Side Effects Game is a 2–8 player card game where each player tries to eliminate their mental disorder cards by using matching medications — but beware: every drug may introduce new side effects.
The goal of Side Effects Game
Be the first player to discard all your Disorder cards by playing the correct medicine cards.
Card Types
- Disorders: Conditions such as Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, and more.
- Medications: Cards that treat Disorders but often produce Side Effects.
- Side Effects: Problems that appear after taking medication and must be resolved.
- Cure Cards: Special cards that can remove Side Effects or alter your hand.
- Action Cards: Play these to disrupt opponents, protect yourself, or change the flow of the game.
Side Effects Gameplay
- Each player begins with four Disorder cards.
- On your turn, draw one card from the deck.
- If you have a Medication that matches one of your Disorders, play it to cure that Disorder.
- When you use a Medication, note any Side Effects it causes.
- Continue resolving the Side Effects or play a special card to eliminate them.
- The first player to clear all their Disorder cards wins the game.
Notes & Strategy
- Some medications can cure multiple Disorders at once — plan your plays to maximize efficiency.
- Using several medications in quick succession can create a heavier Side Effect burden to manage.
- Action and Cure cards let you interfere with opponents, forcing them to pick up extra Disorders or Side Effects.
Explore more horror-themed card games and other titles, including Invitationem.