Gundam Card Game Guide: How to Play, Every Set, and Where to Buy
The Gundam Card Game launched in July 2025, bringing mobile suits, pilots, and tactical combat to the tabletop. Whether you are a TCG veteran exploring a new game or a Gundam fan picking up your first deck, there is a lot to take in.
This guide covers everything you need to get started. You will find a breakdown of the game’s core mechanics, including the Pilot-Unit linking system that sets it apart from other card games. It also walks through every released and upcoming set, compares starter decks to help you pick your first one, and lays out where to buy cards, from TCGPlayer and Amazon to Japanese marketplaces through a proxy service.
If you want to practice before buying physical cards, there are three free online platforms covered here as well. By the end, you will have a clear picture of what the Gundam Card Game is, how it plays, and how to start building your collection.
The Gundam Card Game Explained
The Gundam Card Game brings one of anime’s largest franchises to the tabletop. Before diving into rules and strategy, it helps to understand what makes this TCG stand out.
This section covers:
- Based on 45+ Years of Gundam Anime
- Gundam Card Game vs. One Piece TCG
Whether you come from competitive card games or the Gundam fandom, these two angles give you the context to see where this game fits.
Based on 45+ Years of Gundam Anime
The Gundam Card Game draws from a franchise with decades of storytelling behind it. Mobile Suit Gundam first aired in Japan in 1979, establishing the real robot anime genre and launching a media empire that continues to expand today.
The numbers speak for themselves. The franchise spans more than 20 TV series along with dozens of theatrical films and OVA releases. That catalog of characters, mobile suits, and storylines gives the card game a deep well of source material to pull from.
Bandai announced the Gundam Card Game at its CARD GAMES Next Plan Presentation in October 2024. The game launched worldwide in July 2025, releasing simultaneously in English, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese.
Gundam Card Game vs. One Piece TCG
If you already play a Bandai TCG, here is how the Gundam Card Game compares to One Piece TCG across its core systems.
In One Piece TCG, your Leader card determines the overall direction of your deck, and the Leader’s life value sets how many life cards you start with. The Gundam Card Game takes a different approach to defense. You start each game with an EX Base and six face-down shields, creating a layered defensive structure you need to break through to win.
The resource systems also differ. One Piece TCG uses DON!! cards, adding two to your pool automatically each turn. In the Gundam Card Game, you draw one card per turn from a separate resource deck and place it in your resource area. Playing a card requires meeting both a level condition (having enough resources) and paying the card’s cost by resting resources.
The Gundam Card Game also introduces Pilot and Unit pairing as a core mechanic. You can pair any Pilot with any Unit to boost stats, and when specific link conditions are met, that Unit becomes a Link Unit capable of attacking on the same turn it enters play. One Piece TCG has no equivalent system.
| Feature | Gundam Card Game | One Piece TCG |
| Defense | EX Base + six shields | Leader + life cards |
| Resources | Separate resource deck + level requirement | DON!! cards (two per turn) |
| Unique mechanic | Pilot pairing and linking | None |
| Deck composition | 50-card main deck + 10-card resource deck | 50-card deck + 10 DON!! cards + Leader |
Where to Buy the Gundam Card Game
You have several options for buying Gundam Card Game products, from dedicated TCG marketplaces to general retailers and even Japanese sellers.
This section covers:
- TCGPlayer
- Amazon
- Local Stores and BANDAI TCG+
- Buy Japanese Cards with a Proxy Service
Here is a quick overview of each option before the details.
| Retailer | Type | Products | Key feature |
| TCGPlayer | TCG marketplace | Singles, boxes, starter decks | Price comparison across sellers |
| Amazon | General e-commerce | Boxes, starter decks | English and Japanese versions available |
| Local Stores + BANDAI TCG+ | Physical retail | In-store purchase + events | Launch events with promo cards |
| Neokyo | Proxy service | Japanese marketplace listings | Consolidated shipping for multiple purchases |
TCGPlayer
TCGPlayer hosts an official Gundam Card Game catalog on its marketplace. As the largest TCG-focused platform in English-speaking markets, it gives you access to singles, booster boxes, and starter decks from multiple sellers in one place.
