TCG Card Shop Simulator

98%
Game Brain Score Based on 24,697 reviews
  • gameplay
  • grinding
  • graphics
TCG Card Shop Simulator Game Cover
Starting at $12.99Buy now
Get on Steam Get on itch.io Store

TCG Card Shop Simulator is a trading card game shop simulation where you manage a shop, sell booster packs, and collect cards to build your business. Design your store, stock popular products, and host card games to attract customers and expand your business. Find rare cards in booster packs to sell for a profit or complete your own collection. Keep your store clean and adjust inventory to cater to customer demands.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

98%
Audience ScoreBased on 24,697 reviews
gameplay301 positive mentions
grinding269 negative mentions
  • gameplay782 mentions

    The gameplay of the "TCG Card Shop Simulator" is characterized by a simple yet addictive loop involving managing a card shop, opening packs, and interacting with customers. While many players find the mechanics engaging and the card-collecting aspect enjoyable, some criticize the repetitive nature of the gameplay, especially as it progresses. Overall, the game offers a relaxing experience with potential for future updates to enhance depth and variety.

    • “The gameplay loop is incredibly satisfying, especially if you're into the thrill of collecting.”
    • “The mechanics are simple yet engaging, allowing for both casual gameplay and deeper strategic planning as you try to create the ultimate card shop.”
    • “The gameplay is fun and refreshing for a sim game, and leads to amazing moments whether watching a content creator or playing through yourself.”
    • “Disappointingly simple, with the full gameplay loop revealed within the first 15 minutes.”
    • “The gameplay is repetitive, stale and has zero replayability.”
    • “You literally see the entire gameplay loop in the first 30 minutes, and everything after that point is just card/pack/box reskins and higher numbers but not anything of substance.”
  • grinding287 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is a significant point of contention among players, with many noting that while the early stages are enjoyable, the gameplay becomes increasingly tedious and repetitive as they progress, particularly after level 20. Players often feel that the grind for card packs and leveling up can be excessively time-consuming, leading to a sense of monotony, although some appreciate the ability to automate certain tasks to alleviate the tedium. Overall, the game appeals to fans of grinding and simulation genres, but it may not be suitable for those seeking a more dynamic experience.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Average amount of grinding.”
    • “It's so unbelievably tedious that without that mod I'd have immediately refunded the game.”
    • “The core of the game is quaint and interest-piquing, but the reality of gameplay is repetitive and grindy.”
    • “The game has potential, but in its current form you need to spend a lot of time grinding to make progress.”
  • graphics272 mentions

    The graphics in the game are generally described as simple and functional, with a charming retro aesthetic that captures the essence of a trading card shop. While the card artwork is frequently praised for its beauty and detail, many players note that the overall visuals can feel repetitive and lack polish, with some character models and environments appearing generic. Despite these shortcomings, the graphics contribute to an enjoyable gameplay experience, particularly for fans of collectible card games.

    • “The artwork on the trading cards is absolutely stunning as well as creature stats and names - brilliant!!”
    • “The graphics are charming, and the gameplay is both relaxing and rewarding.”
    • “The art style is vibrant and appealing, creating a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel right at home in your shop.”
    • “The graphics aren't the greatest looking (on par with most simulator games these days), not that I was expecting much.”
    • “The graphics are so charmingly retro that I half-expect my shop to be raided by a gang of 8-bit thieves.”
    • “This should have been in the oven longer—a lot longer—and not relied so much on what appears to be asset store models and graphics, as it just ruins any type of aesthetic this game could have had, which ultimately makes it completely soulless and generic.”
  • humor142 mentions

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players finding joy in its quirky mechanics, such as dealing with "smelly customers" and the absurdity of spraying them with deodorant. While many appreciate the comedic elements and chaotic interactions, some feel that the humor can become repetitive or annoying over time. Overall, the game successfully blends humor with gameplay, creating a lighthearted experience that resonates with fans of trading card games.

