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Depot

Depot

3-5
Players
15
Minutes
8+
Age
2025
Published

Depot at your next game night?

Add Depot to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.

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The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.

What to Expect

You play cards to shed your hand before the others in a climbing/shedding card game. You can play a higher-value card than the previous play, or play a larger combination even if the values are lower. With a playing time of about 15 minutes, games are quick and focused on timely plays and reading other players' tempo.

Who Is This Game For?

Depot suits groups looking for short tactical card games; the rules are simple enough for families but still reward tactical decisions. Recommended for players aged 8 and up. Complexity is low to moderate, making it accessible without much prior experience.

How It Works

Core mechanic is Ladder Climbing: play a card higher than the previous one or place a combination with more cards despite lower values. The objective is to get rid of all your cards, creating a race dynamic. Short rounds (~15 minutes) encourage repeated plays and keep interaction high as players respond to each other's plays.

Ladder Climbing

What Makes It Special

Designed by Yusuke Sawaguchi with art by TANSAN Inc., Depot ties Ladder Climbing mechanics to a mail/stamps theme (Theme: Mail / Stamps / The Post Office). The compact format makes it a tight filler with direct player interaction.

Pro

  • Very short playtime (~15 minutes) — easy to play multiple rounds
  • Simple rules, quick to teach
  • Strong player interaction via Ladder Climbing
  • Good for 3–5 player groups

Contra

  • Minimum 3 players — not playable solo
  • Limited depth for fans of heavier or expert games

Setting & atmosphere

The game is thematically placed around mail and stamps (Theme: Mail / Stamps / The Post Office). The theme frames the card play, while gameplay remains focused on climbing and shedding mechanics.

Tips for beginners

Focus on shedding common combinations and watch the group's tempo; flexible playstyles pay off in short games.

Frequently asked questions

Can I play this solo?

No. Depot is designed for 3–5 players and does not include a solo mode.

How long does a game really take?

A game takes about 15 minutes, making it a compact filler for game nights.

What prior experience do I need?

Minimal. Rules are straightforward, so beginners can join quickly.

How does this compare to similar games?

Depot applies Ladder Climbing and shedding in a compact, mail-themed card game, emphasizing quick plays and tempo management.

Is this suitable for families?

Yes. With a minimum age of 8 and simple mechanics, it fits family groups.

What mechanic makes it special?

The Ladder Climbing mechanic combined with shedding elements is the game's defining feature.

Fazit

Depot is a quick, accessible shedding card game for 3–5 players, ideal as a filler or family option. Choose it if you want short, competitive card rounds with clear tactical choices.

Depot at your next game night?

Add Depot to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.

Add Depot to my collection