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Unstable Unicorns vs Here to Slay (2026): both games come from Unstable Games, both have adorable art hiding a mean streak, and both are favorite gifts for teens and college friends. But they play very differently. Unstable Unicorns is a chaotic take-that race to build a stable of unicorns. Here to Slay is a dice-rolling fantasy game where you recruit heroes and hunt monsters. This guide compares how each one plays so you can pick the right box.
Our pick for big, loud groups: Unstable Unicorns
It plays up to eight from one box, teaches in minutes and creates constant table drama as unicorns get stolen, sacrificed and destroyed.
Price band: $20–$30 (about $20) · Check today’s price on Amazon
Unstable Unicorns vs Here to Slay at a glance
Two card games from the same publisher.
- Best for big groups: Unstable Unicorns — race to fill your stable, 2–8 players (about $20)
- Best for strategy fans: Here to Slay — heroes, dice and monsters, 2–6 players (about $20)
The quick verdict
- Buy Unstable Unicorns if you play with six or more people, want lots of laughs and backstabbing, and don’t mind a bit of luck deciding the winner.
- Buy Here to Slay if your group likes making plans, rolling dice and having two ways to win, and usually plays with three to five people.
- Buy both if you host often: Unicorns for party nights, Here to Slay for smaller game nights.
How Unstable Unicorns plays
Everyone starts with a Baby Unicorn in their stable. On your turn you trigger any start-of-turn effects, draw a card, then either play one card or draw a second card, and finally discard down to seven cards. Cards include Basic and Magical Unicorns, Magic cards, Upgrades that help you, Downgrades you hand to rivals, and Instant cards like Neigh that cancel someone else’s play.
The first player to collect seven unicorns in their stable wins. With six or more players the target drops to six. Because Neigh cards can stop any play, the last few turns turn into a scramble as everyone gangs up on the leader.
How Here to Slay plays
In Here to Slay you choose a party leader with a class, such as Fighter, Bard, Guardian, Ranger, Thief or Wizard, then spend three action points each turn. You can draw a card, play a hero into your party, roll two dice to use a hero’s ability, play an item or magic card, or spend two points to attack one of the three monsters in the middle. Other players can challenge your heroes and play modifier cards to change dice rolls. Full rules: how to play Here to Slay.
You win by slaying three monsters or by having a hero of six different classes in your party, with your leader counting toward the six. Having two win conditions means you always have something to aim for.
Unstable Unicorns and Here to Slay side by side
| Unstable Unicorns | Here to Slay | |
|---|---|---|
| Players (one box) | 2–8 | 2–6 |
| Age on box | 14+ | 10+ |
| Play time | 30–45 min | 30–60 min |
| How you win | Fill your stable with unicorns | Slay 3 monsters or collect 6 classes |
| Luck | Card draws | Card draws and dice rolls |
| Interaction | Constant stealing and canceling | Challenges and dice modifiers |
| Price | about $20 | about $20 |
Where Unstable Unicorns shines
Unicorns is at its best with a full table. Eight people can play from the base box, and turns are quick because you only play one card. The humor is in the cards themselves, with unicorns named like inside jokes, and players love ruining each other’s plans. It is easy to teach to people who don’t usually play board games.
The downside is that the game can drag if everyone keeps blocking the leader. Many groups agree a house rule that limits each player to one Neigh per round.
Where Here to Slay shines
Here to Slay rewards planning. You decide which heroes to recruit for their dice abilities, when to roll for a monster and when to save a modifier card for a rival’s big roll. Dice make every attempt tense, and the two goals mean a player who falls behind on monsters can still win on classes.
It has more rules to learn, so the first game takes longer while everyone learns the action costs. After that, most games finish in under an hour.
Gift tips for teens and college friends
- Teens 14 and up: Unstable Unicorns is a reliable choice that fits well with the picks on our teen party games gift list.
- Ages 10 to 13: go with Here to Slay, the only one of the two rated for that age.
- Dorm rooms: both boxes are compact. Unicorns handles a crowded common room better; see more ideas in our college party games list.
- Expansions: both games have add-on packs, but start with the base game. It is complete on its own.
Want more chaotic card games in the same spirit? Try our list of games like Exploding Kittens.
Unstable Unicorns vs Here to Slay questions
Are Unstable Unicorns and Here to Slay made by the same company?
Yes. Both come from Unstable Games, which is why the art style and humor feel similar.
Which game is easier to learn?
Unstable Unicorns. You play one card per turn, while Here to Slay uses action points and dice.
Which game is better for two players?
Here to Slay, because its monsters and dice keep a two-player game interesting. Unicorns works best with four or more.
Can you combine the two games?
No. They use different rules and card types, so keep them as separate games.
How many players can play Unstable Unicorns?
Two to eight from the base box. The target is seven unicorns, or six with six or more players.
