictly comparing these two card games, both offer solid replay value. Bears vs Babies might have the edge for those who enjoy building and customizing, while Exploding Kittens is better for quick, repeat plays. If you’re a collector, you might also enjoy the Feline of Unusual Size (1000 Piece Puzzle) as a complementary activity for game night.
- Tip: To extend the life of Exploding Kittens, mix in expansion packs like Streaking Kittens: Expansion for new cards and mechanics.
Which Game Should You Buy? A Quick Decision Guide
Still torn? Here’s a simple breakdown. Choose Bears vs Babies if: you enjoy creative deck-building, longer strategic sessions, and the humor of assembling bizarre monsters. It’s ideal for game nights where you have 45 minutes to spare and a group that loves to laugh at absurd combinations. Choose Exploding Kittens if: you want a fast, portable game that’s easy to teach, perfect for parties or as a filler between heavier games. It’s great for 2-5 players and delivers high tension in a short time.
If you have the budget, consider buying both—they complement each other beautifully. For a complete game night, you could also pick up the No Loyalty expansion for Exploding Kittens to add more chaos. Ultimately, there’s no wrong choice; both games are top-tier examples of the best card games for adults. The decision comes down to whether you prefer building monsters or dodging explosions.
Whether you choose the monster-building mayhem of Bears vs Babies or the explosive tension of Exploding Kittens, you’re in for a hilarious and memorable game night. Both games are available now at Exploding Kittens, and we recommend starting with the original Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil if you want a fresh twist on the classic. Explore the full collection today and find your next favorite card game!