Recommended Starter Products for Pokémon Card Beginners | 2025 Edition

Do you want to start playing Pokémon cards but are unsure about which starter product to buy? "What is the difference between the ex starter deck and the battle academy?" As of 2025, there are several types of starter products for beginners, each with different features and price ranges, making it important to choose the right product for you. In this article, we will thoroughly compare recommended starter products for Pokémon card beginners and suggest the best options based on your goals and budget. From the latest 2025 ex starter deck series to the classic battle academy, we will clearly explain the specific features, prices, advantages, and disadvantages.

What are Pokémon Card Starter Products?

Pokémon card starter products are items designed for people who are playing the Pokémon card game for the first time, consisting of a ready-to-play completed deck and a rulebook. Unlike regular pack products, the decks come pre-assembled, allowing you to start playing immediately after purchase, which is their biggest feature.

• Three Reasons to Choose Starter Products

Starter products mainly come in the following types. First, the "ex starter deck" series, launched in the second half of 2024, is the easiest option to purchase, with a deck centered around one Pokémon ex available for about 1,000 yen. Next, the "battle academy" is a comprehensive starter product that includes three different decks, a playmat, damage counters, and other battle tools all in one set. Furthermore, the "starter set terastal" has a more expandable structure than the ex starter deck, making it suitable for transitioning to intermediate levels.

These starter products are officially sold by The Pokémon Company and are widely available at card shops, electronics retailers, and online stores. The price range is approximately 1,000 to 5,000 yen, providing a lineup that can be selected according to your budget and purpose. [Related Article]: Complete Guide to Buying Pokémon Cards | Explanation of Purchase Locations, Reservation Methods, and Money-Saving Tips

Three Reasons to Choose Starter Products

1. Decks are Ready to Use
The biggest advantage of starter products is that you can start playing on the same day you purchase them. Typically, building a deck in Pokémon cards requires selecting compatible cards from a large number of options and constructing a balanced 60-card deck. This can be a high hurdle for beginners, but with starter products, you get a completed deck designed by professionals, allowing you to enjoy the game right away.

2. Easy to Learn with Rulebook and Playmat Included
Starter products come with detailed rulebooks, play guides, and playmats, structured to allow gradual learning even from a state of not knowing the rules. In particular, the battle academy includes step-by-step learning materials that start with simplified rules for beginners, making it easy to learn the rules even on your own.

3. Good Cost Performance
Collecting the cards included in the starter products individually incurs a cost that significantly exceeds the product price. For example, the ex starter deck is available for about 1,000 yen, which includes a 60-card deck and a playmat, achieving a very high cost performance of about 17 yen per card. Additionally, it includes versatile Trainer cards and Energy cards, which will be useful when customizing decks in the future. If you want to start with a limited budget, please refer to 【Related Articles】: Pokémon Card Budget Starter Guide | How to Start with 1000 yen, 3000 yen, 5000 yen.

Recommended Starter Products for Beginners [2025 Edition]

As of 2025, the starter products available for Pokémon card beginners have diversified. Here, we will introduce the latest starter products that are actually on sale in detail, clarifying their features and who they are suitable for. We will specifically explain the price, contents, difficulty, and recommended points as criteria for consideration when making a purchase decision.

• ex Starter Deck Series
• Battle Academy
• Starter Set Terastal (VSTAR Universe Type)
• Pre-Built Decks (V Starter Decks, etc.)

ex Starter Deck Series

The ex Starter Deck Series is the latest line of starter products that has been released sequentially since July 2024, and it is gaining popularity as the easiest option for beginners to start. The biggest appeal is the low price of about 1,000 yen (tax included 1,100 yen) for a 60-card deck centered around one Pokémon ex as the ace card, along with a playmat, rulebook, and damage counters.

The feature of the ex Starter Deck is that it focuses on different Pokémon ex as the main card for each deck type. Various types of decks are available, such as Fire type, Lightning type, and Fighting type, allowing you to choose based on your favorite Pokémon or type. Additionally, each deck includes versatile Trainer cards, making it a structure that can be utilized when building other decks in the future.

