Matthew BaileyIf you love the fast-paced, fun chaos of UNO, but you’re ready for something a little more interesting, strategic or just different, here are six deck-shedding games that take the basic idea and run with it. Each one still has that “get rid of your cards” concept, but gives it a fresh twist.
1. UNO Zero
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Why it’s worth playing: This variant keeps the core of Uno, but adds new card types and a different scoring dynamic that ramps the tension. For players who know Uno inside out, it gives just enough novelty to keep things exciting.
Best for: Families and groups who want a familiar base, but with a little extra twist.
2. 1 A M – Jailbreak
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Why it’s worth playing: This game takes the light shedding mechanics and adds theme + twist (escaping a jail) so your simple “discard” turns into mini-adventures. It gives more story and engagement than standard Uno.
Best for: Kids (and adults) who enjoy theme, humour and extra layers beyond basic play.
3. Wednesday Creatures: Outcasts
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Why it’s worth playing: A more strategic deck-shedding game with creature themes, powers and special actions. A step up in complexity from Uno, but still accessible.
Best for: Groups who want something with more depth but still easy to teach.
4. High Rise Penguins
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Why it’s worth playing: Adds a stacking mechanic to the discarding, so you’re not just shedding cards—you’re building and watching others build. It’s creative, fun and gives a fresh spin on “get rid of your cards”.
Best for: Kids especially (or families) who like tactile play and some spatial strategy.
5. UNO Flex
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Why it’s worth playing: This is Uno with a flexible physical element (literally bendy cards) and a few modern rule twists. If you like fresh takes on classic games, this hits that spot.
Best for: Anyone who wants a comfortable bridge between classic Uno and something a little newer.
6. Llama
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Why it’s worth playing: Light, fast-moving, with a fun bluffing element. In this game you’re shedding but with risk: maybe you’re bluffing, maybe you’re safe. It adds social fun that Uno doesn’t always emphasise.
Best for: Groups that like interaction, humour and don’t want super heavy rules.
7. Munchkin: Mighty Monsters
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Why it’s worth playing: While technically more than just a shedding game, this version of the popular “Munchkin” series has strong shedding and card-play mechanics. For fans of humorous push-your-luck with a theme, it’s a fun alternative.
Best for: Older kids / teens / adults who like more theme, more cards, more fun chaos.
Final Thoughts
If Uno is your comfortable go-to, these games broaden your options while retaining familiar mechanics. They vary in theme, complexity and interaction so you can pick what fits your group best. Want super simplistic? Try Llama. Want something with stacking and structure? High Rise Penguins. Want more strategic or thematic? Wednesday Creatures or Munchkin.
And don’t forget: once you’ve explored these, you might find your group ready for even more in the shedding / card-play genre. The key thing is: games that let you shed cards, interact, and have fun with minimal setup.
