Monster Match: Rules and Gameplay Overview

By Exploding Kittens | Party card games, puzzles, greeting cards ... | Published: 2026-10-31

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to play Monster Match, the rapid-fire matching game with a Monster Tower. Step-by-step rules, setup, and common mistakes to avoid.

Quick Answer

Monster Match is a fast-paced matching game where players race to find matching monster tiles on the Monster Tower. The first to collect the most matches wins.

What Makes Monster Match Different from Other Matching Games

Unlike traditional memory card games where you flip tiles one at a time, Monster Match uses a central Monster Tower that holds all the tiles face-up. This means everyone sees the same tiles at the same time, turning the game into a test of speed and observation rather than memory.

The tower itself adds a physical element—players must grab tiles from it, which can be tricky when multiple hands are reaching in at once. This makes the game equally fun for kids and adults, as grown-ups don't have an inherent memory advantage.

Who Will Enjoy Monster Match Most

Monster Match works best for groups of 2 to 6 players, ages 7 and up. It's ideal for family game nights, parties, or as a quick warm-up before a longer game. The rounds are short (about 15-20 minutes), so it's easy to play multiple times.

One trade-off: because the game relies on speed, younger children or players with slower reaction times may find it frustrating. If you have very young players, consider removing a few tiles to slow the pace, or play without the speed element by taking turns.

How to Play Monster Match: Step-by-Step Rules

Set Up the Monster Tower: Place the Monster Tower in the center of the table. Shuffle all monster tiles and stack them face-up on the tower's platform, ensuring every player can see the top tile clearly. Each player takes a set of matching cards (the ones with the same monster faces). Common mistake: stacking tiles face-down. Keep them face-up so everyone can see the top tile at all times.
Start the Round: One player says 'Go!' to begin. All players simultaneously look at the top tile on the tower and then scan their own set of matching cards for the same monster face. The first player to spot a match shouts the monster's name and grabs the matching tile from the tower. If two players grab the same tile, the one who says the monster name first wins the tile. No take-backs once a tile is claimed.
Collect Matches and Continue: Place the won tile in front of you. The next tile on the tower is now revealed. Continue playing until all tiles from the tower have been claimed. If no one can find a match for the current top tile, skip it and move to the next tile (set the skipped tile aside—it won't be used again this round). Skipped tiles are removed from play, not returned to the tower. This prevents endless loops of unmatched tiles.
End the Game and Determine the Winner: When the tower is empty, each player counts the tiles they collected. The player with the most tiles wins. In case of a tie, the tied players play a sudden-death round: place two tiles on the tower, and the first to call out a match wins. Don't forget to count tiles from all rounds if you play multiple games. Keep a running total for a tournament-style winner.

About the Game

Monster Match: The rapid-fire matching game with a Monster Tower that’s as much fun for grown-ups as it is for kids. The Monster Tower keeps all tiles visible, so the game tests speed and observation rather than memory, leveling the playing field between adults and children.
Monster Match