Set of nature-themed cards featuring animals like a raccoon, striped skunk, black bear, and red-tailed hawk on a white background.

What is Animal Packs?

Animal Packs is a reimagined deck of cards, replacing suits with animals and ranking them 1-5 based on ecology. Animal Packs brings you endless possibilities to play, learn, and laugh with our original games like Howl or Dig, or classics like Go Fish, Old Maid, and War.

The first theme is set in the Woodlands because I live in the woods of New York with my wife who wins every game we play. With 14 nieces and nephews and our first on the way, I wanted to play new games inspired by all of the activity that we're surrounded with from chipmunks, red-tailed hawks, and even bears. When my wife beat me at each new card game, I knew we had a winner with Animal Packs.

We hope your family has as much fun playing with Animal Packs as ours does. Please drop us a note, whether it's a story from a recent game night or an idea for a new Animal Packs game."

- Kevin J. Bachman, Creator of Animal Packs

FAQ

Product Basics +
What is Animal Packs?

Animal Packs is a reimagined 52-card system inspired by animals in their shared habitat. Each deck features animals ranked from 1 (prey) to 5 (predator). You can play original games like Howl and Dig, or classics like Go Fish and War, each with a wild twist.

How many cards are in each deck?

Each Animal Packs deck includes 52 playing cards, plus reference cards with game rules and an overview of the animals inside. The pyramid of 13 animal types mirrors a real ecosystem with many small creatures, fewer mid-tier predators, and a rare apex hunter at the top.

Can I use Animal Packs to play regular card games?

Yes! Animal Packs can be adapted for many classic games like Go Fish, Rummy, and War. Each deck includes a rules card explaining how to adapt traditional gameplay, and you can also view all rule sets in the Game Rules section of our site.

Gameplay & Learning +
Are instructions included?

Every deck includes a printed overview card and rules cards for quick reference. You can also explore step-by-step guides for both classic and original Animal Packs games in the Learn section.

What ages is Animal Packs for?

Animal Packs is designed for ages 6 and up. Kids enjoy matching and memory games, while adults can play strategic, probability-based versions with more depth.

How long does a game take?

Most games last between 5 and 20 minutes depending on the number of players and the game type. The deck is easy to learn and endlessly playable.

Design & Collectibility +
What is the artwork style?

Each card is illustrated in a painterly style to portray animals living in their specific environments. The first release, Woodlands, highlights animals from the forests of the Northeast U.S.

Will there be other decks or expansions?

Yes. Upcoming decks such as Coastlines and New York City are in development, each introducing new animals and ecosystems that can mix and play together.

Ordering & Shipping +
Where can I buy Animal Packs?

You can purchase directly here at playanimalpacks.com or through select local stores. Every order ships from New York.

Do you offer discounts?

A: Yes. You can bundle and save by buying two decks for $25.

How long will my order take to arrive?

Orders ship within 1 to 2 business days. U.S. delivery usually takes 3 to 5 days depending on your location.

Do you ship internationally?

We currently ship within the United States. International options will be available soon.

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Learn More About Animal Packs

Click below to read the game rules or meet the animals from each deck.

Game Rules

Learn how to play original games like Howl and Dig, or classic favorites with wild twists.

View Game Rules

Meet the Animals

Discover every creature in our decks, from the smallest Chipmunk to the fiercest Black Bear.

Meet the Animals