In terms of competitive strength, the ex Starter Decks are designed to battle well against each other, but they do not match the fully-fledged decks enhanced by expansion packs. Therefore, they are ideal for beginners who want to "first learn the rules and understand the fun of battling." They are also highly accessible, available for purchase at many card shops and mass retailers, making them recommended for those who want to start easily. If you want to learn more about the rules, please check 【Related Articles】: Thorough Explanation of Basic Rules for Pokémon Cards | Victory Conditions and Flow of Battles for Beginners.

Soubraze ex Starter Deck

The Soublaze ex Start Deck features an aggressive deck composition centered around Fire-type Pokémon. Soublaze ex has high attack power and excels at strategies that deal significant damage to opponents, making it suitable for players who prefer an active playstyle. Fire-type Pokémon are easy to handle for beginners, allowing them to aim for victory with simple attacks, making it recommended for those who want to "fight in an easy-to-understand way." Priced at 1,100 yen including tax, it is an ideal choice for those who love Fire-type Pokémon or want to play with an aggressive deck. The deck also has high expandability, allowing for the addition of Fire-type cards later to further strengthen it.

Takeru Raikou ex Start Deck

The Takeru Raikou ex Start Deck is a fast-paced deck centered around Lightning-type Pokémon ex. Lightning types often have Pokémon that can be deployed quickly, making it easy to launch attacks from the early game. Takeru Raikou ex combines high HP with powerful attacks, making it a card that is easy to handle even for beginners. Priced at 1,100 yen including tax, it is suitable for those who love Lightning-type Pokémon or want to enjoy a good tempo in battles. Additionally, Lightning-type decks pair well with versatile support cards, broadening the potential for future deck enhancements.

Other ex Start Decks

The ex Start Deck series includes several variations beyond those mentioned above. For example, there are decks centered around Fighting-type Pokémon ex and decks utilizing Grass types, among others, catering to various types. All decks are uniformly priced at 1,100 yen including tax, so you can choose based on your favorite Pokémon or type. Purchasing multiple decks to battle with friends using different types is also one way to enjoy the game.

Battle Academy

The Battle Academy is the most comprehensive beginner-friendly starter product offered by the official Pokémon card company. Priced at 4,378 yen including tax, it is more expensive than other starter products, but includes three complete decks (Pikachu Deck, Eevee Deck, and Nyaho Deck), a playmat, damage counters, coins, a rulebook, and a step-by-step tutorial guide for learning.

The biggest feature of the Battle Academy is its design that allows "systematic learning of the rules even alone." The included tutorial guide is divided into three stages, starting with super simple rules in Step 1, and gradually learning more advanced rules in Steps 2 and 3. This step-by-step learning system allows beginners who have "struggled with difficult rules" to learn without difficulty.

Additionally, since it includes three decks, there is no need for additional purchases when starting with friends or family, allowing for immediate enjoyment of battles. Each deck has a different strategy, making it appealing to find out which deck suits you best while trying them out.

The downsides include a slightly higher price and limited expandability compared to ex Start Decks. However, for those who want to "learn the rules thoroughly" or "start with multiple people," it is the most recommended starter product. If you want to enhance your deck after purchase, please refer to [Related Article]: Explaining Pokémon Card Deck Building for Beginners | How to Assemble 60 Cards and Balance.

Starter Set Terastal (VSTAR Universe Type)

The Starter Set Terastal is a product positioned between the ex Starter Deck and the Battle Academy. Priced around 2,200 yen including tax, it comes with a 60-card constructed deck, a playmat, damage counters, and several booster packs.

The feature of this product is that it includes cards with higher competitiveness than the ex Starter Deck. The deck contains many versatile Trainer cards and powerful support cards, allowing for immediate enhancement of the deck after purchase. Additionally, since you can draw new cards from the included booster packs, it is perfect for those who want to enjoy the "fun of opening packs."

The Starter Set Terastal is suitable for those who are "beginners but looking to engage in somewhat competitive matches" or for those who find the ex Starter Deck insufficient but do not need the full-fledged experience of the Battle Academy. However, it is important to note that its availability is somewhat lower compared to the ex Starter Deck, and some stores may not carry it.

Constructed Decks (V Starter Decks, etc.)

