[4] After the success of the original Munchkin game several expansion packs and sequels were published.

[5] Now available in 15 different languages, Munchkin accounted for more than 70% of the 2007 sales for Steve Jackson Games and remains their top-selling title through 2020.

When the next player's turn begins, the new character appears and can help others in combat with its Level and Class or Race abilities.

Due to the highly competitive nature of the game and the presence of rule-breaking cards, players are encouraged to use unfair tactics against others, to act as a mercenary to further themselves at the expense of others, or to use cheat cards to affect outcomes (such as fixing the roll of the die).

Additionally, players can equip certain cards (such as armor and weapons) to raise their combat power and kill stronger monsters, and can use Class Cards and Race Cards to grant extra abilities or advantages at the cost of a balanced weakness; for example, the elf race can level when helping others kill monsters, but will take additional damage from disgusting enemies.

An early review on RPGnet regards Munchkin as not a very serious game;[7] the rules make this clear with phrases like "Decide who goes first by rolling the dice and arguing about the results and the meaning of this sentence and whether the fact that a word seems to be missing any effect," and "Any disputes in the rules should be settled by loud arguments with the owner of the game having the last word."

"[10] Mark Rigney for Black Gate said "Here there be dragons, yes, but also a lot of snide references aimed at society in general.