How to Build a Custom Deck for Zombie Kittens: A Beginner’s Guide to Winning Strategies

Zombie Kittens is one of the most thrilling expansions in the Exploding Kittens universe, adding undead chaos, resurrection mechanics, and new layers of strategy. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just unboxing the game, building a custom deck is the best way to tailor the experience to your playstyle and increase your chances of survival. Instead of relying on the default card mix, a well-constructed custom deck can turn a chaotic free-for-all into a calculated battle of wits.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through the fundamentals of Zombie Kittens deck building. You’ll learn how to balance attack cards, defense cards, and special abilities, plus discover which cards to prioritize and avoid. By the end, you’ll have a clear strategy for assembling a deck that keeps your opponents guessing and your kittens alive—well, undead alive.

Understanding Zombie Kittens Card Types

Before you start building, it’s essential to know the different card categories in Zombie Kittens. The expansion introduces Zombie Kittens, which can be resurrected from the discard pile, along with new action cards like Grave Digging, which lets you steal cards from opponents’ hands. There are also classic Exploding Kittens staples: Attack, Skip, See the Future, and Shuffle. Each card type serves a specific purpose in your deck’s overall strategy.

The key to a strong custom deck is synergy. For example, pairing Zombie Kittens with cards that let you draw or search the discard pile can create powerful combos. On the other hand, too many defensive cards might leave you without offensive options. Start by sorting your cards into categories: offense (Exploding Kittens, Zombie Kittens), defense (Defuse, Skip, Nope), utility (See the Future, Alter the Future), and chaos (Attack, Shuffle, Favor). A balanced deck typically includes 40-50% offense, 30% defense, and 20-30% utility/chaos.

• Always include at least 4 Defuse cards to counter Exploding Kittens and Zombie Kittens.
• Limit Zombie Kittens to 3-4 per deck to avoid clogging your hand with undead cards.

Core Deck Building Strategies for Beginners

The most effective Zombie Kittens decks revolve around a central strategy. For aggressive players, focus on stacking Attack cards to force opponents into drawing multiple times. Pair this with Zombie Kittens to resurrect dead kittens and keep pressure high. Defensive players should prioritize See the Future and Alter the Future to control the draw pile, combined with Nope cards to cancel opponent moves.

Another popular strategy is the ‘Grave Robber’ approach: use Grave Digging and Favor cards to steal Zombie Kittens from opponents’ discard piles, then resurrect them for your own army. This works especially well in 4-6 player games where multiple Zombie Kittens are in play. Remember to include at least two Shuffle cards to reset the deck if you spot a dangerous card coming your way.

• Test your deck with 2-3 practice rounds before using it in a real game.
• Swap out underperforming cards after each session to refine your strategy.

Top 5 Cards to Include in Your Zombie Kittens Deck

Not all cards are created equal. Here are five must-have cards that can elevate your custom deck from good to great. First, the Zombie Kitten itself is your primary weapon—use it to bring back fallen kittens and force opponents to draw extra cards. Second, the Grave Digging card is invaluable for retrieving Zombie Kittens from the discard pile, giving you a second chance at resurrection.

Third, the Attack card is a staple in any aggressive deck, allowing you to skip your turn and make the next player draw two cards. Fourth, the Nope card is your ultimate defensive tool—cancel any action card, including an opponent’s Defuse. Finally, the See the Future card gives you crucial information about the top three cards of the draw pile, letting you plan your next moves with confidence.

• If you enjoy wordplay and quick thinking, try the Poetry for Neanderthals Card Game for a fun twist on party games.



• For a fast-paced, competitive experience, Monster Match offers a unique card-matching challenge that complements Zombie Kittens.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building Your Deck

New players often fall into a few traps when building custom decks. The most common mistake is including too many Zombie Kittens—while they’re powerful, having more than four can lead to dead draws and slow down your hand. Another error is neglecting defensive cards like Nope and Defuse; without them, you’re vulnerable to sudden eliminations.

Also, avoid stacking too many ‘skip’ or ‘shuffle’ cards. While they’re useful, relying on them too much can make your deck passive and predictable. Finally, don’t forget to consider player count—a deck built for 2 players might fail in a 6-player game. Adjust your card ratios based on how many people are playing to maintain balance and fun.

• Keep a notebook of which cards work best in different player counts.
• Ask friends for feedback after each game to identify weak spots in your deck.

Testing and Refining Your Custom Deck

Once you’ve assembled your initial deck, it’s time to test it. Play at least three full games with different opponents to see how your strategy holds up. Pay attention to which cards you rarely use or always wish you had. For example, if you find yourself constantly needing a Nope card, add another one. If your Zombie Kittens keep getting defused, consider adding more Grave Digging cards to recover them.

Refinement is an ongoing process. After each game, swap out one or two cards and note how the change affects your win rate. Over time, you’ll develop a personalized deck that feels intuitive and powerful. Don’t be afraid to experiment with unconventional combos—sometimes the most surprising strategies yield the best results.

• Record your wins and losses to track which deck configurations perform best.
• Join online forums or local game groups to share deck ideas and discover new tactics.

Building a custom deck for Zombie Kittens is a rewarding way to deepen your enjoyment of the game and sharpen your strategic skills. By understanding card types, choosing a core strategy, and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to dominating your next game night. Ready to expand your collection? Check out the Throw Throw Avocado for a hilariously chaotic dodgeball-style game that pairs perfectly with Zombie Kittens for an unforgettable evening of laughter and competition.