Cards Against Humanity has earned a reputation as one of the most popular adult party games ever created, and knowing where to buy it can save you time and frustration. Unlike most board games that line the shelves at every big-box retailer, this one has a more limited retail footprint. The creators have deliberately kept distribution selective, which means you cannot just walk into any store and grab a copy. Whether you want the original base set, expansion packs, or the kid-friendly version, finding the right one at a fair price requires knowing which retailers actually stock it. This guide covers every reliable place to buy it, what to look for before you purchase, and common buying mistakes to avoid.
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What Is Cards Against Humanity and Who Plays It
Cards Against Humanity is a fill-in-the-blank party game designed for adults with a dark sense of humor. One player draws a black card with a question or incomplete statement, and everyone else answers with their funniest white card. The group votes on the most amusing response, and the person who played it wins the round. The game was funded through a Kickstarter campaign in 2011 and became the number-one selling toy on Amazon within 30 days of its release. It now includes the original 550-card base set along with dozens of themed expansion packs, a family-friendly version built for kids and parents, and limited special releases. The target audience ranges from college students hosting game nights to adults looking for an irreverent icebreaker at parties and gatherings. It is not meant for young children or anyone who is easily offended, though the kid-friendly version was developed with child development experts to offer a clean alternative for family game night.
What to Look For When Buying Cards Against Humanity
Base game versus expansion pack. The original set includes 600 cards, a mix of black question cards and white answer cards. Expansion packs add new cards to the base set but cannot be played on their own unless you already own the main game or another standalone version. Make sure you are buying the base game first if you are a new player.
Version and format. Several variants exist beyond the original. The Family Edition is rated for ages eight and up and removes all adult content. The 2.0 release refreshes older jokes with updated prompts. Themed packs like the Green Box, Red Box, and Blue Box each add a different flavor of humor. Check which version fits your group before purchasing.
Card quality and authenticity. Genuine sets are printed on premium cardstock with a smooth matte finish. Counterfeit versions often use thinner paper, blurry text, or inconsistent formatting. Buy only from authorized retailers to ensure you receive authentic products that hold up over repeated use.
Player count and group size. The game works best with four to ten players. If your group regularly exceeds that range, consider picking up additional expansion packs so the card pool stays fresh. Smaller groups of three can still play, though the humor improves with more participants.
Price range. The base game typically costs around $25 to $35 depending on the retailer. Individual expansion packs range from $10 to $20 each, while bundle deals on Amazon or the official store can save money if you plan to collect several packs at once.
What to Avoid When Buying Cards Against Humanity
Third-party sellers with inflated prices. Some sellers on Amazon and eBay list the base game at double or triple the retail price, especially around the holidays. The official retail price has remained steady for years. If a listing seems too expensive, check the official store or another authorized retailer before paying a premium.
Counterfeit or bootleg copies. Knockoff versions circulate on discount sites and lesser-known marketplaces. These fakes often have misaligned text, thinner cardstock, and missing cards. Stick to the official site, Amazon sold-by listings, Target, or Walmart to avoid counterfeits.
Buying an expansion thinking it is the full game. Expansion packs are clearly labeled, but the packaging size and price can mislead first-time buyers into thinking they are purchasing a complete standalone set. Read the product description carefully. If it says expansion, you need the base game to play it.
Assuming every store carries it in person. Most big-box retailers do not stock this game on physical shelves. Walking into a random store expecting to find it will usually end in disappointment. Check availability online or call ahead before making a trip.
Where to Buy Cards Against Humanity In Store
Finding a physical copy on a shelf is harder than you might expect. The creators have always limited brick-and-mortar distribution, so your options are narrower than with a typical board game.
Target
Target is the most reliable national chain for finding this game in person. Most locations stock both the base set and a solid selection of expansion packs in the board games aisle. Some stores place it on an end cap near the front due to its popularity. Prices match online listings, and you can use the Target app to check your local inventory before driving over. Browse their selection at Target.
Local Game and Comic Book Stores
Independent game shops and comic book stores sometimes carry the base set and popular packs. Availability varies widely by location, so call ahead before visiting. These stores often have knowledgeable staff who can recommend which packs are the funniest or best suited to your group. Prices may be slightly higher than big-box retailers, but you support a local business in the process.
