Your First Pokémon Prerelease: What to Expect
In short
- A prerelease lets you play the new set before it's on shelves.
- You build decks from what's in your kit — bring nothing but sleeves.
- It's the friendliest event in the hobby. Fun first, winning second.
A prerelease is the first chance to play with a new Pokémon TCG set, held at local game stores in the week or two before the set hits shelves.
If you've never been to one, here's how the day works and what to bring.
How it works
Everyone gets a prerelease kit with a stack of boosters from the new set and a promo card. You build a deck on the spot from the cards in your kit — there's nothing to prepare and nothing to bring.
Then you play a few rounds against other players at the table. Games are casual, and the focus is on the experience, not the standings.
Prereleases are the friendliest events in the hobby. If it's your first event anywhere, this is the one to pick.
What's in the kit
- Several booster packs from the new set
- A stamped promo card
- Dice and markers for damage counting
- Everything you need to play the day
You keep everything in your kit at the end, win or lose.
What to bring
Nothing competitive is needed, but a few things help:
- Sleeves for the deck you build (ask the store if they stock them — they usually do)
- A snack and some water
- A small bag or box to carry your cards home in
Building your deck
You'll get roughly 40 cards to build with, plus basic Energy provided by the store. That's a short format — it's normal for decks to be 40 cards instead of the usual 60.
Skim your pool, pick your best Pokémon, and don't overthink it. Most of your games will be won by simply getting your Pokémon on the table and attacking.
Staff and regulars are happy to help newcomers build — just ask.
After the event
You keep everything you pulled. Sleeves, binder, or top loaders for your favorites — our guide on storing and protecting your cards covers what to do with them when you get home.
Wondering which products to buy when the set releases? Read sealed Pokémon products explained. Or, if you're curious how the mystery box angle works, see Are Pokémon Mystery Box Sites Actually Legit?
