Fluxx is a game that has been around almost as long as I’ve been alive (it first came out in 1997). It’s been a quirky family favorite board game for decades, created by a hippy couple who formerly worked for NASA. While you’ll see some touches of those “looney” personalities within the Fluxx series of games, Fluxx is relatively easy to learn, leaving it open for mass appeal.
That said, board game communities tend to either love or hate Fluxx due to its chaotic nature. Unlike most games, where the rules are defined and orderly, Fluxx is the exact opposite. The game starts with some base rules, but these rules change as folks play cards in their hands.
Winning a game is actually quite simple. Collect and play cards to ultimately complete a goal, and you win. Of course, doing that might not be simple. Actions, New Rule Cards, and Creeper cards played during the course of a turn can suddenly change the trajectory of the game. This changing ruleset creates endless combinations, making no two games the same.
The dynamic nature of Fluxx gives any one edition of the board game an immense amount of replayability before it starts feeling repetitive. However, if you decide one edition is getting tiresome, there are over 30 versions (and counting) to enjoy. You absolutely will not run out of options. Working on this guide and choosing some favorites was not easy, so stay tuned for a few that made my list.
The Core Games
The core games of Fluxx are some of the most popular and easiest-to-find games out in the wild. There’s a high probability that someone in your gaming group has played one of these core games. Two of these are also available to play online, which my board game group does regularly due to their repeatability (more about that below).
Fluxx Card Game
- MSRP: $44.95 USD
- 2-4 Players (best with 3)
- 20-30 minutes
- Ages 13+
The first in the Fluxx series to come out was the original deck. It has some very basic types of combinations that you would probably expect. One of the goal cards is Milk & Cookies. Another is Peace & Love. This is the original and easiest-to-play version of the game, so it's recommended that you play this one first before jumping into others. You can also try this version online and in app form.
Star Fluxx
- MSRP: $44.95 USD
- 2-4 Players (best with 3)
- 20-30 minutes
- Ages 13+
Star Fluxx is a science fiction version of Fluxx that adds characteristics to some keeper cards that change up the game even more. They also add an additional layer to the game: creepers. Creepers are pesky cards that can make the game more difficult to win. Some creepers can attach to cards in your hand, making winning with them impossible unless a specific goal card requires them. You can play with or without the creepers on the online version. Creepers add a layer of complication and cause the game to take longer, so it's best to go without if you're looking for a quick-playing board game.
Fluxx Remixx
- MSRP: $44.95 USD
- 2-4 Players (best with 3)
- 20-30 minutes
- Ages 13+
Fluxx Remix combines mechanics in other game versions, adding new actions, surprises, and goal combinations. Some of the goals might surprise you, and possibly teach you something – especially if you're not used to some of the connections used. One of the goals, for example, is “theobromine”, which I had to Google before learning that it’s a compound found in chocolate that affects the brain; which explained why the keepers for this one were chocolate and the brain.
The new goal combinations also offer some quirky pop culture throwbacks to things such as a goal card for “Major Tom is Coming Home,” which requires rocket and music keeper cards to complete, and “Kennedy’s Dream,” which requires the moon and dream keeper cards to complete their objectives. These types of interesting connections make Fluxx a great board game for families, as you can discuss with your kids the stories behind the combinations.
Other Ways to Play
Fluxx, like Munchkin, has several stand-alone games with different themes and categories. Fluxx has over 30 versions to play. You can enjoy several versions from assorted franchises and other standalone versions that continue to be released regularly. Here are four of my recommendations for you to try out.
Wonderland Fluxx
- MSRP: $20.00 USD
- 2-6 Players (best with 3)
- 5-30 minutes
- Ages 8+
Lewis Carroll’s upside world of literary madness has always been something out of a dream for me. Pairing the odd world beyond the looking glass in Wonderland makes perfect nonsense in this version of Fluxx. It combines many of my favorite literary characters and a Jabberwock creeper to add even more havoc. The names of cards in this version are also some of the best across the Fluxx decks. The artwork on these cards is black and white in a more hand-drawn sketch version, bringing a bit more seriousness to this otherwise silly game. I quite adore this one, indeed.
Cthulhu Fluxx
- MSRP: $20.00 USD
- 2-6 Players (best with 3)
- 10-40 minutes
- Ages 13+
If you’ve seen other guides I’ve written, you’d probably guess this literary version would also make my list. The Cthulhu version of Fluxx brings some squidy fun and major madness to the party. There are eight creepers to haunt you as you play this version. Nightmares, Madness, Fungi, and Shoggoth are half of the plagues to potentially ruin you. This version also brings “Surprises” like cultists and “Ungoals” like the infamous Call of Cthulhu.
