Get ready to kick down doors, stab your friends in the back, and count your Gold Pieces — Munchkin is leveling up in a big way. Steve Jackson Games has officially announced Munchkin Second Edition, a refreshed and upgraded version of the classic card game of monsters, loot, and betrayal that’s been a tabletop mainstay since 2001. The new edition will launch through BackerKit in early 2026, just in time to celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary — a milestone the company is dubbing “The Year of the Munchkin.”
The Second Edition updates everything fans love about the original game with faster setup, streamlined rules, and new gameplay twists, including the addition of Gold Pieces that can be used to make change or bribe fellow adventurers mid-game. The updated cards and box art features all-new artwork from Munchkin’s legendary illustrator John Kovalic, keeping the series’ signature mix of cartoonish charm and devious humor intact.
For players who already own the Munchkin Big Box, Steve Jackson Games will release an Upgrade Kit that includes extra cards, reference sheets, and a set of collectible coins to bring their set in line with the new edition.
2026 will also see a full year of Munchkin mayhem, including new 150-card expansions, a new edition of The Munchkin Book, roleplaying rules using 9th Level Games’ Polymorph system, and even a Munchkin card shuffler from Urza’s Toolbox. The crowdfunding campaign promises some wild stretch goals too, like a 3D-printable dice tower STL file and an updated version of the Munchkin Level Counter app.
Munchkin Second Edition will ship worldwide, including to Canada, the UK, and select EU countries, with copies available at Gen Con 2026.
Fans can visit the BackerKit page now to sign up for launch notifications and prepare to join the next round of backstabbing, looting, and laughing that only Munchkin can deliver.
