Exploding Kittens: Good vs Evil Expansion Review – Is It Worth Adding to Your Deck?

If you've played Exploding Kittens more than a handful of times, you've probably wondered what new twists could keep the chaos fresh. The Good vs Evil expansion promises to shake up the core game with team-based play and new card types. But does it actually improve the experience, or is it just a gimmick?

We spent several game nights putting this expansion through its paces, mixing it with both the base game and other expansions like Imploding Kittens: Expansion. Here's what we found about the gameplay changes, the new mechanics, and whether this expansion deserves a spot in your deck.

What's in the Good vs Evil Expansion?

The Good vs Evil expansion adds two new roles—Good Kittens and Evil Kittens—along with a handful of new action cards and a team win condition. Instead of everyone playing for themselves, players split into two teams and compete to eliminate the opposing side. The box includes a special Good vs Evil card that acts as a team identifier, plus new cards like 'Swap Positions' and 'Team Attack' that only work when your teammate is still alive.

This expansion requires the base Exploding Kittens game to play, and it works best with 4 to 6 players. If you already own Imploding Kittens: Expansion, you can combine all three for a larger, more chaotic experience. Just be prepared for longer rounds—team play adds negotiation and coordination that can slow things down.

• Works with 4–6 players; best at 5–6 for balanced teams.

How the Gameplay Changes

The biggest shift is the team dynamic. In standard Exploding Kittens, you're constantly defusing bombs and sabotaging opponents solo. Good vs Evil introduces a shared goal: protect your teammate and eliminate the other pair. This changes the strategy dramatically. Cards that used to be purely defensive, like the 'See the Future' card, become tools to share information with your partner. The 'Nope' card now has higher stakes because a well-timed denial can save both you and your teammate.

The new action cards encourage cooperation. 'Team Attack' lets both team members target a single opponent, which can quickly thin the other team's hand. 'Swap Positions' lets you exchange your entire hand with your teammate—risky but game-changing if one of you is holding an Exploding Kitten. These cards add a layer of trust and betrayal that the base game lacks, but they also require both players to be engaged. If one teammate is distracted or new, the whole team suffers.

• Team play adds a new strategic layer but requires both players to be equally invested.

Pros and Cons of Good vs Evil

On the plus side, Good vs Evil breathes new life into a game you may have played dozens of times. The team format encourages communication and can be hilarious when plans go wrong. It also makes the game more inclusive for players who prefer collaboration over cutthroat solo play. The new cards are well-balanced and don't feel overpowered—they just shift the focus from individual survival to team victory.

The downsides are mostly about pacing and player count. With an odd number of players, you'll have to sit someone out or play with uneven teams, which can feel unfair. Games also tend to run longer because teammates need to confer. If you usually play with just two or three people, this expansion won't see much use. And if you're looking for a purely competitive experience, the teamwork element might feel like a distraction.

• Best for groups of 4+; skip if you usually play with 2–3 players.

How It Compares to Other Exploding Kittens Expansions

If you already own Imploding Kittens: Expansion, you know that expansion focuses on adding a more dangerous bomb and new action cards that escalate the tension. Good vs Evil takes a different approach by changing the win condition entirely. It's not about making the game harder—it's about making it more social. For players who enjoy the base game but want a reason to talk and scheme together, this is a solid choice.

That said, if you prefer expansions that simply add more cards and faster gameplay, Imploding Kittens might be a better first purchase. Good vs Evil is best viewed as a complement, not a replacement. You can even combine both expansions for a massive deck that supports up to 8 players, though we recommend sticking with 6 for sanity's sake.

• Combine Good vs Evil with Imploding Kittens for a larger, more chaotic game.

Is It Worth the Price?

Priced similarly to other expansion packs, Good vs Evil offers good value if you regularly host game nights with 4–6 players. The new cards and team mechanics provide enough variety to justify the cost, especially if you've already exhausted the base game and Imploding Kittens. However, if your group is smaller or prefers fast, individual play, you might find this expansion collecting dust.

For collectors, the box art and card design are consistent with the series, so it fits neatly on your shelf alongside other Exploding Kittens products. If you're building a complete collection, this is a no-brainer. But for casual players, we recommend trying it at a friend's house or watching a gameplay video first to see if the team dynamic appeals to you.

• Great for dedicated game night hosts; less essential for casual or small groups.

The Good vs Evil expansion succeeds in its goal: it transforms Exploding Kittens from a solo survival game into a team-based battle of wits. It's not for everyone—small groups and pure competition fans may prefer other expansions like Imploding Kittens. But if you have a regular crew of 4–6 players and want a fresh, collaborative twist, this expansion is a worthy addition to your deck. Just make sure your teammates are ready to communicate, because in Good vs Evil, silence can be deadly.