How to Play Exploding Kittens: Rage Mode

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Exploding Kittens already made “don’t draw that card” a lifestyle. Rage Mode is the standalone edition that dials the sabotage all the way up — traps, steals, nasty attacks, and a little collectible Rage Cat figurine everyone will fight over like it’s the last slice of pizza.

This is your flirty, party-host how-to: what’s in the box, how a turn works, what Rage Mode actually does, common mistakes, and who to gift it to. Ages 7+, 2–5 players, about 15 minutes — quick enough for a warm-up round, mean enough for the friend who “accidentally” ruins your Defuse every time.

What is Exploding Kittens: Rage Mode?

Rage Mode is a standalone Exploding Kittens game — you do not need the original box to play. The core fantasy is the same: play cards, then draw, try not to explode, last player standing wins. What’s new is the aggression layer: sabotage tools, trap energy, steal-y plays, and the Rage Cat figure that changes hands and puts whoever’s holding it into Rage Mode (until someone snatches it).

If you already know the original, think “same heartbeat, sharper claws.” If you’re new, start here — then peek our classic Exploding Kittens how-to when you want the OG rules deep-dive.

What’s in the box

• ~65 cards — action cards, Defuses, Exploding Kittens, and the mean new toys (traps, steals, attacks, and friends)
• 1 collectible Rage Cat figurine — the contested centerpiece; holding it means you’re in Rage Mode
• Instruction manual — skim it once, then argue about the figurine forever

Exact card names and special exceptions live on the box insert. When you’re unsure mid-game, check the insert — don’t invent house lore that isn’t on the card.

Setup (fast)

1. Shuffle the deck per the insert (player count changes how many Exploding Kittens / Defuses go in — follow the printed setup).
2. Deal starting hands as directed.
3. Place the draw pile face down in the middle. Leave room for a discard pile.
4. Put the Rage Cat figurine where everyone can see it — it’ll move. A lot.
5. Pick a starting player. Make eye contact. Soften no one.

That’s it. No board. No apps. Just cards, a tiny angry cat, and your group chat’s future drama.

How to play (the core loop)

On your turn:

1. Play any cards you want from your hand (or pass). Use them to mess with the deck, mess with a rival, set a trap, steal something spicy, or otherwise improve your odds of not dying.
2. End your turn by drawing the top card of the draw pile (unless a card says otherwise).
3. If you draw an Exploding Kitten and you don’t have a Defuse, you’re out. If you do have a Defuse, play it, then secretly put the Exploding Kitten back into the draw pile wherever you want.
4. Keep going until only one player is left standing. That survivor wins — and probably loses a friend for twenty minutes.

Rage Cat & Rage Mode (the new drama)

The Rage Cat is contested. When you hold it, you enter Rage Mode — extra aggressive options and “everyone is watching you” energy. Other players can take it (steal plays, contested grabs, whatever the cards allow), so owning the cat is both a power trip and a bullseye on your forehead.

Host tip: say the figurine’s name out loud every time it moves. “Rage Cat transferred.” It makes the betrayal ceremonial.

Sabotage flavor (without inventing the whole card list)

Expect cards that let you attack, trap, and steal — including risky grabs at other people’s Defuses. Trap cards make stealing feel deliciously dangerous. Read each card as you play it; if the table disagrees, the printed text wins.

Tips, house vibes & common mistakes

• Count the remaining cards. Knowing how spicy the draw pile is will save you more often than a lucky Defuse.
• Don’t forget the cat. New tables constantly ignore the figurine sitting right in front of them. Rage Mode only helps if you use it.
• Defuses are love letters. Guard them. Steal carefully — traps exist for a reason.
• Nope / cancel timing. If your deck includes interrupt-style cards, resolve them before the action finishes. Argue fast, then move on.
• Two-player still slaps. Reviews love the back-and-forth Rage Cat steal war at two. Perfect for couples who flirt by ruining each other.
• Kid-friendly box, adult-party energy. Ages 7+ on the box — keep the how-to playful. Save the filthy house rules for a different deck night.

Who it’s for (and who to gift)

Rage Mode is for tables that already yell during Exploding Kittens and want more reasons to. Great gift for:

• Exploding Kittens fans who “already own it” (this is a different standalone SKU — still giftable)
• Collectors who want the Rage Cat figurine on the shelf
• Small party hosts (2–5) who need a 15-minute chaos round between snacks
• Anyone whose love language is light sabotage

Want the gentler classic first? Grab the original Exploding Kittens, then graduate to Rage Mode when friendship can handle it.

FAQ

Is Rage Mode an expansion or a full game?

Standalone. You can play it without owning the original Exploding Kittens box.

How many players and how long?

2–5 players, ages 7+, about 15 minutes per game. Rematch energy is high.

Do I need the exact card list memorized?

Nope. Learn Defuse / Exploding Kitten / play-then-draw, then read cards as they hit the table. For exact names and edge cases, check the box insert.

Where should I buy it?

→ Exploding Kittens: Rage Mode on Amazon.

Still learning the classic rules? → How to play Exploding Kittens (original rules guide).