Crown Trick is a single-player roguelike dungeon RPG built around a distinctive rule: enemies and traps take their turns when you move. That makes each step a tactical choice, while procedurally generated runs and a mix of weapons, skills, items, relics, and Familiar abilities provide room to vary your approach.
What kind of game is Crown Trick?
Developed by NEXT Studios and published by Team17 and NEXT Studios, Crown Trick is a roguelike RPG set in the Nightmare Realm. Its dungeons are procedurally generated, and combat centers on positioning and deciding when to move, attack, or use an ability.
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Combat advances with your moves
Team17 describes the central rule as monsters and traps moving only when the player moves. In practice, that makes encounters synchronous and turn-based: taking a step can trigger enemy movement or an attack, so your position and next action matter as much as your weapon. It is a deliberate, planning-focused rhythm rather than real-time action. Team17’s game page describes the mechanic.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Runs are built around combinations
Across a run, you can draw on weapons, active skills, passive abilities, usable items, relics, elemental interactions, and Familiar skills gained from elite enemies. Team17’s 2021 feature list advertised 40+ active skills, 60+ passive abilities, 30+ usable items, and 170+ special relics; these are publisher-stated counts, not independent audits. Nintendo’s Switch listing separately advertises 100+ monsters, more than 10 bosses, and 60+ challenges and puzzles. Team17’s console announcement and Nintendo’s listing provide those figures.
#1 Best Overall
- FAMILY CARD GAME: It’s a unique twist on the classic rummy card game. A fifth suit of stars makes Five Crowns even more exciting than other family card games
- EASY TO LEARN GAME: Make books and runs, knowing when to play your cards. But tread carefully! Rotating wild cards can change your luck in an instant
- GAMES FOR ADULTS AND FAMILY: Looking for fun card games for adults and families? This award-winning game is one of the best card games for family game night
- GREAT TRAVEL GAME: Five Crowns is a perfect game for travel. This fun indoor activity can keep kids entertained on car rides and plane trips
- FUN CARD GAMES: Five Crowns is one of the best card games for teens and kids ages 8-12, and games for 2 players. With this game, you can have as many as 7 players
What do Crown Trick reviews say?
Review signals are positive, but they come from different sources and should not be treated as one critic score. Steam showed 86% positive English-language user reviews from 568 reviews in a snapshot retrieved in 2026. That figure can change as reviews are added or revised; it is not a permanent rating or a critics’ aggregate. Steam’s store page displays the current user-review information.
Nintendo Life scored the Switch eShop version 8/10. Its review praised the game while noting that busy battles can become difficult to follow and that the interface feels clunky in places. Those are one outlet’s observations about the Switch version, not proof that every platform has the same readability or interface experience. Read Nintendo Life’s review.
Rank #2
- STRATEGIC GAMEPLAY: Engage in a battle of wits and tactics as you vie to unite two warring families and claim the crown. Perfect for 2-4 players seeking a challenging yet fun board game experience.
- INTRIGUE AND BETRAYAL: Master the art of deception with unique card mechanics—recruit mercenaries, shuffle them into a deck, and use their abilities to manipulate the game in your favor.
- DYNAMIC CARD REVEALS: Each turn unfolds with the revealing of cards from a shared deck, where each mercenary's effect can drastically change the tide of the game. Stay alert and adapt your strategy on the fly.
- RUBY COLLECTION RACE: Utilize influence, magic, and cunning tactics to steal rubies from opponents. The richest player by the end of the game claims the crown and wins.
- REPLAYABILITY AND VARIETY: With a multitude of mercenary cards and unpredictable events, every game session offers new challenges and strategic decisions, ensuring high replay value.
Is Crown Trick worth playing?
It is a promising fit if you enjoy turn-based tactics, roguelike runs, and experimenting with combinations of abilities. Its move-triggered combat gives ordinary movement tactical weight, while the randomized dungeons and broad range of build components give runs room to differ.
The trade-off is pace and readability: the game asks you to stop and plan, and a crowded encounter may be harder to parse. If you prefer fast action or need combat information to remain immediately clear, the Switch review’s caveats are worth weighing. This is an assessment of the game’s described design and published reviews, not a claim of hands-on testing.
Rank #3
- LEAD THE YOKAI FROM THE SHADOWS: Step into a world of mystery and mischief as you command a troupe of legendary Japanese spirits—known as Yokai—competing to claim the title of Yokai King!
- STRATEGIC, FAST-PACED GAMEPLAY: Combine tactical trick-taking mechanics with clever card play. Plan your moves, outwit rival leaders, and summon the most powerful Yokai to your side in this battle for spirit supremacy.
- BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED CARDS: Features 64 gorgeously designed Yokai cards and 8 unique Leader cards, each inspired by traditional Japanese folklore and rendered in stunning, atmospheric art.
- PERFECT FOR FRIENDS & FAMILY GAME NIGHTS: Designed for 2–5 players, ages 10 and up, with a brisk 30-minute playtime—ideal for casual gatherings or competitive tabletop sessions.
- COMPLETE GAME SET: Includes 64 Yokai Cards, 8 Yokai Leader Cards, 12 Counter Chips, 5 Reference Cards, and a Rules Sheet—everything you need to host your own Yokai Carnival and crown the ultimate spirit master!
Platforms, release date, and Switch edition
Crown Trick launched on Steam and Nintendo Switch on October 16, 2020. Team17 later announced versions for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 in 2021. Availability and storefront terms can vary by region, so check the relevant platform store for current purchase options rather than relying on an old price or discount.
Nintendo UK lists the Switch version as a digital download, released October 16, 2020, with a 1.4 GB download size and one-player support. That listing establishes a digital edition; it does not establish a physical Switch release. Nintendo UK’s Switch listing has the edition details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- STRATEGIC TRICK-TAKING - Engage in a sophisticated card game where players must employ skill and strategy to win tricks, all while embracing the unique themes of Kabuki theater for an immersive experience.
- MULTI-PLAYER EXCITEMENT - Designed for 3 to 5 players, this game promotes competitive gameplay and social interaction, making it ideal for game nights or family gatherings focused on trick-taking games.
- DYNAMIC SCORING & JOKER BETS - Features an innovative scoring system that varies with game states and allows for Joker bets, adding layers of complexity and excitement to each round.
- COMPLETE CARD SET - Includes a custom deck tailored for the perfect trick-taking experience, emphasizing high-quality cards for durability and ease of play even during extended sessions.
- AGES & PLAYTIME - Suitable for ages 10 and up, this game offers a balanced challenge for new players and seasoned enthusiasts, making it a versatile addition to your game collection.
Rank #4
- SPECIAL EDITION — Comes in a collectible tin and with a custom Five Crowns score card!
- FAMILY GAME NIGHT FUN — Suitable for 1 to 7 players ages 8 & up so the whole family can play!
- EASY TO LEARN — Gameplay is simple enough for quick learning and tons of fun for beginners and pros alike!
- FIVE SUITS — This rummy-style game has five suits, with an additional star suit.
- ROTATING WILD CARD — Each round, a different card is the wild card!
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