The V Starter Deck is a series of constructed decks from the previous generation of ex Starter Decks. While some stores may still have stock available, as of 2025, no new releases are being made, and availability is limited.

The feature of the V Starter Deck is its deck composition centered around Pokémon V, with a price of around 1,100 yen including tax, comparable to the ex Starter Deck. However, due to the older card pool, there may be cards included that are difficult to use in the current competitive environment. Therefore, unless there is a special reason, it is recommended to choose the latest ex Starter Deck series.

However, if they are being discounted for clearance or if you want a specific Pokémon V deck, it can be a viable option. When purchasing, be sure to check whether the included cards are usable under the current regulations (Standard Regulation).

Comparison Table of Starter Products

To easily compare the features of each starter product at a glance, the following table summarizes them based on price, contents, target audience, and recommendation level.

Product Name	Price (including tax)	Number of Decks	Target Audience	Learning Support	Recommendation Level
ex Starter Deck	1,100 yen	1	People who want to start easily	Comes with a rulebook	★★★★★
Battle Academy	4,378 yen	3	People who want to learn thoroughly / multiple players	Comes with a tutorial	★★★★☆
Starter Set Terastal	2,200 yen	1	People seeking expandability	Comes with a rulebook	★★★★☆
V Starter Deck	1,100 yen	1	Budget-conscious (while supplies last)	Comes with a rulebook	★★★☆☆

How to Read the Table and Points for Choosing

First, in terms of price, both the ex Starter Deck and V Starter Deck are the most affordable at around 1,100 yen. This price range is suitable for those with a limited budget or those who want to "just give it a try." On the other hand, the Battle Academy is priced at around 4,400 yen, which is expensive, but since it includes three decks and tutorial materials, it is not high when considering the cost per deck.

For those who want to start easily on their own, the ex Starter Deck is ideal, while the Battle Academy is best for starting with friends or family. The level of learning support is highest with the Battle Academy, allowing you to master the rules through a step-by-step tutorial.

The recommendation level is a comprehensive evaluation based on availability, content richness, and cost performance as of 2025. The ex Starter Deck is rated ★5 because it offers the best balance of price, availability, and content.

Recommended Starter Products by Purpose

Here, we suggest the most suitable starter products based on your goals and situation. If you are unsure about which one to choose, please refer to the guide below to find a product that suits you.

• For those who want to enjoy battles as the main focus
• For those who want to learn the rules thoroughly
• For those who want to keep their budget low
• For those who want to start with multiple people

For those who want to enjoy battles as the main focus

For those who want to enjoy battles as the main focus, the ex Starter Deck series is highly recommended. The reason is that it has a practical deck composition at an affordable price, allowing you to start battling right after purchase. Additionally, by purchasing multiple ex Starter Decks and battling with friends using different types, you can enjoy a variety of strategies.

In particular, decks using popular Pokémon like Sowblaze ex and Takeru Raikou ex are simple yet strategic, making them perfect for stepping up from beginner to intermediate levels. Furthermore, the ex Starter Deck includes versatile Trainer cards, so they won't go to waste when customizing your deck later. For those who want to focus on battles and start at a low cost, this is the only choice. [Related Article]: 5 Recommended Decks for Pokémon Card Beginners | Selected Strong and Easy-to-Use Decks provides a more detailed introduction to beginner-friendly decks.

For those who want to learn the rules thoroughly

For those who want to learn the rules systematically and in depth, the Battle Academy is definitely recommended. The Battle Academy comes with a three-stage tutorial guide, starting with simplified rules and gradually transitioning to more complex rules.

This step-by-step learning system addresses the concerns of beginners who find the rules complex and hard to remember. Additionally, since it includes three different decks, you can learn the differences in strategies while mastering the rules. For those who want to learn at their own pace and do not have anyone to teach them, the Battle Academy is the most reliable option. Although the price is slightly higher, considering its value as a learning material, it is quite justifiable.

For those who want to keep their budget low

For those who want to minimize their budget, the ex Starter Deck offers the best cost performance. Priced at 1,100 yen (including tax), it includes a 60-card deck, playmat, rulebook, and damage counters, allowing you to start battling immediately without any additional purchases.

