Exploding Kittens Original Edition Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

Welcome to Exploding Kittens, the highly strategic, kitty-powered version of Russian Roulette. This card game is designed for 2 to 5 players, ages 7 and up, offering a quick and engaging experience typically lasting around 15 minutes per round. The objective is simple: avoid drawing an Exploding Kitten card and be the last player remaining.

The game includes 56 unique cards, each featuring original illustrations by The Oatmeal. These cards are used to manipulate the game, mitigate risks, or directly affect other players, adding layers of strategy and unpredictable fun.

Important Note:

The English version of this game is only compatible with other English-language versions of Exploding Kittens and its expansion packs.

Image 1.1: The Exploding Kittens Original Edition game box, showcasing the title, player count, and age recommendation.

2. Setup

1. Remove Exploding Kittens: Take out all 4 Exploding Kitten cards from the deck.
2. Deal Initial Hands: Deal 4 cards face down to each player.
3. Deal Defuse Cards: Give each player 1 Defuse card. Players should keep their Defuse card hidden in their hand.
4. Insert Exploding Kittens: Take the Exploding Kitten cards you removed earlier. Insert one less Exploding Kitten card into the deck than the number of players. For example, if there are 3 players, insert 2 Exploding Kitten cards. Shuffle these into the remaining deck.
5. Insert Remaining Defuse Cards: Shuffle the remaining Defuse cards back into the deck.
6. Shuffle Main Deck: Thoroughly shuffle the remaining cards to form the main draw pile. Place it face down in the center of the playing area.
7. Determine First Player: The player who most recently ate a burrito goes first. If no one has eaten a burrito recently, choose randomly.

Image 2.1: A visual representation of the 56 cards included in the game, featuring various characters and action types.

3. Operating (Gameplay)

3.1 Game Objective

The primary goal of Exploding Kittens is to be the last player alive. Players are eliminated from the game if they draw an Exploding Kitten card and cannot defuse it.

3.2 Turn Structure

On your turn, you may perform any of the following actions in any order:

• Play cards from your hand. You can play as many cards as you like, or none at all.
• Pass your turn without playing any cards.

After playing cards (or choosing not to), you must end your turn by drawing a card from the top of the draw pile. This is the only mandatory action in your turn.

3.3 Exploding Kittens and Defuse Cards

If you draw an Exploding Kitten card, you immediately lose the game, unless you have a Defuse card. If you play a Defuse card, you are safe. You then get to re-insert the Exploding Kitten card back into the draw pile anywhere you choose, face down. This allows for strategic placement to affect other players.

Image 3.1: An example of various action cards in play, demonstrating the strategic elements of the game.

3.4 Card Types and Actions

The deck contains various action cards that allow players to manipulate the game:

• Defuse: Allows you to defuse an Exploding Kitten and re-insert it into the deck.
• Nope: Cancels any action except an Exploding Kitten or a Defuse card. Can be played at any time.
• Attack: Ends your turn without drawing a card and forces the next player to take two turns.
• Skip: Ends your turn without drawing a card.
• See the Future: Allows you to privately view the top three cards of the draw pile.
• Shuffle: Shuffles the draw pile without looking at the cards.
• Feral Cat: Can be used as any Cat Card.
• Cat Cards (Tacocat, Rainbow-Ralphing Cat, All-Seeing Goat Wizard, etc.): These cards have no special action on their own but can be played in pairs or trios for special effects.
• Pair: Playing two identical Cat Cards allows you to steal a random card from any other player.
• Three of a Kind: Playing three identical Cat Cards allows you to ask a specific player for a specific card. If they have it, they must give it to you.

3.5 Winning the Game

The game ends when only one player remains. That player is the winner.

4. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity of your Exploding Kittens card game, follow these simple maintenance guidelines:

• Storage: Always store the cards in their original box in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Handling: Handle cards with clean, dry hands to prevent dirt and oils from accumulating.
• Cleaning: If cards become slightly dirty, gently wipe them with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions.
• Avoid Bending: Do not bend or crease the cards, as this can damage them and make them identifiable during gameplay.

5. Troubleshooting

• Missing Cards: If you find that your game is missing any cards upon opening, please contact Exploding Kittens LLC customer support for assistance.
• Confusion About Rules: If you are unsure about a specific rule or card interaction, refer back to this instruction manual. For further clarification, you can visit the official Exploding Kittens website or watch gameplay tutorials.
• Game Duration: The game is designed for quick rounds (approx. 15 minutes). If games are consistently too short or too long, ensure you have the correct number of Exploding Kittens in the deck based on the number of players.

6. Specifications

Image 6.1: Key game specifications for Exploding Kittens Original Edition.

7. Warranty

Specific warranty information for the Exploding Kittens Original Edition card game is not provided in the product details. For any concerns regarding product defects or missing components, please refer to the manufacturer's customer support channels.

8. Support

For additional support, frequently asked questions, or to view official gameplay videos, please visit the Exploding Kittens official website or their Amazon store page.

• Official Exploding Kittens Amazon Store: Visit Store
• Official How-to-Play Video (external link): Watch Video