Since its explosive debut, the One Piece Card Game has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Inspired by Eiichiro Oda’s legendary manga and anime, this collectible card game combines dynamic gameplay with beloved characters and stunning artwork. For many aspiring pirates (or seasoned veterans of TCGs), the best way to begin your journey is by choosing the right One Piece Starter Deck.
But with multiple starter decks now available—each themed around different factions, characters, and playstyles—how do you know which one is best for you?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about One Piece starter decks: what they are, how they work, what’s available, their strengths and weaknesses, and how to choose the perfect one for your playstyle.
What Are One Piece Starter Decks?
A starter deck in the One Piece Card Game is a pre-constructed 50-card deck (plus 10 DON!! cards) designed to be playable right out of the box. Each deck is centered around a Leader card, who dictates the colors and strategy of your deck. These decks are perfect for:
- New players just learning the game.
- Collectors who want themed cards of popular characters.
- Casual players looking for balanced matchups.
- Competitive players looking for a core to build from.
Starter decks are affordable, accessible, and a great way to introduce yourself to the world of One Piece TCG.
Core Components of a Starter Deck
Each One Piece starter deck typically contains:
- 1 Leader Card (defining the deck’s theme and color)
- 50 Playable Cards (including characters, events, and stages)
- 10 DON!! Cards (used to pay for abilities and attacks)
- Rulebook & Play Sheet (helpful for beginners)
The deck is ready to play immediately and designed to be balanced against other starter decks.
Currently Available One Piece Starter Decks
As of 2025, Bandai has released several One Piece Starter Decks, each representing a faction or crew from the series. Here’s a breakdown of the most notable ones:
1. ST-01: Straw Hat Crew (Red)
Leader: Monkey D. Luffy
Faction: Straw Hat Pirates
Color: Red
Playstyle: Aggro / Fast Tempo
Overview:
ST-01 is all about quick, aggressive plays with the Straw Hat crew. Red cards specialize in low-cost characters, removal, and rush abilities, allowing you to overwhelm opponents early.
Key Cards:
- Zoro (Rush)
- Luffy (Double attack)
- Jet Pistol (Removal)
Best For: Players who like fast-paced games and iconic characters like Luffy, Zoro, and Nami.
Pros:
- Easy to learn
- Strong synergy
- Fast tempo
Cons:
- Weak to control
- Can run out of gas
2. ST-02: Worst Generation (Green)
Leader: Eustass Kid
Faction: Supernovas
Color: Green
Playstyle: Midrange / Board Control
Overview:
The Worst Generation deck focuses on building a board of powerful Supernovas while controlling your opponent’s field. Green excels at untapping DON!!, allowing for flexible turns and strong board presence.
Key Cards:
- Eustass Kid (Double attack + blocker)
- Basil Hawkins (Multi-attacks)
- Paradise Waterfall (Untap tricks)
Best For: Players who like a balance of aggression and control with smart resource management.
Pros:
- Great value per card
- Efficient blockers
- Excellent board control
Cons:
- Learning curve with untap mechanics
- Vulnerable to wide boards
3. ST-03: The Seven Warlords of the Sea (Blue)
Leader: Crocodile
Faction: Warlords
Color: Blue
Playstyle: Control / Bounce
Overview:
Blue decks focus on returning cards to hand, drawing, and controlling tempo. The ST-03 deck is more technical but rewards smart play and patience.
Key Cards:
- Dracule Mihawk (Bottom deck removal)
- Bartholomew Kuma + Pacifista synergy
- Love-Love Mellow (Draw + defense)
Best For: Players who enjoy control, value, and outsmarting their opponent with timing.
Pros:
- Strong control elements
- Great card draw
- Technical depth
Cons:
- Slower pace
- Requires experience
4. ST-04: Animal Kingdom Pirates (Purple)
Leader: Kaido
Faction: Animal Kingdom Pirates
Color: Purple
Playstyle: Ramp / Big Creatures
Overview:
ST-04 is a powerhouse. Purple specializes in DON!! ramp, which helps you play massive threats early, such as King and Kaido. This deck has devastating potential if left unchecked.