Monster Fluxx
- MSRP: $20.00 USD
- 2-6 Players
- 5-20 minutes
- Ages 8+
Growing up, classic monster movies and Scooby Doo made my childhood a little less scary. They were times to embrace silly characters with my favorite people ever (my grandparents) whose celebrations of Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos still continue to be part of my adult life.
The cards in this offshoot of Fluxx contain pop culture references that span multiple generations. Some of them might be familiar to my grandparents. Some, outside of the more classic versions, are ones that my kids will remember. This version is also creeper-free, making it a bit more family-friendly than the ones that add that layer of horror board game nightmares.
Jumanji Fluxx
- MSRP: $22.00 USD
- 2-6 Players
- 10-40 minutes
- Ages 8+
When my board game friends found out I was considering playing the Jumanji version, they were quite worried. Fans of the films know that playing Jumanji can be a disastrous and dangerous affair regardless of whether you’re playing an older version of the game with the original film or one of the newer versions.
I was warned that playing a version of Jumaji could result in me meeting celebrities like The Rock, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black who were in the game. While I have so far managed to survive playing Fluxx’s version at home (although there are items in the game that can eliminate you from the game), I have not yet had the pleasure of running into any of the celebrities for the film despite being in Los Angeles. However, if any of them read my review and want to make it happen, I will shamelessly accept an invitation to see who (if any of us) will survive this version of the game.
You can find a lot more variations of Fluxx on Amazon.
Quasi Educational Versions
While Fluxx is not necessarily meant to be an educational game, a few versions veer in that direction. They are not meant to be a complete replacement for any lesson plan, but some teachers and students may enjoy them for the educational avenues that sneak up on them while playing the games in expected and unexpected ways.
Fluxx En Español
- MSRP: $8.00 USD
- 2-6 Players
- 5-30 minutes
- Ages 8+
Are you already using Duolingo or some other language app to learn a language? If you’re interested in practicing your Spanish, you may want to try the Spanish version of Fluxx. It allows you to learn a bit of the language in a silly way. It’s also super accessible as it's the cheapest version in their entire series.
Math Fluxx
- MSRP: $20.00 USD
- 2-6 Players
- 5-30 minutes
- Ages 8+
You don’t have to be a banker like my dad to be able to appreciate Math Fluxx. This version is more than just adding or pairing numbers to achieve your goal. There are several ways to play, from the simpler to more complex. You might win the game if you can make your age in keeper cards. You might even win if you have no keepers. Like others in the series, you’ll also find some quirky numerical pop culture references such as the Speed of Time Travel and The Ultimate Answer.
Around The World Fluxx
- MSRP: $20.00 USD
- 1-6 Players
- 10-30 minutes
- Ages 8+
Can’t afford international travel? Well, now you can. Learn about landmarks across the world while playing this version of Fluxx. Around the World will bring you to 25 locations across the globe, from the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, Machu Picchu in Peru, to McMurdo Station in Antarctica. Play the Across America Fluxx version (combined with this one or separately) to add even more landmarks to enjoy traveling to without all the pricey expenses of actually traveling. Fluxx is also super portable, allowing you to bring these with you on your real travel adventures too.
Adult Versions
There are a few ways to add to your Fluxx experience. Some of them are specific to certain sets. Others have universality that can be added to sets across the full Fluxx catalogue, making them easy to shift into your experience. Here are a few of those types of expansions.
Monty Python Fluxx
- MSRP: $20.00 USD
- 2-6 Players
- 10-30 minutes
- Ages 13+
Despite being around for over a decade, the Monty Python version of Fluxx is one of the best-selling versions. Younger generations are learning about the show because of the game. This one is not only for adults but is friendly and accessible enough to be appropriate for the YA age group too.
Stoner Fluxx
- MSRP: $20.00 USD
- 2-6 Players
- 10-40 minutes
- Ages 21+
Those old enough to enjoy legal cannabis will find this version to be one worth puffing and passing with their friends. Some cards will bring you to take hits. Others will set the mood. Still, others will indulge your craving for munchies. The game can be played with or without extracurricular means. Enjoy it as a parody or safely and responsibly with friends as you wish.
Drinking Fluxx
- MSRP: $25.00 USD
- 2-6 Players
- 10-40 minutes
- Ages 21+
Forewarning: this game, like the other one in this section, is only for legal adults. There are cards with various alcoholic drinks, combinations, and comical scenarios. There is also a special ruleset for those who want to drink while playing.
That said, playing this game while drinking may result in having to have your friends stay over, as they may not be able to drive afterwards.
Fluxx Expansions & Add Ons
Beyond the base sets, there are a few additional ways to add to your Fluxx experience. Some of them are specific to certain sets. Others have universality that can be added to sets across the full Fluxx catalogue, making them easy to shift into your experience. Here are a few of those types of expansions.