    • “Best thing about this game is laughing in the corner like a goblin opening packs of cards while your employees do all the work. 10/10 game lol.”
    • “This game is hilarious, chaotic, and ridiculously fun.”
    • “The quirky, humorous touches add personality to the game, and while there’s a bit of pressure in managing your bills and shop, it’s all part of the fun.”
    • “You're not funny!”
    • “Not funny, hee hee.”
  • music107 mentions

    The music in the game is generally described as chill and relaxing, making it a suitable backdrop for casual gameplay. While many players appreciate its soothing quality, some find it repetitive and suggest adding more variety to the soundtrack. Overall, it enhances the cozy atmosphere of the game, allowing players to unwind while engaging in tasks like running a shop or opening card packs.

    • “The music is calm, the art is colorful and cozy, and the pace is perfect if you’re looking for something to unwind with after a stressful day.”
    • “The soundtrack is soothing and perfectly complements the gameplay, making it easy to lose hours in this simulator without even realizing it.”
    • “Great game to chill and listen to music and vibe, no stress, no anger, just chilled vibes.”
    • “The music is really annoying after listening to it on repeat for a few hours.”
    • “The only drawback, the music can get a little repetitive, but you can just mute the audio and play some YouTube or your own music to remedy that.”
    • “Would love a way to change the shop music, as the current track reminds me of The Sims and does trigger a sense of drowsiness while mindlessly opening packs to increase shop profit.”
  • story105 mentions

    The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its absence, with many users noting a lack of quests, narrative progression, and engaging dialogue. Players describe the experience as repetitive and akin to a trading card shop simulator without any meaningful storyline or character development, suggesting that the game would benefit from the addition of quests and events to enhance engagement. Overall, the consensus is that while the gameplay may be enjoyable, the story is minimal to nonexistent.

    • “Moral of the story, you never know what life holds in store for you, and if I would have given up when all the odds were stacked against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
    • “In a world filled with high-octane action and dramatic storytelling, TCG Card Shop Simulator dares to venture into the thrilling life of a trading card shop owner.”
    • “The plot: the game’s plot is simple: run a trading card shop, sell cards, buy more packs, repeat.”
    • “There's no real narrative aside from owning a card shop, and while a story isn't strictly necessary, having some progression or events with future updates would be a nice touch.”
    • “There’s no story to follow within this simulator, just brief intel regarding you, as the player previously has decided to ditch your previous work to start your own adventure as a store manager and owner.”
  • optimization52 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while many players report smooth performance and enjoyable gameplay, several also highlight significant optimization issues, particularly with detailed customer models and engine-related bugs. Some users find the game engaging despite its early access status, while others feel that optimization could enhance the experience further. In summary, while the game runs well for many, it still requires improvements to fully realize its potential.

    • “The game runs smoothly, controls pretty well, and was engaging enough for me to sink 8 hours into one day like it was nothing.”
    • “Despite its complexity, the TCG card simulator runs smoothly, even during high-intensity matches with many cards on the board.”
    • “I got super hooked in the demo and the amount of customization, small decisions, and optimizations you can make are really engaging.”
    • “Game is poorly optimized and unplayable without mods.”
    • “Has a lot of passion but it's still an unoptimized Unity asset flip mess.”
    • “Regardless, this game is either horribly unoptimized, or has something more malicious going on under the hood.”
  • stability51 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag, with many players reporting minor glitches and bugs, particularly related to NPC behavior and input responsiveness. While some users experience significant freezing issues, especially during specific actions like opening packs, others find the game runs smoothly and is enjoyable despite its early access status. Frequent updates from the developers are noted, suggesting a commitment to improving stability over time.

    • “This game runs great on the Steam Deck as well and is a go-to for me if I just want to play something chill and fun for a bit while I'm casually doing other stuff.”
    • “For an early access game, this is great; not buggy, and there are hours of stuff to do to build up your store.”
    • “Honestly, the best game I've played in a long time considering I main PvP games; simple gameplay runs great even on my low-spec laptop.”
    • “I really wanted to like this game, but it is way too buggy to play.”
    • “Just completely freezes my entire laptop to where I have to force shut down.”
    • “Edit: the latest patch seems to have made my game unstable as it freezes every time loading up a game or new game.”
  • monetization43 mentions

    Overall, the monetization aspect of the game has been positively received, with many players appreciating the absence of microtransactions and in-game purchases, which they feel levels the playing field. Some users suggest the introduction of advertising features to enhance gameplay and increase in-store traffic, while expressing concerns about potential future monetization strategies that could detract from the game's integrity. The developer is commended for treating the game as a labor of love rather than a cash grab, maintaining a focus on quality updates and player experience.

