Magicka Mayhem is a chaotic card game based on the Magicka series of video games by Paradox Interactive. Players combine various magical Element Cards to cast an assortment of spells, represented by a recipe on a Spell Card. After a player casts a spell, there is a chance that the target of the spell will draw a Mayhem Card, which will radically alter the effects of the spell in various humorous ways.

The game presents multiple play modes, emphasizing greater strategy or additional mayhem. Players are encouraged to work together when it suits them, but they should also be prepared for betrayal.