Walmart (Limited In-Store Availability)
Most Walmart locations do not carry this game on their physical shelves. If you find it listed on the Walmart website, it is typically sold through third-party marketplace sellers and shipped to your home rather than stocked in the store itself. Do not plan a trip specifically to find it at Walmart unless you have confirmed in-store stock through their app first.
Where to Buy Cards Against Humanity Online
Online shopping is the easiest and most reliable way to get the exact version you want. These are the authorized online retailers with genuine inventory.
Official Store
The official website is the best place to find every available version, including limited special releases and holiday packs that other retailers may not carry. You can also download a free PDF of the base game to print at home, though the print-at-home version lacks the premium cardstock quality of a purchased set. The official store ships directly and often runs promotions, including their infamous Black Friday stunts where they have sold nothing, dug a hole, or raised prices as a joke. Visit their main site or shop directly at their online store.
Amazon
Amazon carries the full lineup of base sets, expansion packs, and bundles. The original base game is typically priced around $25 to $29. Make sure the listing shows “Ships from and sold by Amazon.com” or the official LLC as the seller, since third-party sellers occasionally list counterfeits or charge inflated prices. Prime members get free two-day shipping on most versions. Check the latest pricing on Amazon #ad.
Walmart Online
The Walmart website lists the base game and several expansion packs, though many are fulfilled by third-party sellers rather than Walmart directly. Pricing is competitive, and the free shipping threshold or Walmart Plus membership can make this a budget-friendly option. Verify the seller name before purchasing to ensure authenticity. See availability at Walmart online.
Top Picks: Best Sets to Buy
Best overall: Cards Against Humanity Base Game (600-Card Set). The core set everyone needs to start. Includes 500 white answer cards and 100 black question cards with refreshed content from the 2.0 update. Rated 4.8 out of 5 on Amazon with tens of thousands of reviews. Around $25 to $29.
Best for families: Family Edition. Designed with child development experts, this version keeps the fill-in-the-blank gameplay but swaps adult humor for kid-friendly jokes. Great for family game night with players aged eight and up. Around $20 to $25.
Best budget option: Green Box Expansion. If you already own the base game and want more variety, the Green Box adds 300 new cards at a lower price point than buying multiple smaller packs. Around $15 to $20.
Best for collectors: Bigger Blacker Box. A massive storage case that holds the base game plus every expansion pack. Comes with 50 bonus blank cards you can customize with your own dumb jokes. Around $25 to $30.
Best for a gift: Absurd Box. One of the funniest themed expansion packs, packed with surreal and absurd humor. A great standalone gift for someone who already owns the base set. Around $15 to $20.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you play Cards Against Humanity?
One player acts as the Card Czar and plays a black card with a question or fill-in-the-blank statement. Everyone else picks the white card from their hand that they think is the funniest answer. The Card Czar reads all submissions anonymously and chooses a winner. The person with the most rounds won at the end of the game takes the title. The rules are simple, and a full round typically lasts 30 to 90 minutes depending on group size.
Can you play with just two players?
The official rules require at least three players, and the game plays best with four to ten. With only two people, the competitive humor that makes it fun falls flat. Some fans have created unofficial two-player house rules, but the experience is much better with a group.
Is Cards Against Humanity appropriate for teenagers?
The original version is rated for ages 17 and up and contains strong adult humor including crude jokes and references to social taboos. It is not suitable for younger teens. The family-friendly version was specifically created for players aged eight and up and removes all adult content while keeping the core gameplay intact.
Do you need the base game to play expansion packs?
Yes. Expansion packs add new white and black cards to the existing deck but do not include enough to play on their own. You need either the base game or another standalone version before adding any expansions.
Can you download it for free?
The creators offer a free PDF download of the base game on their official website. You can print the cards at home, though most household printers cannot handle the thick cardstock used in the retail version. The printed version will wear out faster, so most players prefer buying the physical set for long-term use.
Why is Cards Against Humanity so expensive on some websites?
Third-party sellers sometimes mark up the price, especially during the holiday season when demand spikes. The official retail price for the base game has stayed around $25 to $29 for years. If you see a listing priced significantly higher, check the official store, Amazon, or Target for the standard price before overpaying.
About This Guide
Reviewed by the wheretobuyguides.com editorial team. Last updated: March 2026.
Whether you grab a copy at Target, order from the official store, or pick it up through Amazon, finding the right set is worth taking the time to do properly. Make sure you start with the base game, buy only from authorized sellers, and choose the version that fits your group. Once you have the right version in hand, get ready for a game night nobody will forget.