Buy a current-format Starter Deck before you buy any boosters. A starter is pre-built and tournament-legal, and the box includes a 50-card main deck, a 10-card resource deck, paper play mats, and a rules sheet. Boosters are random card packs, which is a poor first purchase for a new player.
Which starter to buy in 2026
Bandai's Starter Deck line uses the ST prefix (ST01 through the latest release). Each starter focuses on one or two colors and a specific theme, usually based on a Mobile Suit Gundam series like the original UC era, Wing, SEED, or 00.
The most up-to-date starters as of mid-2026 are the latest two waves; the upcoming Generation Pulse [ST10] wave releases in June 2026. Newer is generally better for beginners because:
- The starter cards are designed against the current card pool, so deck balance is realistic.
- Local store inventory is highest for the newest release.
- Reprint cards in newer starters often replace older versions, so you don't need to backtrack.
How to pick between starters
Each ST starter plays differently, but they're all roughly similar in power. Pick by which Gundam series you like rather than trying to optimize. The flavor of playing your favorite anime characters carries you through learning the rules.
- Original UC fan? Look for starters featuring RX-78-2, Char's Zaku, or Amuro Ray.
- Wing fan? Wing Zero / Heavyarms / Deathscythe themed starters.
- SEED / 00 fan? Look for Strike Gundam or Exia themed starters.
Starter Deck Battle Event
Throughout 2026, Bandai runs a Starter Deck Battle series at participating local game stores. Every entrant has to use a single, unmodified Starter Deck: no upgrades, no boosters mixed in. That makes it the best entry point for a brand-new player. Everyone is on equal footing, matches are short, and prizes are usually promo cards rather than booster boxes, so you leave with collectibles regardless of placement.
Ask your local store about the schedule when you buy your starter.
What to buy second
After 6-10 games with your starter, you'll know what to upgrade. Common second purchases:
- A second copy of the same starter (~$15) gives you the playset (4 copies) of the strong cards in your starter, doubling deck consistency.
- Singles from tournament decklists in your colors: 2-3 specific cards that your starter is missing, available cheaply on TCGplayer.
- One booster box of the latest set only after the above two; opens up build-around card options but is a high-variance purchase.
What to avoid as a beginner
- Buying old starters off eBay just because they're cheap. The card pool moves; an ST01 starter from 2024 plays into a 2026 meta poorly and the included cards may have been reprinted.
- Building a homebrew deck before you've played 10+ games. Pilot your starter first to learn the combat system, then iterate.
- Buying singles for a deck idea you saw online. Top-tier decks reference cards from across multiple sets and cost $200+ to assemble. Do this only after you know you love the game.
Once you've played a few games, browse the tournament decklists to see what competitive lists look like, or open the deck builder to plan your first upgrade path.