Juli 21, 2025 Admin Figure

Gundam card game rules explained: Learn, play & win like a pro

Gundam card game rules form the foundation of every successful match in the official Bandai trading card game. Whether you're building your first deck or aiming to master tournament-level tactics, understanding how the game works is key to unlocking everything the Gundam TCG has to offer. At Japan Figure, we bring fans the latest Gundam TCG starter decks, boosters, and collectibles straight from Japan. In this guide, you’ll find clear, updated explanations of the rules, phases, deck-building requirements, multiplayer modes, and key strategies, so you can learn, play, and win like a pro.

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1. Why is the Gundam card game rules important for players?

Understanding the official Gundam card game rules is essential for any player serious about progressing in the game. The rules do more than outline how to play, they shape how you build decks, make tactical decisions, and interact with the core mechanics of battle and progression.

Here’s why every player should study the rules carefully:

Guarantees legal gameplay: Every action, drawing, deploying, attacking, blocking, must follow the official phase structure to be valid.
Prevents gameplay errors and misplays: Knowing the timing and structure reduces common mistakes that cost matches.
Enables strategic use of advanced mechanics: Features like Burst effects, Link Units, and multi-phase activations rely on precise rule comprehension.
Supports proper deck construction: All decks must comply with card count and color rules to be eligible for play.
Required for tournament participation: The official rules are enforced in every sanctioned event. Failure to follow them can lead to disqualification or penalties.

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2. What are Gundam TCG language versions and regional usability?

The Gundam Card Game is released in multiple language editions. However, regional usage restrictions apply depending on which version of the cards you own. These restrictions are clearly defined by the publisher and affect both casual and tournament play.

Japanese Version – Permitted Regions:

Japan
Hong Kong S.A.R.
Taiwan
South Korea
Singapore
Malaysia
Indonesia
Philippines
Thailand

English Version – Permitted Regions:

North America
Latin America
Europe
Oceania
Also permitted in:
- Hong Kong S.A.R.
- Taiwan
- Singapore
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Philippines
- Thailand

In the overlapping regions listed above, decks may include both Japanese and English version cards.

Simplified Chinese Version – Permitted Region:

Mainland China only

These restrictions are enforced to maintain fair play and consistency in competitive environments. Resource and Token cards (including EX Base and Unit Tokens) are exempt from these limitations, they may be used in any region, regardless of language.

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3. The 2025 full update of Gundam card game rules

The 2025 update to the Gundam card game rules introduced greater clarity and structure to gameplay mechanics, making the game more balanced and accessible for both casual and competitive players. Whether you're preparing for a tournament or a friendly match, this section breaks down each core component of the game.

3.1. Game setup and rule-based preparation steps

Before gameplay begins, each player must complete the official setup. Scroll over for more rules and guidelines on how to prepare your deck properly.

Deck requirements:

Main deck: 50 cards total (Units, Pilots, Commands, Bases)
- A deck may include up to 2 colors
- A maximum of 4 copies of any single card number
Resource deck: Exactly 10 Resource cards
Token cards: Required for EX Base, EX Resource, and Unit Tokens
Damage counters: Used to track damage, often with dice

Game setup steps:

Shuffle your main and resource decks separately.
Each player draws 5 cards as their starting hand. One mulligan is allowed.
Place the top 6 cards of your main deck face-down in the Shield Area.
Deploy 1 EX Base. The second player also places 1 EX Resource.
Determine who goes first via random method (coin toss or similar).

The battlefield is divided into several zones: Deck, Hand, Resource Area, Battle Area, Shield Area, Trash, and Damage Counters. Familiarity with these zones is essential for effective card control.

3.2. Gundam card game tournament rules for game progression and turn phases

In both casual and competitive formats, each turn follows a five-phase structure defined in the official Gundam card game phases:

Start Phase: Ready all rested cards.
Draw Phase: Draw 1 card from your main deck.
Resource Phase: Place 1 card from your hand face-down into the Resource Area.
Main Phase: Deploy Units, pair Pilots, attack, activate effects (including 【Activate・Main】), and play Command cards.
End Phase: Resolve end-of-turn effects and discard to your maximum hand size (10 cards).

Each action has a specific timing, and both players can respond during the Main Phase via a turn-based action system (defender acts first). These rules ensure fairness and create windows for tactical interaction.

For tournament players, adherence to timing and phase rules is mandatory, and disputes are resolved based on this structure.