    • “I especially like that there are no microtransactions.”
    • “Addicting and glad there are no in-game purchases.”
    • “Love the fact that there are no in-app purchases, which puts everybody on the same playing ground.”
    • “Dumb microtransactions and all that become a big useless waste than they already are after you play this game.”
    • “But a lot of red flags this is just another Chinese low-quality cash grab.”
    • “It feels a lot like Speedrobo was looking for some cheap advertising for their shady unknown board games and the dev took the bait.”
  • replayability30 mentions

    Overall, the game exhibits high replayability, particularly due to its diverse strategies for building a card shop, frequent updates, and engaging seasonal events. While some players find it linear and grindy, many appreciate the endless content and community support that enhance the replay experience. However, a few users noted a lack of replay value, suggesting that improvements in content and gameplay mechanics could further boost this aspect.

    • “There is already so much replayability; I know this is a game I will go back to over and over again.”
    • “Replayability: with multiple ways to build your card shop and an endless variety of strategies to experiment with, TCG Card Shop Simulator offers high replayability.”
    • “Balancing inventory, pricing, and marketing strategies keeps the gameplay fresh, and the seasonal events and tournaments add depth and replayability.”
    • “There's no replay value, but I think I got it on sale for like $12, so it was pretty good filler for a weekend at that price.”
    • “Not sure how replayable this game is, though. I don't imagine I'd ever feel the need to start over again for a different experience, as it is very linear and grindy enough that there's no real reason to play it again once you've beaten it.”
    • “The replayability is close to 0.”
  • atmosphere20 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is characterized by a cozy and vibrant card shop environment that evokes nostalgia and a sense of community. Players appreciate the engaging character designs, ambient sounds, and the overall relaxing vibe, which enhances the experience of running a dream card shop. However, some critiques mention that certain elements, like the owner's demeanor, can detract from this otherwise enjoyable atmosphere.

    • “The cozy atmosphere makes you feel like you’re running your dream card shop, and the gameplay is both fun and engaging.”
    • “The ambient sounds of customers browsing, chatting, or even battling in the store add to the overall atmosphere.”
    • “The art style is vibrant and appealing, creating a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel right at home in your shop.”
    • “This choice not only emphasizes the grim nature of the gameplay but also creates an atmosphere that feels suffocating and oppressive.”
    • “Visited recently and while the selection of cards and accessories is great, the atmosphere is ruined by the owner.”
    • “This game almost has an atmosphere.”
  • emotional18 mentions

    Players express a profound emotional connection to the game, often reminiscing about childhood memories and feeling a sense of nostalgia that evokes tears and joy. The game's ability to create a wholesome atmosphere, despite moments of frustration, resonates deeply, highlighting the emotional complexities tied to gaming experiences and personal relationships with collectible card games. Overall, it is celebrated for its heartwarming qualities and the emotional investment it fosters in players.

    • “To be honest, I cried a little after completing the final achievement as it brought back many childhood memories.”
    • “I was overjoyed, sent prayers to the heavens, and gave heartfelt thanks to the devs.”
    • “This game made me cry daily.”
  • character development3 mentions

    Character development in the game is highlighted by well-detailed designs that enhance the atmosphere, with cute and quirky aesthetics contributing to a lighthearted experience. The diverse character and card art not only add personality but also elevate the overall enjoyment of the game.

    • “The character designs, especially the customers and various card art, are well-detailed and add personality to the overall atmosphere.”
    • “The character designs and shop aesthetics add to the overall enjoyment of the game.”
    • “The character designs are cute and quirky, adding to the game’s lighthearted feel.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy TCG Card Shop Simulator

Play time

17hMedian play time
30hAverage play time
7-40hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 135 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games