The Philippine gaming scene has a new obsession, and it’s bringing the iconic Mobile Suits of the Gundam universe to tabletops across Manila. The Gundam Card Game (or Gundam TCG), which launched its full release in July 2025 following a successful beta period, has rapidly captured the hearts of both longtime mecha fans and trading card game enthusiasts in the metro.
A Game That’s Already Finding Its Audience
Walk into any major hobby shop in Manila on a weeknight, and you’re likely to encounter players shuffling through decks adorned with Wing Gundams, Zaku units, and pilots from across the Universal Century timeline. The game has been rapidly gaining popularity in Manila, with numerous stores holding both official tournaments through the Bandai TCG App and unofficial community events regularly throughout the week.
This surge isn’t happening in a vacuum. The Gundam franchise’s decades-long presence in the Philippines has created a ready-made audience eager to engage with the IP in new ways. From the classic series that introduced many to the franchise, to newer entries like Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, the game represents virtually every corner of the Gundam multiverse that Filipino fans have grown to love.
The IP Draw and Stunning Presentation
The Gundam Card Game’s main appeal lies, unsurprisingly, in its faithful representation of the beloved Gundam intellectual property. The official release includes cards from “Mobile Suit Gundam,” “Mobile Suit Gundam Wing,” “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED,” “Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn,” and “Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury”, with additional series joining the roster in upcoming sets.
What sets this TCG apart from previous Gundam card game attempts is its exceptional production quality. The artwork faithfully captures the essence of each Mobile Suit, and the special foil treatments are genuinely impressive. The premium C+ and C++ foil versions feature intricate detailing that makes these cards feel like collectible art pieces. While these premium variants command exponentially higher prices than their standard counterparts, they’ve become highly sought after by collectors who appreciate the craftsmanship involved.
Local players have consistently praised how well the art represents their favorite Mobile Suits, whether it’s the classic designs from series like Gundam Wing or the more contemporary aesthetics from newer entries. The game succeeds in making each card feel like a piece of the broader Gundam narrative.
An Accessible Yet Strategic Game System
Bandai designed the “GUNDAM CARD GAME” to have a “relatively easy to learn game system that a wide variety of people can enjoy,” targeting both Gundam fans new to TCGs and experienced card players unfamiliar with the franchise. This design philosophy shows in practice – anyone with experience in other trading card games will quickly grasp the core mechanics, while the official learning app provides an excellent tutorial for complete newcomers.
The game’s objective is elegantly simple: reduce your opponent’s shields to zero, then land a decisive attack to win. Each player starts with six shields and a base that must be destroyed before those shields can be targeted. These shields function similarly to the Security Stack in the Digimon TCG, with facedown cards from your deck that may have “Burst” effects when destroyed, adding an element of tactical unpredictability to defensive play.
The core gameplay revolves around deploying Mobile Suits (Unit cards) and pairing them with Pilots to enhance their capabilities. Players can attach pilot cards to Gundam units for basic “Paired” bonuses, but specific pilot-unit combinations grant powerful “Link” effects and allow units to act immediately when played. This system creates meaningful decisions about when to commit resources and which combinations to prioritize.
Additional card types round out the strategic options: Base cards provide persistent effects and additional defensive layers, while Command cards function as one-time spells offering everything from direct damage to tactical manipulation.
Resource Management Without the Frustration
One of the game’s smartest design choices eliminates the resource problems that plague many TCGs. Each turn, players simply add one resource to their pool, avoiding the “mana screw” situations common in games where resources are drawn from the deck. Cards require both a resource cost and a minimum level (based on total resources in play), creating a smooth power curve that keeps games flowing without the frustration of being unable to play cards.
This system allows for exciting late-game plays where high-level cards with low resource costs can create powerful combinations, while still maintaining early-game tempo and decision-making.
A Diverse and Evolving Meta
Despite being built around a single set, the local Manila scene has already developed a surprisingly diverse metagame. Players familiar with traditional TCG archetypes will recognize the emergence of:
- Aggro decks focused on rapid base destruction and shield pressure
- Control strategies that manage opponents’ boards while building toward powerful late-game plays
- Midrange approaches that adapt their tempo based on matchups
- Combo-oriented builds that leverage specific unit-pilot synergies for explosive turns
What’s particularly exciting is how the metagame continues to shift from event to event as players discover new strategies and refine existing approaches. Without a clearly dominant “best deck,” tournaments remain unpredictable and skill-rewarding.
Accessible Entry Points and Thriving Community
The financial barrier to entry for the Gundam Card Game remains reasonable compared to other premium TCGs. Competitive decks can be assembled for around PHP 5,000 or more, depending on the specific cards needed and whether players opt for premium foil versions. This pricing sits in a sweet spot that attracts serious players without creating prohibitive barriers for newcomers.
For those just starting, the available starter decks provide solid foundations, with the Zeon Rush deck being particularly recommended for new players due to its straightforward, aggressive game plan and clear upgrade paths. The Green color pairs well with either Red or Blue, giving beginners flexibility as they learn the game’s nuances.
The secondary market has developed quickly, with both established stores and individual sellers providing good availability of singles and sealed products. This healthy marketplace ensures players can acquire specific cards without relying solely on the booster pack lottery.
Building a Community Hub
The local scene has coalesced around several key venues, with Unbox Greenhills serving as a particular community focal point. Their weekly “ROBOTAN” Gundam Card Game tournaments every Wednesday at 6pm offer a welcoming environment where newcomers can join for free casual play and learn from experienced players. This kind of grassroots community building has been crucial in growing the game’s player base beyond just established TCG veterans.
For more competitive players, the official tournament structure through the Bandai TCG+ App provides pathways to higher-level competition, including qualification opportunities for the World Championship in Japan. The presence of both casual and competitive scenes ensures players can engage at whatever level matches their interests and commitment.
Looking Forward
Everything appears to be aligning for the Gundam Card Game’s continued growth in the Philippines. The game benefits from strong local support infrastructure, engaged community leaders who actively promote events and teach new players, a healthy secondary market that keeps cards accessible, and most importantly, an IP that resonates deeply with Filipino audiences across multiple generations.
The game’s mechanical foundation provides room for strategic depth without overwhelming complexity, while the production quality and artwork create collectible appeal beyond just gameplay. With the worldwide release in three languages (Japanese, English, and Simplified Chinese) and planned expansion sets, the game has the backing and roadmap for long-term growth.
The rapid adoption in Manila suggests that Bandai’s approach of combining accessible gameplay with faithful IP representation has struck the right balance. For a trading card game market that’s seen many contenders come and go, the Gundam TCG appears to have the combination of factors – beloved franchise, solid gameplay, community support, and reasonable accessibility – that could make it a lasting fixture in the local gaming scene.
Whether you’re a longtime Gundam fan curious about trying your first TCG, or a card game veteran looking for a fresh strategic challenge with stunning artwork, Manila’s growing Gundam Card Game community offers a welcoming entry point into what may well become the next major force in the Philippine trading card game landscape.
Games typically last 10-30 minutes and are usually played best-of-one in casual settings. For those interested in joining the community, arriving early at local events often provides opportunities to learn from experienced players before tournaments begin.
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Read More:
What We Know About Bandai’s Upcoming Gundam Card Game – VRSUS
There’s A Brand New Gundam TCG Available Now And You Should Play It – VRSUS
Gundam Wing Returns With a New Manga That Bridges Endless Waltz and Frozen Teardrop – VRSUS
