Oink Games is back with another colourful card game, and Loop 40 is bringing a rather unusual twist to the classic hand-shredding formula! Launching on October 23, 2026, this fast-paced card game challenges players to empty their hands while constantly weighing up whether winning a round is actually a good thing. Sometimes, taking control of the table can leave you with even more cards than you started with!
Keep the numbers rolling!
Loop 40 takes place in a world where numbers run from 1 to 40 before looping back around to 1. Players take turns adding cards to the table, with the first number played helping determine which cards are strongest during that round. The obvious goal is to get rid of every card in your hand. However, there is a big catch! The player who wins a round has to collect all the cards in the play area, except for the final card played. That means playing a powerful card can win you the round, but it can also dump a pile of extra cards straight back into your hand.
Suddenly, winning doesn't look quite so appealing!
Build your perfect run!
Those extra cards aren't necessarily bad news, though. Collected cards can create sequences in your hand, allowing you to build powerful runs that can later be played together. This creates a constant balancing act. Do you play a weaker number to keep the round moving and slowly reduce your hand? Or do you go for the big play, collect the cards, and try to build a sequence that lets you take control later? Every decision can completely change your next turn! Loop 40 supports 3 to 5 players, with games taking around 20 minutes and an age recommendation of 8+. That makes it a handy choice for a quick game night filler, although the tactical decisions could have you reaching for another round pretty quickly!
Bright cards, big decisions!
The presentation is just as eye-catching as the gameplay. Each of the 40 cards features a different geometric pattern, with the colourful designs creating a gradient effect when numbers are placed in sequence. There are also penalty chips in values of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 40. Winning a game lets you remove one chip, giving players a chance to claw their way back into contention by getting rid of a high-value penalty. The game is designed by 6jizo, with artwork from Jun Sasaki. It is based on 13th Month 32nd Day, which was released at Game Market Autumn 2025, but Loop 40 has been reworked with a new card count, scoring system, and redesigned components.
Coming this October!
There are plenty of opportunities to get a look at Loop 40 before its general release. Advance sales will take place at Game Market Autumn 2026 in Japan on October 17 and 18, followed by SPIEL Essen from October 22 to 25. It will also be showcased at PAX Unplugged in December. With quick games, simple rules, and plenty of tactical choices, Loop 40 could be a great little addition to your card game collection. Just remember, sometimes the best way to win is knowing when not to win!
Time to loop the loop!