You can compare prices across sellers for individual cards or sealed products. If you are looking for specific cards to build or upgrade a deck, TCGPlayer’s single card listings make it straightforward to find what you need.
Amazon
Amazon carries English-version booster boxes for the Gundam Card Game, making it accessible to buyers who prefer a familiar shopping experience. These are available through various sellers on the platform.
Japanese-version products are also listed on Amazon.com. If you want to collect cards with the original Japanese text, you can find select booster boxes and sets without needing a separate import service.
Local Stores and BANDAI TCG+
Your local game store may carry Gundam Card Game products and host in-person events. Participating BANDAI TCG+ stores hold launch events tied to new set releases, and winners of these events receive promotional alternative art cards.
Retailers can register with BANDAI TCG+ to become eligible for hosting official events. This means the number of participating stores continues to grow. To find a store near you, check the For Retailers page on the official Gundam Card Game website for current store information.
Buy Japanese Cards with a Proxy Service
Japanese marketplaces sometimes list cards and sets that are hard to find or sold out in English-speaking markets. Listings and availability vary, so stock is not guaranteed, but the Japanese secondary market can carry products that are harder to find through domestic retailers.
A proxy service lets you search and purchase from Japanese marketplaces even if you are located outside Japan. Neokyo handles the buying process on your behalf, purchasing items from platforms like Rakuma and Mercari and shipping them to your address internationally.
Browse Gundam Card Game listings on Neokyo
Buy Gundam Cards from Japan with Neokyo
Neokyo is a proxy purchasing service that lets you buy from Japanese marketplaces, including Rakuma, Mercari, and Amazon Japan. If you have found a card or set you want on a Japanese platform but cannot purchase it directly from overseas, Neokyo handles the entire transaction on your behalf.
The process works in four steps:
- Search for items on Japanese marketplaces through Neokyo’s platform. You can browse listings across multiple sites in one place.
- Place your order by creating a buy request. Neokyo’s team then purchases the item from the Japanese seller for you.
- Store your purchases at Neokyo’s warehouse. Every order comes with 45 days of free storage, giving you time to collect multiple items before shipping.
- Ship internationally by selecting from four available shipping providers. Neokyo’s team consolidates and optimizes your package before sending it out.
That consolidation step is where you save the most on shipping. Instead of paying separate international shipping fees for each purchase, you can bundle multiple orders into a single package. If you are picking up a few booster boxes, a starter deck, and some singles from different sellers, combining them into one shipment cuts your total shipping cost.
Browse Gundam Card Game listings on Neokyo
How to Play the Gundam Card Game
The Gundam Card Game uses four card types and a unique resource system to create its gameplay loop. Understanding each piece helps you see how they work together on the field.
This section covers:
- Unit Cards
- Pilot Cards and Linking
- Command Cards
- Bases, Shields, and Bursts
- Resources and Levels
- Destroy Shields, Then Strike to Win
Once you know these building blocks, the flow of a match comes together quickly.
Unit Cards
Units are your primary attackers. You deploy them to the Battle Area, where they fight your opponent’s units and push damage toward their shields and base. Each unit has AP (attack power) and HP (hit points), and only units can attack.
You can have up to six units deployed at once. A unit cannot attack on the turn you deploy it, but starting from your next turn, it becomes active and ready to strike. Managing your Battle Area means balancing offensive pressure with defensive positioning, since every slot you fill is one less option for a future play.
Pilot Cards and Linking
Pairing a Pilot with a Unit is one of the Gundam Card Game’s defining mechanics. You place a Pilot card underneath any Unit in your Battle Area to form a pair. That Unit then gains the AP and HP bonuses listed on the Pilot card, along with any Pilot effects.
Any Pilot can pair with any Unit, but linking is more specific. When a Pilot satisfies a Unit’s link conditions, such as a matching Pilot name or trait, that Unit becomes a Link Unit and can attack immediately on the turn it enters play. This bypasses the usual one-turn wait.
Deciding whether to pair for raw stat boosts or hold out for a link that enables an instant attack is considered one of the game’s key strategic choices.
