Quick answer
In Selfish Marvel, you play as a Villain racing to collect all six Infinity Stones by completing quests, sabotaging rivals, and using your unique Special Ability at the right moment.
What makes Selfish Marvel different
Unlike cooperative Marvel games, Selfish Marvel is all about betrayal and competition. You actively steal from and sabotage other players, not just race to finish your own quests. The game shines when everyone leans into the cutthroat theme.
The game plays best with 3–5 players, and a typical round lasts 30–45 minutes. The deck is built around Marvel characters, but you don't need deep comic knowledge to enjoy the mechanics.
Common mistakes new players make
Holding onto your Special Ability too long is the most frequent error. Using it early to block a strong opponent or recover from a bad draw often pays off more than saving it for the "perfect" moment.
Another pitfall is ignoring the Avengers. The game includes obstacles from the Avengers, and if you don't plan for them, they can stall your progress significantly. Keep an eye on the threat they pose and adjust your strategy accordingly.
How to play Selfish Marvel step by step
- Set up the game: Each player chooses a Villain card and takes the matching Special Ability card. Shuffle the Quest deck and place it in the center. Deal each player a hand of 3 Quest cards. Place the Infinity Stone tokens nearby. Make sure everyone understands their Special Ability before the first turn — reading it aloud helps avoid confusion later.
- Take your turn: draw and play: On your turn, draw one card from the Quest deck. Then play one Quest card from your hand face up in front of you. Quests have requirements (like collecting certain symbols) that you must meet to claim the reward — usually an Infinity Stone. Don't play a Quest unless you have a realistic chance of completing it within 1–2 turns. Wasting a turn on an impossible Quest gives rivals an opening.
- Use action cards to disrupt others: Action cards let you steal an Infinity Stone from another player, force them to discard a Quest, or block their progress. You can play these at any time during your turn (and sometimes during others' turns, depending on the card). Target the player who is closest to winning, not the one who annoyed you. Strategic sabotage is key.
- Complete quests and collect Infinity Stones: To complete a Quest, you must meet its symbol requirement by discarding matching cards from your hand. Once completed, take the corresponding Infinity Stone token. The first player to collect all six stones wins immediately. Focus on completing Quests that match the stones you already have — spreading your efforts across all six types slows you down.
- Use your Special Ability wisely: Each Villain has a one-time Special Ability (e.g., steal a stone, skip a Quest requirement, or force a discard). You can activate it at any point during your turn. After using it, flip the card face down — it cannot be used again. Use your ability when you are 1–2 stones away from winning, or when an opponent is about to claim their final stone. Timing is everything.
About the game
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Selfish: Marvel: You are a Villain scouring the galaxy, vying to be the first to find the Infinity Stones and rule the universe. You must overcome multiple quests and face many obstacles before you can reign supreme. This explains the core objective: collecting all six Infinity Stones is the only way to win, so every move should bring you closer to that goal.
Selfish: Marvel
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Selfish: Marvel: Steal and sabotage the other Villains and defeat the Avengers on your path to glory. If things look critical, use your Special Ability to keep going. Your Special Ability is a limited resource that can turn a losing position into a comeback, so use it proactively rather than hoarding it.