Furthermore, the ex starter deck is highly accessible and can be purchased at many stores for the retail price or close to it, so there is no need to worry about premium prices. For those who want to "try Pokémon cards for around 1,000 yen," there is no better option. If you want to strengthen your deck in the future, you can utilize the versatile cards included in the ex starter deck as a foundation, so it won't go to waste.

For Those Who Want to Start with Multiple People

For those who want to start with friends or family, the Battle Academy is ideal. It contains three complete decks, allowing up to three people to enjoy battles with just one product. Each deck has a different strategy, so you can play while testing "which deck is the strongest" and "which fighting style suits you best."

If you are starting with just two people, it is also recommended to purchase two ex starter decks. For example, by choosing different types of decks like Soublaze ex and Takeru Raikou ex, you can enjoy a full-fledged battle that includes type matchups. It totals about 2,200 yen, which is roughly half the price of the Battle Academy, making it perfect for those who want to start with multiple people while keeping the budget down.

Next Steps After Purchasing Starter Products

Once you have purchased the starter products and started with Pokémon cards, the next step is to improve your skills through actual battles and gradually customize your deck. Here, we will explain what to do after your purchase and how to enjoy it even more.

• First, try battling with the included deck
• Gradually customize your deck
• Participate in gym battles and events

First, try battling with the included deck

After purchasing the starter product, first try battling with the included deck as it is. At first, it is more important to understand "how to use the cards," "the flow of turns," and "basic strategies" rather than focusing on winning or losing. Ideally, you should battle with friends or family, but if you don't have opponents around, participating in beginner-friendly events held at card shops is also recommended. Many card shops regularly hold beginner-friendly events where staff will kindly teach the rules.

Gradually customize your deck

Once you understand the basic rules and strategies, the next step is to customize your deck. A good method is to purchase 1-2 packs of expansion packs at first and replace cards from the existing deck with those that fit. In particular, adding versatile Trainer cards (such as "Professor's Research" and "Boss's Orders") or support cards greatly improves the stability of the deck.

Additionally, purchasing single cards at card shops is also efficient. By researching cards that work well with the Pokémon ex included in the ex starter deck and gradually strengthening your deck, you can get closer to your own original deck. For detailed information on deck building, please refer to the 【Related Article】: List of Versatile and Essential Pokémon Cards | Important Cards That Can Be Used in Any Deck.

Participate in gym battles and events

Once you get used to battling to some extent, try participating in the official Pokémon Card event "Gym Battle" or tournaments hosted by card shops. Gym Battles are events that beginners can easily join, allowing you to compete against players of various levels. By gaining practical experience, you will deepen your understanding of how to use cards and build decks, significantly increasing your improvement speed.

Additionally, participating in events is a great way to meet others who share the same hobby. The Pokémon Card community is friendly to beginners, and there is an atmosphere where you can easily ask questions if you don't understand something. Actively participate in the community and enjoy the world of Pokémon Cards even more. [Related Article]: Pokémon Card Event Participation Guide | How to Participate in Tournaments and Gym Battles for Beginners provides a more detailed explanation of how beginners can participate in events.

Summary: Choose a Starter Product That Suits You and Start Pokémon Cards

We have compared and explained recommended starter products for Pokémon Card beginners. As of 2025, the easiest way to start is with the ex Starter Deck Series (1,100 yen including tax), which offers the best balance of price, availability, and content. It is the ideal choice for those who want to focus on battles while keeping costs down.

On the other hand, for those who want to learn the rules thoroughly or start with friends and family, the Battle Academy (4,378 yen including tax) is recommended. It includes three decks and a step-by-step tutorial guide, ensuring that you can master the rules. As a middle option, the Starter Set Terastal (2,200 yen including tax) also offers a good balance of expandability and price, making it suitable for those looking to strengthen their decks in the future.

No matter which starter product you choose, you will still be able to experience the fun of Pokémon Cards. The important thing is to select a product that fits your goals and budget, and to take that first step. Use this article as a reference to find the starter product that is best for you, and enjoy the world of Pokémon Cards to the fullest. After purchasing, engage in battles with the included deck, gradually customize it, and discover your own unique strategy.