Command Cards
Commands are one-time use cards that provide effects to shift a battle in your favor. You play them from your hand, resolve their effect, and they go to the trash.
Some commands offer additional flexibility. Certain commands can activate during your opponent’s Action Step, letting you react to their plays. Others carry a Pilot effect, which means you can choose to pair them with a Unit instead of using their command effect. When used as a Pilot, a command card gives the paired Unit AP and HP bonuses and can even satisfy link conditions, opening up unexpected linking opportunities mid-game.
Bases, Shields, and Bursts
Your defenses start with an EX Base and six shields. At the beginning of the game, you place your EX Base (0 AP / 3 HP) in the base section and take the top six cards of your deck face down as shields.
While your base is intact, damage dealt to your shield area hits the base first. Once the base’s HP reaches zero, it is destroyed and your shields become exposed. When a shield is destroyed, you flip it face up before sending it to the trash. If that card has a Burst keyword, its effect activates immediately at no cost, giving you a chance to counter your opponent’s aggression at a critical moment.
Resources and Levels
The Gundam Card Game separates its resource system from the main deck entirely. Your resource deck contains exactly 10 cards, kept apart from your 50-card main deck. Each turn, you place one card from your resource deck into your resource area.
Playing a card requires meeting two conditions. First, the total number of resources in your area must equal or exceed the card’s level. Second, you must rest a number of resources equal to the card’s cost. This level-plus-cost structure adds a layer of planning to each turn.
Because your resource deck is independent, you never run into the kind of resource drought that can occur in other TCGs. You gain exactly one resource every turn, making your progression predictable and consistent.
Destroy Shields, Then Strike to Win
The primary win condition is straightforward: deal battle damage with a Unit to your opponent while they have no cards left in their shield area. You work toward this by destroying their base, breaking through their shields, and then landing a final direct hit.
A secondary win condition also exists. If your opponent’s deck reaches zero cards, they lose the game.
To play, you need a 50-card main deck, a 10-card resource deck, token cards, and damage counters such as dice.
How to win the Gundam Card Game:
- Destroy your opponent’s base
- Break all of their shields
- Deal battle damage with a Unit while no shields remain
A player also loses if their deck runs out of cards.
Play the Gundam Card Game Online for Free
You do not need physical cards to start learning or playing the Gundam Card Game. Three digital platforms let you practice rules, test decks, and compete against other players online. Note that Tabletop Simulator requires the base game on Steam, which is a paid purchase.
This section covers:
- Teaching App: Learn Rules and Practice Free
- Mobile Suit Arena: Free Browser PvP
- Tabletop Simulator: Full Card Pool on Steam
Here is how the three options compare at a glance.
| Platform | Type | Cost | PvP | Full card pool | Key feature |
| Teaching App | Official | Free | No (AI only) | Partial | Interactive tutorial |
| Mobile Suit Arena | Unofficial | Free | Yes | Yes | Season rankings and tournaments |
| Tabletop Simulator | Unofficial | Steam required | Yes | Yes | Multi-mode (2P, teams, free-for-all) |
Teaching App: Learn Rules and Practice Free
Bandai’s official Teaching App is the best starting point if you are new to the Gundam Card Game. It is available on iOS, Android, and as a browser version, so you can access it on any device without a download if you prefer.
The app includes a Tutorial Mode that walks you through the basic rules interactively, covering card types, turn structure, and combat step by step. Once you are comfortable with the fundamentals, Free Battle Mode lets you select a deck color and play against AI opponents. It is a low-pressure way to practice before investing in physical cards or jumping into competitive play.
Mobile Suit Arena: Free Browser PvP
Mobile Suit Arena is a free, browser-based platform where you can play against real opponents without downloading any software. The platform is fully automated and features every card currently available, making it a practical tool for testing decks and refining strategies.
Beyond casual matches, the platform runs season rankings and online tournaments, giving competitive players a structured environment to measure their skills. If you want to experiment with different deck builds before committing to physical purchases, Mobile Suit Arena lets you try every card in the game at no cost.