Key Cards:
- Kaido (Board wipe + life loss)
- King (Targeted removal)
- Onigashima (Ramp)
Best For: Players who love ramp strategies and giant threats dominating the board.
Pros:
- High power
- Ramp potential
- Devastating late game
Cons:
- Slower early game
- Requires setup
5. ST-05: One Piece Film Edition (Purple)
Leader: Shanks
Faction: FILM
Color: Purple
Playstyle: Thematic / High Power Synergy
Overview:
This deck is a tribute to the One Piece movies, featuring exclusive characters like Uta and Douglas Bullet. It’s mechanically similar to Kaido’s ramp deck but with FILM-specific synergy.
Best For: Fans of One Piece films who want a thematic yet strong deck.
Pros:
- Unique film characters
- Solid synergy
- Powerful finishers
Cons:
- Less synergy with non-FILM cards
- Needs upgrades for competitive play
6. ST-06: Navy (Black)
Leader: Smoker
Faction: Marines
Color: Black
Playstyle: Spot Removal / Control
Overview:
Black introduces cost-based removal, lowering the cost of enemy characters to KO them. This makes the deck effective against big threats and swarms alike.
Key Cards:
- Smoker (Conditional double strike)
- Garp (Cost reduction)
- Impact Wave (Cheap removal)
Best For: Players who like board wipes, removal, and methodical control.
Pros:
- Excellent removal
- Resets board states
- Disruptive tactics
Cons:
- Less aggression
- High skill ceiling
How to Choose the Best Starter Deck for You
Ask yourself these questions:
1. What kind of playstyle do you enjoy?
- Aggro: ST-01 (Straw Hats)
- Control: ST-03 (Warlords), ST-06 (Navy)
- Midrange: ST-02 (Worst Generation)
- Ramp: ST-04 (Kaido)
2. Are you playing with friends or competitively?
For casual play, any deck works. For tournaments, ST-02 and ST-04 are excellent bases for upgrades.
3. Do you want iconic characters or theme decks?
- Want Luffy? Go ST-01.
- Love the Navy? ST-06.
- Prefer villains? ST-04 or ST-03.
4. Are you a beginner?
ST-01 and ST-02 are the most beginner-friendly due to simple mechanics and straightforward interactions.
Upgrading Your Starter Deck
Once you’re familiar with the basics, you can upgrade your starter deck by:
- Adding powerful SR and leader cards from booster packs.
- Removing vanilla cards for synergistic or higher-value ones.
- Tweaking the DON!! curve to improve tempo.
- Exploring dual-color leaders from newer sets.
Many players use a starter as the foundation of a tournament-ready deck.
Why Starter Decks Matter in the One Piece Meta
Even as new expansions and leaders are released, starter decks remain relevant because:
- They’re budget-friendly.
- They provide access to exclusive cards.
- Some cards, like Jet Pistol, are staples.
- They offer balanced matchups for friendly play.
Some tournament-winning decks are just optimized starter decks, proving their value even at high levels.
Where to Buy One Piece Starter Decks
Starter decks are available at:
- Local Game Stores (LGS): Support your community.
- Online retailers: TCGPlayer, Amazon, Cardmarket.
- Official Bandai stores and events.
- Starter bundle boxes that include sleeves and promos.
Be wary of scalping prices—MSRP is usually $11.99 to $14.99 USD, but popularity can cause spikes.
Final Thoughts
The One Piece Card Game is more than just another TCG—it’s a thrilling adventure that captures the essence of the Straw Hat journey. Starter decks are your entry ticket into this rich world, offering a complete, playable experience with your favorite characters and strategic depth.
Whether you’re a diehard Zoro fan or a cunning Kaido supporter, there’s a starter deck that matches your style and passion. Start with one, learn the ropes, and evolve your deck into a competitive masterpiece. With each DON!! card, you’re not just playing a game—you’re setting sail for the Grand Line.
