Exploding Kittens Original Edition - 56 Cards and 15 Minutes

Exploding Kittens Original Edition turns a 56-card deck into a quick contest of risk, timing, and card management. The game supports 2-5 players ages 7 and up, with a listed play time of 15 minutes.

Compact Deck, Quick Rounds

The US edition includes 56 cards and one instruction manual. The deck uses illustrated action cards to help players avoid, move, or neutralize the Exploding Kitten cards.

The rules center on drawing from a shared deck. A player who draws an Exploding Kitten needs a Defuse card or leaves the round, while action cards create opportunities to change the next draw or pressure another player.

Players Age and Play Time

The game is rated for ages 7 and up and accommodates 2-5 players. Target lists a 15-minute playing time, placing it in the short-format party card game category rather than the longer strategy-game segment.

Compared with the 2-Player Edition, the Original Edition allows up to 5 players and uses 56 cards rather than 32. The larger player range suits family tables and small gatherings, while two players can still use the core rules.

Price and Product Position

The US list price is $19.99 as of 09/22/2026. That places the Original Edition alongside mainstream family card games, with the price covering the complete 56-card game and instruction manual.

Asmodee completed its acquisition of Exploding Kittens in 2026 after acquiring a 55 percent stake in 2021 and exercising its call option for the remaining 45 percent. The Exploding Kittens name remains the consumer-facing brand on the game.

Best Fit for Short Games

Exploding Kittens Original Edition fits players who want a compact card game with a 2-5 player range, a 7-plus age rating, and 15-minute rounds. Its main constraint is the fixed player limit, which is smaller than party editions designed for larger groups.