UNO is one of the most popular card games in the world, so it’s no surprise that it has many variations on its theme. In fact, you can choose from over 100 different options, as Mattel has released plenty of versions over the years.
This guide will help you narrow down to what I think are the ten best editions available. I have tried to prioritize accessibility, as it doesn’t make much sense to include an edition that’s not available in the first place.
10. UNO Giant
What’s better than the normal UNO board game? Well, cards that are three times bigger and perform the same functions. Just… why? However, there’s a use-case scenario for these bigger cards, especially if you’re playing outdoors and in windy areas. The Giant version is available across all retailers, and it can be a unique addition to your collection.
9. UNO Teams
UNO is best played as a free-for-all since you get to go up against everyone else in the room. If you want to experience a bit of team-building instead, UNO Teams is the perfect option. While the deck seems pretty similar to the basic variant, there are special additions like the Wild Team Play and Wild Team Draw 4. Similarly, there are Pass cards allowing teammates to block their opponents from playing out their cards. Despite being simple in concept, UNO Teams offers something that can’t be found in any other edition.
8. UNO Go
In many ways, UNO Go is the exact opposite of the Giant version. It provides a smaller deck and fewer cards, which makes it perfect for occasions like traveling. I love the smaller size of the cards, and the lighter deck is just what you’ll require on most occasions. The only disadvantage is the smaller number of cards, which means it can be used among a maximum of four people.
7. UNO Flip
UNO Flip converts the simple game into something far more complex, as every card has two sides. The game begins on the light side and switches over whenever someone plays a Flip card. The cards on the darker side are harder to manage, and they can punish players notoriously. The element of Flip adds a layer of unpredictability that is near-impossible to plan for. The only negative is the greater complexity, as players will always have to change the face of the cards whenever a Flip is played.
6. UNO Retro
There’s just something that oozes class from the Retro version of the game. The design harkens back to the older eras, with colors and fonts heavily inspired by those times. The background is black with the UNO logo in bold. Expect to see words written on all the special cards, which isn’t common with modern-era designs. There are no special gameplay elements per se, but I like the looks, and it’s a cool version to add as a collectible.
5. UNO Elite NFL Core Edition
There’s a bit of bias in this selection, for I love collecting sports cards and playing UNO. Mattel combined two into one, and the 2024 edition is still available in the market. The decks have randomized cards of NFL stars, along with Collectible Foil versions. There are regular and starter packs for those looking to build up a collection. A 2025 Edition is expected later this year, which will work similarly. This is a perfect gift for all sports lovers, especially those who passionately follow the NFL.
4. UNO All Wild
Imagine having a deck of UNO where every card is a Wild one. If you thought the idea was too good to be true, think again. The All Wild edition has a deck of 112 cards where all the items are “Wild.” Hence, there’s no restriction on colors or numbers. There’s no way of predicting what the next player will play, and there are higher chances of action cards being played as well.
3. DOS
DOS is one of the coolest variants of UNO you can find. While Mattel might market it like a separate game, it’s a much more complex version of UNO. The cards look and play similar, but players can have more ways of playing the cards. In fact, DOS also allows you to play more than one card in one turn, making the game more competitive. They are also drawn from two separate decks, making things a tad more complex and unpredictable. If you’re bored by playing with the old rules of UNO, DOS is a perfect alternative.
2. UNO Premium 50th Anniversary Edition
The 50th Anniversary Edition offers one of the best-looking sets of UNO cards you can find anywhere. The cards are all set in black, with colors used on them as highlights. The package also includes a cosmetic Gold Coin and a 50/50 card. The fonts, designs, and colors combine to form an amazing piece of art that’s a worthy addition to any collection.
1. UNO No Mercy
My biggest issue with UNO has always been the somewhat timid nature of the core gameplay. No Mercy completely flips that, as the deck offers plenty of ways to punish your opponents. There are different ways to throttle your rivals, including stackable action cards, which make things ten times worse. Moreover, No Mercy allows you to eliminate your opponent directly by forcing them to have over 25 cards in their hands. With more action cards and sanctions, No Mercy is a true breaker of friendships (trust me, I have experienced that).