Tabletop Simulator: Full Card Pool on Steam
A scripted Gundam TCG Mod on Steam Workshop brings the full card game experience to Tabletop Simulator. The mod supports deck importing from external deck-building websites, so you can quickly load and test builds without manual setup.
Where this platform stands out is its mode variety. You can play standard two-player matches, team battles, and three-to-four-player free-for-alls, making it the most flexible option for group play. Keep in mind that Tabletop Simulator itself requires a purchase on Steam, so while the mod is free, the base application is not.
All Gundam Card Game Sets and Release Dates
The Gundam Card Game has expanded steadily since its initial launch, with new starter decks and booster sets releasing on a regular schedule.
This section covers:
- Starter Decks
- Booster Packs
- Rarities and Alt Art
- Full Release Timeline
Each release adds new cards, series representation, and strategic options to the game.
Starter Decks
Four starter decks launched alongside the game on July 11, 2025, giving new players a ready-to-play entry point. ST01 through ST04 each contain a pre-constructed deck, a damage card, a playsheet, and everything else you need to start playing right out of the box.
Two additional starter decks followed in September 2025 — ST05 Iron Bloom and ST06 Clan Unity. Two more, ST07 Celestial Drive and ST08 Flash of Radiance, arrived alongside the GD03 booster on January 30, 2026, with further starter decks (ST09 and beyond) following later in 2026. Each new release expands the range of available playstyles and color combinations.
Booster Packs
GD01 Newtype Rising arrived on July 25, 2025 as the first booster set, establishing the initial competitive card pool. Each booster pack contains 12 cards plus one token or resource card, and a booster box includes 24 packs.
GD02 Dual Impact followed on October 24, 2025, introducing cards from new Gundam series including Gundam X, AGE, and Iron-Blooded Orphans. Each new booster set broadens the roster of mobile suits, pilots, and strategies available for deck building.
Rarities and Alt Art
In GD01 Newtype Rising, the set contains 130 standard card types plus four token and resource cards. The rarity breakdown is as follows:
| Rarity | Card count |
| Common | 50 |
| Uncommon | 36 |
| Rare | 32 |
| Legend Rare | 12 |
| Token / Resource | 6 |
Alternate art variants make up a notable portion of the set. In GD01 Newtype Rising, approximately 25% of the cards are alternate art versions featuring unique artwork and foil finishes. These prints appear almost exclusively as foil cards, adding collectible appeal beyond competitive play.
You can browse the complete card list for any set on the official website’s FIND CARDS page. Promotional cards have also been distributed at major events, including Gen Con, San Diego Comic-Con, and Anime Expo.
Full Release Timeline
All Gundam Card Game releases launch simultaneously in English and Japanese markets. The table below lists every set from the initial preview release through announced future products.
| Set name | Code | Type | Release date |
| Edition Beta | — | Preview | December 2024 |
| Heroic Beginnings | ST01 | Starter | July 11, 2025 |
| Wings of Advance | ST02 | Starter | July 11, 2025 |
| Zeon’s Rush | ST03 | Starter | July 11, 2025 |
| SEED Strike | ST04 | Starter | July 11, 2025 |
| Newtype Rising | GD01 | Booster | July 25, 2025 |
| Iron Bloom | ST05 | Starter | September 2025 |
| Clan Unity | ST06 | Starter | September 2025 |
| Dual Impact | GD02 | Booster | October 24, 2025 |
| Steel Requiem | GD03 | Booster | January 30, 2026 |
| Celestial Drive | ST07 | Starter | January 30, 2026 |
| Flash of Radiance | ST08 | Starter | January 30, 2026 |
| Destiny Ignition (Ultimate Deck) | ST09 | Starter | March 27, 2026 |
| Phantom Aria | GD04 | Booster | April 24, 2026 |
| Eternal Nexus | EB01 | Booster | June 26, 2026 |
| Generation Pulse | ST10 | Starter | June 26, 2026 |
| Freedom Ascension | GD05 | Booster | July 24, 2026 (scheduled) |
Choose Your First Gundam Card Game Starter Deck
Picking your first starter deck comes down to the playstyle and Gundam series that appeal to you most. Each of the four launch decks uses a different two-color combination with a distinct strategic identity.
