LumiKin
Metacritic 82

Duelyst

Counterplay Games|2016StrategyIndie

LumiScore

48

out of 100

Use with parental oversight — some design risks present

60 min/day recommended

Scored 3 days ago · Methodology v1.0 · 49-dim rubric · Last updated 1 week ago

Score breakdown

Benefits: higher is better. Risks: lower is better. Values highlighted when <30 or >70.

Growth

39/100

Growth Value

  • Problem Solving
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Critical Thinking

Risk

MODERATE

Engagement Patterns

Some engagement mechanics worth discussing.

Heads up

💸 Monthly cost: $0–$20/mo

Parent Pro-Tip

Duelyst is a complex strategy game that can be very engaging and beneficial for developing critical thinking and strategic planning skills. Encourage your child to focus on the intellectual challenge and deck-building aspects. Be mindful of the competitive environment and discuss healthy attitudes towards winning and losing. Since the game includes microtransactions for cards, it's important to set clear spending limits and monitor purchases to prevent overspending, especially given the potential for pay-to-win elements.

Top Skills Developed

Problem Solving5/5
Strategic Thinking5/5
Critical Thinking5/5
Learning Transfer5/5
Adaptive Challenge5/5

Development Areas

Cognitive?Problem solving, spatial awareness, strategic thinking, creativity, memory, and learning transfer. Weighted 50% of the Benefit Score.
72
Social & Emotional?Teamwork, communication, empathy, emotional regulation, and ethical reasoning. Weighted 30% of the Benefit Score.
3
Motor Skills?Hand-eye coordination, fine motor control, reaction time, and physical activity. Weighted 20% of the Benefit Score.
10
Overall Benefit Score (BDS)39/100

Representation?How diverse the game's characters are in gender and ethnicity. Higher = more authentic representation. Display only — does not affect time recommendation.

Gender balance
0/3
Ethnic diversity
0/3

Bechdel Test?The Bechdel Test checks whether a game has at least two named female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man. A simple measure of representation.N/A — no named characters

No information provided in the game description to assess the Bechdel test.

Parent Pro-Tip

This game can significantly enhance strategic thinking, problem-solving, and adaptive learning. It encourages players to analyze complex situations, plan ahead, and adjust their strategies based on opponent's moves and card draws. The deck-building aspect also fosters creativity and resource management.

What your child develops

Duelyst is a highly strategic turn-based card game that significantly develops cognitive skills such as problem-solving, strategic and critical thinking, and adaptive learning. Players must build custom decks, understand faction abilities, and make tactical decisions on a battlefield, offering a rich intellectual challenge. The game also features puzzle-like challenges and a ranked ladder, providing continuous opportunities for skill development and mastery.

Base: UnknownMonthly: $0–$20/moPlaytime: ~1hReviewed Apr 2026

Regulatory Compliance

Tap a badge for details. Grey = not yet assessed.

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About this game

Duelyst is a digital collectible card game and turn-based strategy hybrid. The game has four expansions: Denizens of Shim'zar, Rise of the Bloodborn, Ancient Bonds, and Unearthed Prophecy.