More Rules
Contents: several new rules, actions, surprises, and more that can be added to any new version of Fluxx
- MSRP: $5.00 USD
- 2-4 Players
- 20-30 minutes
- Ages 13+
Fluxx's various editions allow for many different types of rule changes. Some of those rules are only available in a couple of decks. The More Rules pack of additional rules can be integrated into any version of Fluxx, including those rules that are only in a few select decks. It also includes rules for those wishing to combine decks. Those looking to combine things for maximum capacities may also want to consider getting the More Surprises expansion, which adds more surprise cards, and the More Actions expansion, which adds more action cards.
If you're feeling creative and want to make up your own rules or cards, you can get a Blanxx Expansion, which allows you to add your own keepers, creepers, goals, actions, rules, or surprise cards to your deck. Creating individualized cards is something my family has done in the past in several different games, so I highly recommend doing it. A card in one family board game says a specific named person loses if someone draws that card. My dad put it there to troll one particular friend forever ago. It’s still there, remaining an ongoing joke 20+ years later, serving not only as a silly reminder of our family playing this game but for all of us to remember my dad’s friend who sadly passed away.
Fluxx Dice Expansion
Contents: add dice to make the game even more random
- MSRP: $5.00 USD
- 2-4 Players
- 20-30 minutes
- Ages 13+
In the expansion, which brings a key element from dice-rolling games, you’ll roll to see how many cards you’ll draw and play. A couple of special rule variants on cards use the dice’s powers to change the game.
Fluxx: The Board Game
Contents: game board tiles, a peg board to keep track of evolving rules, colored meeples, goal space board, leaper cards
- MSRP: $25.00 USD
- 2-4 Players
- 20-30 minutes
- Ages 13+
While there are many different standalone versions of Fluxx, there is only one board game version.
Here, you set up the game with a starter tile in the center and then add tiles with characters and blank octagon spaces around the board. Keepers from the card game are now replaced with pictures on these tiles. You’ll then draw cards and move your meeple around the board. The changing rules are shown on the peg board that helps you keep track of everything.
More Ways to Play
Fluxx can be played online in several ways. You can play it on your phone or in a browser. Each version gives you a different look at the game. Not all of them give it the look it deserves, though. I’ve listed them below in the order from best to worst.
Board Game Arena
You can play two completely free versions of the game on Board Game Arena: Fluxx and Star Fluxx. These are the best digital options, in my opinion. My digital board game crew plays them on a regular rotation.
The UI also helps simplify the game, separating cards and keeping track of progress. It also allows you to play without creepers in Star Fluxx to avoid that headache.
Mobile App
Mobile players can choose to play Fluxx or Fluxx Zombies on digital apps. The games are available on iOS and Android. The original game is free. The Creepers expansion is an extra $0.99, and the Zombies version is an additional $2.99.
The mobile app isn’t as polished as the versions on Board Game Arena. Getting acquainted with them takes a bit of a learning curve. It’s fun for on-the-go play, but if I had to choose between the mobile version and the version above, I’d pick Board Game Arena’s version personally. However, the games are cheap, and Zombies is worth the pocket money.
Tabletopia
Tabletopia allows folks to play Monster Fluxx in a physics-based simulation. This version can be more difficult for folks unfamiliar with the game. This is amplified by Fluxx’s ever-changing dynamic ruleset. I feel like this version would be rife for cheating if someone didn’t know the rules or others weren’t paying attention. However, if you’re patient and want to try a different version online, it’s a good way to at least look at it.
Bottom Line
The ever-changing rules in Fluxx make the game something that folks either embrace with joyfulness or sneer at for its chaos. The game requires patience and a bit of luck. Certain versions, which jumble things up beyond that, require a lot more patience and ability to roll things off. Personally, I’ve found the games to be silly and fun to play.
I will say, however, that you have to be in the right mindset to navigate some of the versions. If you’re having an off day, you might not have the spoons for additional complications and layers like creepers or other twists. Math Fluxx initially semi-fighted me, thinking I would be back in my high school algebra days, until I tried it and saw that it only would be that way if I wanted it to be.
Fluxx is a game of ever-changing possibilities. It’s a reminder about the joys of life and how we never know what is going to happen on the next turn. In the Fluxx world I at least know that chances are when that happens, I’ll be surrounded by friends who will help make all of the chaos worth enduring if only to be able to have a chance to play another game.
For more, check out our picks for the best deck-building board games, as well as the best board games for six players.
Jennifer Stavros is a contributing freelancer for IGN, covering everything from comics, games, technology, and nerd culture. Follow her on Twitter or watch her on Twitch under the handle @scandalous.
