Gundam Card Game Australia: How to Play and What to Buy (2026 Beginner Guide)
Share
The Gundam Card Game is a two-player strategy card game from Bandai where you deploy Mobile Suit units, pair them with pilots, and attack through your opponent's shields to win. It launched across the Australia and New Zealand region in 2025, so Australian players can buy English product on release day instead of waiting for an overseas wave.
This guide covers how the game works, what you need to start, every set released so far, and which products to buy first. Last updated 9 June 2026.
What is the Gundam Card Game?
The Gundam Card Game is a one-versus-one duel built around the Mobile Suits and pilots of the Gundam anime. Each player runs a 50-card deck, defends a row of face-down Shield cards, and wins by landing one more hit after the opponent runs out of shields. Bandai rolled it out worldwide from mid-2025, releasing Starter Decks first and booster sets on a roughly quarterly cadence.
How to play, step by step
- Build your deck. You bring a 50-card main deck plus your resource setup. Most newcomers start with a preconstructed Starter Deck so the card ratios are sorted for you.
- Set your shields. Draw an opening hand of 5 cards, take one mulligan if you want it, then place the top 6 cards of your deck face-down as Shields.
- Deploy units. Spend resources to play Mobile Suit Units into the battle area, up to 6 at once. A unit cannot attack on the turn you deploy it.
- Pair your pilots. Slot a Pilot card under a unit to raise its attack and HP and switch on extra abilities.
- Attack the shields. From your next turn, send units at your opponent. Breaking a shield can trigger that card's own effect, so the defender always has a way back into the game.
- Win the duel. When a player has no shields left and takes one more hit, the match ends.
A full game runs about 20 minutes once the flow clicks. Bandai publishes the complete rules in its official play guide if you want the fine print.
What you need to start
You need one thing to play your first game: a Starter Deck. Each deck is ready out of the box, teaches one faction's style, and costs far less than building from singles. Pick up two different Starter Decks if you want to play against a friend straight away. Once you know which faction you enjoy, booster packs and booster boxes let you upgrade and chase rarer cards.
Gundam Card Game sets released so far
| Set | Name | Type | Australian release |
|---|---|---|---|
| ST01 to ST04 | Starter Decks | Starter | 11 July 2025 |
| GD01 | Newtype Rising | Booster | 25 July 2025 |
| GD02 | Dual Impact | Booster | 24 October 2025 |
| GD03 | Steel Requiem | Booster | 30 January 2026 |
| GD04 | Phantom Aria | Booster | 2026 (expected) |
| GD05 | Freedom Ascension (1st Anniversary) | Booster | 2026 (expected) |
Dates for GD04 and GD05 are still firming up. We update this table as Bandai confirms each window.
What to buy first in Australia
- Brand new and playing solo for now: one Starter Deck plus three or four booster packs.
- Two players in the house: two different Starter Decks so you both have a ready deck on night one.
- Collectors and investors: a sealed booster box of the current set, or a sealed case if you plan to resell or run breaks.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Gundam Card Game available in Australia?
Yes. The game released in the Australia and New Zealand region in 2025, and English product ships locally. GB Toys stocks Gundam Card Game Starter Decks and boosters with fast Australia-wide shipping in AUD.
Is it beginner friendly?
Yes. A Starter Deck plays out of the box, and the shield system keeps games close, so a new player can win against a more experienced one. Most people pick up the basics inside two or three games.
Is the English or Japanese version better to buy?
For Australian players who want to read their cards and play at local events, the English release is the simpler choice. Japanese product appeals mainly to collectors chasing specific art treatments.
How many players do you need?
Two for a standard duel. The game also supports team and multiplayer formats, but one-versus-one is where most people start.
Where to buy the Gundam Card Game in Australia
GB Toys carries Gundam Card Game Starter Decks, booster packs and booster boxes, with fast Australia-wide shipping and AUD pricing. Browse the range and start your first deck today.