LEGO Rock Raiders Playing Cards

LEGO Rock Raiders playing card aces and court card spread

Overview

A private commission for a 1999 LEGO Rock Raiders-themed deck of playing cards. The story focuses on a group of miners stranded on a distant planet and their dangerous search for energy crystals. Every card features custom illustrations, characters, diagrams, pips, and typography.

 

Aces

Each ace shows a large custom pip in various states of disrepair, with the spade highlighting the main protagonist—the Rock Monster. All cards with characters have a subtle illuminated manuscript vibe with the green energy crystal aura behind each figure’s head.

LEGO Rock Raiders aces

I received a custom built lego set titled “Matt at Work” as a thank you 🥰

Aces rough sketches
Ace of clubs
Ace of hearts
Ace of clubs
Ace of diamonds
 

Court Cards

Every court card features one of six main characters, with each suit rocking a unique themed border. Traditional suit colors were used for the pips and a limited palette was maintained across all artwork.

LEGO Rock Raiders court card sketches
Color palette
LEGO Rock Raiders spade court cards
LEGO Rock Raiders heart court cards
LEGO Rock Raiders club court cards
LEGO Rock Raiders diamond court cards
 

Numbered Cards

A LEGO-esque block font was created for the limited set of numbers and letters. All number cards have a portion of a blueprint which can be assembled into a large mosaic for each suit.

Mosaic clubs poker cards
Rock Raiders vehicles blueprints collage
 

Jokers and Gaff Card

The jokers are represented by the tenacious, slimy slugs. This deck also includes a bonus 55th card, traditionally used as a gaff card, poker instructions, or other non-play information.

Joker slimy slug red
Gaff card
Joker slimy slug black
 

Card Back

The card back combines a tech motif, compass, and subterranean machinery.

Rock Raiders card back design over a pile of legos
 

Tuck Box

The indomitable rock monster is showcased front center with a surprise slimy slug on the interior of the box.

LEGO Rock Raiders playing card box and Matt at Work sign
LEGO Rock Raiders playing card box slightly open
Rock Raiders tuck box exterior wrap
Tuck box interior with the slimy slug
 

Wrapping up

Be sure to check out my Cryptids of North America deck design tips for a breakdown of how I approach and design playing card projects.Thanks for reading!

 
Retro Fit Rock Raiders logo