In a world dominated by epic dragons, mana crystals, and interdimensional showdowns, Divorced Dads stands out as a gloriously absurd trading card game (TCG) that trades fantasy lore for the raw, relatable pain of post-divorce life. Created by comedian Graeme Barrett, this MTG-inspired game features beasts like “Erectile Dysfunction” and tools such as “Prostate Exam,” capturing the existential dread, dad-bod struggles, and petty victories of every middle-aged man who’s ever fought over custody of the flat-screen TV.

What began as a viral parody video has exploded into a full-fledged TCG with booster packs, starter decks, serialized rares, and a dedicated fanbase. By December 2025, Divorced Dads boasts multiple expansions, merchandise like playmats and apparel, and a thriving online community. It’s not just a game—it’s a cathartic roast of the “divorced dad aesthetic.”

Origins: From Meme to Must-Have Collectible

The Divorced Dads phenomenon kicked off on September 28, 2023, when Graeme Barrett—better known online as @AudioOpera—posted a TikTok and Instagram Reel parodying a booster pack opening. In the video, Barrett dramatically unveils cards like a messy “Fridge,” a “Missing Remote,” and a “Drywall Punch,” perfectly mimicking the hype of Pokémon or Magic: The Gathering unboxings but with unflinching divorced-dad humor. The clip racked up over 5.8 million views on TikTok alone within weeks.

Fans demanded real cards. Barrett obliged, launching physical booster packs via BigCartel on September 29, 2023—each with 10 cards and a guaranteed rare, including ultra-rare 1/1 “The House” cards. Follow-up videos, like one chasing the elusive “The House” on October 5, fueled the fire, leading to sold-out stock and a dedicated website: divorceddads.shop.

By 2024, the game had evolved with official rules, starter packs, and expansions. Barrett’s YouTube channel (603K subscribers as of late 2025) features pack openings, anime-style skits, and gameplay, blending comedy with competitive TCG elements. What started as a joke has become a grassroots hit, with eBay resales of serialized cards fetching premium prices and Reddit’s r/DivorcedDadsTCG boasting active discussions.

The Creator: Graeme Barrett, King of Dad Jokes

Graeme Barrett, a comedian and musician, channels his sharp wit into Divorced Dads. Active on X (@AudioOpera) and TikTok (@graemebarrett69), he posts frequent pack openings and announcements, like the November 2024 launch of Age of Alimony and the December 2025 Seed of Separation reveal. Fans praise his hands-on approach—he’s done AMAs on Reddit and collaborates with artists for custom holos. Barrett’s background in music (early fans ask about AudioOpera tracks) adds a layer of multimedia flair, including “anime” episodes and comics like Crossfire.

How to Play: Simple Rules, Savage Strategy

Divorced Dads is a streamlined MTG clone designed for quick, brutal games—perfect for a garage beer night. Decks are 50 cards (no duplicates), supporting 1v1 duels.

Setup

• Each player starts with 20 “cans” (life total, representing beer cans or sanity points).
• Shuffle your deck and draw 5 cards.
• Determine first player (they skip attacking on turn 1).

Turn Structure

1. Draw Phase: Draw 1 card.
2. Play Phase: Play up to 2 cards (Terrain, Tools, or Beasts).
3. Attack Phase: Declare attacks with Beasts.

Games last 10-20 minutes, emphasizing fast decisions over complex combos.

Card Types

• Terrain (Lands): Provide power for Beasts (e.g., “Parking Lot,” “Man Cave”). Doubled by certain Beasts.
• Tools (Spells): Buffs, counters, or debuffs (e.g., “Child Support” drains life, “Parking Lot Cry” heals emotionally).
• Beasts (Creatures): The stars—middle-aged woes given stats. Elemental types follow a rock-paper-scissors cycle: Type Strong Against Weak Against Concrete Wood Steel Wood Leather Concrete Steel Concrete Wood Leather Steel Wood

Beasts battle head-on; winners deal excess damage to opponent’s life. Tools attach or activate for effects.

Winning

Reduce your opponent’s cans to zero. Thematic win: “Win back the affection of your ex-wife” via total domination.

Updated rules appear in sets like Court of Chaos Master Beta Deck, refining balance for tournaments.

Sets and Expansions

• Court of Chaos (2024 Starter): 88+ cards, core rules. Booster: 10 cards + holo chance.
• Age of Alimony (Nov 2024): 60+ cards, introduces “Alimony the World Ender.” 33 Tools, 25 Beasts.
• Seed of Separation (Dec 2025): Latest, with cards like “Anger Management.”

Boosters ($10 USD) guarantee holos/serialized rares (/50-999). Starters/Master Decks: $19-20.

Featured Cards: Pure Gold (or Aluminum?)

The humor shines in the art and names:

• The House (Rare, Serialized /50): Ultimate prize—fight over the family home.
• Alimony the World Ender (Holo Beast): Drains life relentlessly.
• Ex Wife (Leather Beast): Inflicts pain across types.
• Pubes the Grey (Wood Beast): Aging horror with sneaky stats.
• Man Tears / Parking Lot Cry (Tools): Heal via catharsis.
• Prostate Exam / Erectile Dysfunction (Tools/Beasts): Unflinching health jabs.

Serialized holos like “Left Arm of Alimony” command eBay premiums ($50+).

Popularity and Community

Viral since day one, Divorced Dads has inspired Discord tourneys, YouTube battles (e.g., Mayor Wertz vs. Polar), and Reddit gameplay reviews. It’s “brilliant… with more existential dread” than MTG. Fans collect for laughs or compete—r/DivorcedDadsTCG debates metas like “Beer Gut” aggro.

Merch (playmats $20, binders $35, hoodies $50) extends the vibe. Free U.S. shipping over $75.

Why It Works: Laughter in the Losses

Divorced Dads succeeds by embracing the absurd. It’s accessible (learn in one game), affordable, and brutally funny—ideal for anyone who’s grilled a steak alone or cried in a parking lot. Grab packs at divorceddads.shop or on Ebay and join the chaos. Who knows? Your deck might just win back “The House.”