Classic 1998 card game Guillotine is back with a revolutionary new design, and here's your exclusive first look

I hope you can hear the people sing, because GamesRadar+ can exclusively reveal a brand-new look and design for the cult classic Guillotine card game.

Spearheaded by veteran developer Avalon Hill (which is behind a litany of the best board games, including Betrayal at House on the Hill), this version of Guillotine overhauls the 1998 original with new artwork and tarot-sized cards that bring it into the modern era. However, it retains the same fast-paced gameplay which challenges you to build the most valuable collection of noble heads. Or, I suppose you could say, getting "a-head."

The new Guillotine will be available from August 1, 2026 for $19.99, and it's designed for 2-5 players. Because it can be played in around 20 minutes, it should be a good fit as an easy-going party game or a warmup for game night before tackling something more meaty. Its small size also makes it a good travel option for vacation.

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Here's the official description for Guillotine:

"The Guillotine game is the revolutionary card game where players can win by getting a head! The 1998 hobby store classic has a brand-new look, with updated art and tarot-sized noble cards. To play, line up noble cards and take turns 'operating' the guillotine. Players strategically use action cards to manipulate the line and make sure the most notorious noble card – that is, the noble with the most points – is at the front so they can take it. After 3 rounds, the player with the most valuable collection of noble heads wins! This family card game can be played in about 20 minutes, so it’s one of the best card games for fast fun anytime. Enjoy it as a 2 player game or with up to 5 people. Party card games also make excellent travel games for teens, adults, and kids ages 12+."

Personally speaking, I'm always on the lookout for fast-paced games like this. It can be difficult to wrangle my gaming group together at times, so having an option you can learn quickly and rattle through in less than half-an-hour makes for a much easier sell to friends or family. Plus, Guillotine seems perfect for taking with you on the go – which is ideal now we're staring down the barrel of summer vacations. That, and its cult-classic status, means it could be a shoe-in for our list of the best card games when it launches later this year... especially because Avalon Hill has previous with adaptations, as evidenced by the HeroQuest revamp.

Want to mark the occasion on your calendar? Guillotine will be available for all your revolutionary needs on August 1, 2026.

For more tabletop goodness, why not check out the best tabletop RPGs?