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3.3. Battle rules in Gundam TCG: Attack, block, damage & burst

Combat is a central part of gameplay, and the battle phase follows a structured 5-step resolution:

Attack Step: Declare attacking Unit and its target (opponent’s Unit or Shield).
Block Step: Defender may block with a Unit that has【Blocker】
Action Step: Both players may activate abilities or Command cards in turn.
Damage Step:
1. Attacking and blocking Units simultaneously deal damage equal to their AP.
2. If attacking a Shield and no Base remains, damage hits the Shield Area directly.
3. When a Shield is destroyed, it is flipped, if it has a【Burst】keyword, its effect activates immediately.
End of Battle Step: Any remaining temporary effects expire.

Tactical decision-making in this phase can determine the outcome of the entire match. Proper use of Burst cards, Link Units, and First Strike mechanics gives players a powerful edge.

3.4. Deck-building rules vs. strategic deck-building tips

Following Gundam card game deck building rules is not just about legality, it’s about building synergy.

Official construction rules:

50 cards in the main deck
Up to 2 card colors
No more than 4 copies of any card number
10-card Resource deck required
Include Pilots and Bases to maximize Link synergy

Strategic tips:

Include at least 15–20 low-cost Units (Level 3 or lower) to ensure early game flow
Use Pilots that match your most powerful Units' Link conditions
Balance Command cards for both offense (e.g., quick damage) and defense (e.g., recovery or counterplay)

Understanding Gundam TCG Link Unit rules is essential. When a Pilot is paired with a compatible Unit that meets the Link requirement, it becomes a Link Unit, allowing it to attack the same turn it’s deployed and sometimes unlock new abilities.

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3.5. Gundam card game rules for multiplayer modes: Team vs. Battle royale

The game also supports advanced multiplayer modes with special rule adjustments:

Team Battle (2v2)

Each team shares a Shield Area (4 Shields per player = 8 total).
Only 1 Base per team is deployed.
Team members take actions simultaneously and can strategize together.
Victory is achieved when one team’s Shield Area is destroyed or their decks are depleted.

Battle Royale (3+ players)

Each player sets up individually.
Turns proceed clockwise or counterclockwise.
Players can choose any opponent as their target.
Victory conditions vary by format:
- Winner Takes All: First to eliminate another player wins.
- Last Player Standing: The last remaining player wins.

These formats add exciting new layers of tactical depth, especially in social or event settings.

4. FAQs – People also ask about the Gundam card game rules

To help players of all levels, here are quick answers to frequently searched questions about the Bandai Gundam card game rules and gameplay mechanics.

4.1. How many cards are in a Gundam TCG deck?

A legal Gundam TCG deck contains exactly 50 cards in the main deck and 10 cards in the resource deck.

4.2. What are the mechanics of deck building card game?

Deck building in Gundam TCG involves selecting cards within color limits (up to 2) and type limits, balancing Units, Pilots, Commands, and Bases.

4.3. What is the hand size limit in Gundam TCG?

Players may hold up to 10 cards in hand. If you exceed this during your End Phase, discard down to 10.

4.4. How many cards should be in a deck-building game?

For Gundam TCG specifically, you must have a 50-card deck plus a 10-card resource deck, no more, no less.

4.5. What is the difference between pair and link in Gundam card game?

“Pair” refers to assigning a Pilot to a Unit. “Link” occurs when that pairing satisfies specific conditions, activating enhanced effects and allowing instant attack.

4.6. What is the strategy of Gundam?

Strategy in Gundam TCG revolves around managing phases, linking Units effectively, controlling the battlefield, and making timely use of Burst and Command effects.

4.7. Is SD Gundam multiplayer?

Yes. The Gundam TCG supports multiplayer formats including Team Battle (2v2) and Battle Royale (3+ players) with special rules for shields, bases, and targeting.

4.8. What language is Gundam TCG in?

The Gundam TCG is available in Japanese, English, and Simplified Chinese. Card legality depends on your region.

4.9. What is the sealed format in Gundam card game?

The sealed format involves building a deck from a limited pool (like booster packs), with rules adapted for casual events and store tournaments.

4.10. What is the round timer for Gundam TCG?

In official tournaments, round timers are usually set between 25–40 minutes per match, depending on format and event scale.

Mastering the Gundam card game rules is the first step toward competitive play and deeper enjoyment of the franchise’s strategic depth. From phases and Link Units to Burst effects and multiplayer formats, the game rewards players who understand its official structure. Whether you're just beginning or upgrading your deck, Japan Figure is your go-to store for official English and Japanese Gundam TCG starter decks, expansion booster packs with iconic mecha cards, and exclusive figures and licensed merchandise to complement your collection. Browse the full Gundam Card Game collection here and build your battlefield today.

Eingeordnet unter: Bandai Gundam card game, Gundam, Gundam TCG

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