This section covers:
- ST01 Heroic Beginnings
- ST02 Wings of Advance
- ST03 Zeon’s Rush
- ST04 SEED Strike
- Build Your Collection on a Budget
Here is a side-by-side look at what each deck offers.
| Deck name | Colors | Gundam series | Playstyle |
| ST01 Heroic Beginnings | Blue + White | Mobile Suit Gundam / The Witch from Mercury | Balanced |
| ST02 Wings of Advance | Green + Blue | Gundam Wing | Resource acceleration |
| ST03 Zeon’s Rush | Red + Green | Universal Century (Zeon) | Aggressive swarm |
| ST04 SEED Strike | White + Red | Gundam SEED | Defensive / link synergy |
ST01 Heroic Beginnings
ST01 pairs Blue and White cards, drawing from Mobile Suit Gundam and The Witch from Mercury. The deck offers a balanced approach to battle, combining solid offensive and defensive tools without leaning too heavily in either direction.
That balance makes it a natural fit for players who are new to the game or prefer a versatile, well-rounded strategy. If you are drawn to the original Gundam storyline or want a deck that does not force you into a single playstyle, ST01 is a strong starting point.
ST02 Wings of Advance
ST02 combines Green and Blue cards, themed around Mobile Suit Gundam Wing. The deck’s strategy centers on ramping, accelerating your resource buildup to deploy high-level units ahead of schedule.
This playstyle rewards calculated, strategic play. You spend the early turns building your resource advantage and then take over the game with powerful units your opponent cannot yet match. If you enjoy planning several turns ahead and outpacing your opponent through resource management, ST02 fits that approach.
ST03 Zeon’s Rush
ST03 runs Red and Green cards, themed around Zeon and Neo-Zeon forces from the Universal Century timeline. The deck takes an aggressive approach, flooding the Battle Area with low-cost units to overwhelm your opponent through sheer numbers.
Speed is the defining trait here. You deploy units quickly and apply constant offensive pressure before your opponent can stabilize. If you prefer an attacking playstyle that keeps your opponent on the defensive from the opening turns, ST03 delivers that tempo.
ST04 SEED Strike
ST04 uses White and Red cards, themed around Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. The deck favors a defensive playstyle built around Link Unit synergies, using card interactions to create strong defensive positions while setting up powerful linked attacks.
The focus on linking and card synergy gives this deck a layered strategic identity. You look for specific Pilot-Unit combinations that unlock Link effects, turning your defensive setup into sudden offensive swings. If you value defensive strategy and rewarding card interactions, ST04 is designed for that experience.
Build Your Collection on a Budget
Starter decks are affordably priced, and booster packs carry an MSRP of $4.99 per pack. Starting with a single starter deck and learning the game before buying boosters is an efficient way to build your collection without overspending.
Once your playstyle is clear, booster packs let you target specific cards to upgrade your deck. For cards or sets that are difficult to find through domestic retailers, you can browse Japanese sellers on Rakuma and Mercari through Neokyo. Keep in mind that listings and availability on these platforms change frequently, so stock is not guaranteed.
Browse Gundam Card Game listings on Neokyo
Start Your Gundam Card Game Collection Today
The Gundam Card Game gives you a TCG backed by over four decades of mobile suit history, with mechanics that stand on their own. The Pilot-Unit linking system, separated resource deck, and layered shield defense create a game that feels distinct even if you are coming from other Bandai titles.
Getting started is straightforward. Grab a starter deck that matches your playstyle, download the Teaching App to learn the rules, and explore the booster sets as you refine your strategy. For competitive practice, Mobile Suit Arena lets you test every card in the game for free, and Tabletop Simulator offers the full card pool through a Steam Workshop mod.
When you are ready to expand your collection, TCGPlayer and Amazon carry English-version products, while local BANDAI TCG+ stores offer in-person events with exclusive promo cards. For Japanese-version cards or products that are harder to find domestically, Neokyo connects you with Japanese sellers and consolidates your orders into a single shipment to cut international shipping costs.
