This was originally posted on the offline bayformers.net website. Update: You can get many of these cards on the transformerstcg.org Donation Storefront!
We’ve seen a recent swell of new players inquiring about how to get started with the Transformers TCG! Online and in-person, we’re getting the question: how can we get started with the game? And we’re here to help! Four starter decks specifically tailored for beginners await in this article! Each starter deck should be relatively easy to construct. Additionally, we’re supplying options for replacement cards. We’re also not including any cards from community sets – though they’re easy to include. Let’s get into the decks and prepare for battle!
Good for beginners! Bad for competition!
These are starter decks at their core. Each deck is comprised of easy-to-obtain cards, with simple mechanics to learn. Likely, as a new player gets more familiar with each deck, they’ll find ways to improve them. This is by design, and players should not expect competitive decks. These are best played against decks of a starter nature in order to maximize enjoyment and learning.
Where to get cards
Let’s get to the obvious question – how do I pick up cards? If you don’t have a friend that’s currently playing the game to pass cards to you, there are low-cost options. First, many online outlets offer discount pricing for sealed Transformers TCG product. Here’s a few places to shop:
- Discount Transformers TCG at bigbadtoystore.com
- Discount Transformers TCG at dacardworld.com
- Transformers TCG boxes and sets at galactictoys.com
Additionally, singles for the Transformers TCG are currently at bargain basement prices! For the singles you’re not able to trade for, seek them out at the following outlets:
- Transformers TCG singles at tcgplayer.com
- Transformers TCG singles at topdecktcg.com
Lastly, if you have some rares to trade, you can seek out the cards you still need via trading forums.
- Trade via the Facebook Transformers TCG B/S/T group
Starter deck: Battlechargers
CHARACTERS
Raider Road Hugger, Infantry • Tactics
Raider Runabout, Infantry • Soldier
Raider Runamuck, Infantry • Soldier
BATTLE CARDS
2x Brainstorm
3x Supercharge
3x Escape Route
3x Swindled
2x Vaporize
3x Fight for Position
2x Showing Off
3x Wedge Formation
1x Enforcement Batons
2x Erratic Cannon
3x Kinetic Intensifier Whip
2x Blast Shield
3x Improvised Shield
1x Bashing Shield
3x Adaptive Plating
2x Turbo Boosters
3x Kinetic ConverterHow to play
You’ll be flipping bots like crazy with this Battlechargers deck! Those piloting this deck for the first time: take note of Raider Runamuck’s bot ability. You’ll be flipping Raider Runamuck first and foremost, in order to get a free flip for his “bro” Raider Runabout! When you draw Kinetic Intensifier Whips and Kinetic Converters, play them on the “Runabros” before flipping in order to gain their benefits. Try your best to protect Raider Road Hugger until you’re in a good position to use his Tap ability. Then, unleash his additional +3 Attack boost on a just-flipped Runabro upgraded with a nice Bold buff due to Kinetic Intensifier Whip! Be sure to look out for Turbo Boosters for consecutive attacks with your Cars.
Replacement cards
Luckily, all of the cards in this starter deck are relatively easy to pick up! You can change some of the quantities of any of the cards in order to fill out any gaps in your 41-card deck. You can add Ready for Actions if you’re missing any Turbo Boosters.
Starter Deck: Thunderbee
CHARACTERS
Thundercracker, Mach Warrior
Bumblebee, Trusted Lieutenant
Skydive, Air Warfare Specialist
BATTLE CARDS
3x Brainstorm
3x Leap Into Battle
3x Focus Fire
2x Leap of Faith
3x Pep Talk
1x Smelt
3x Sonic Scramble
3x War of Attrition
3x Armed Hovercraft
3x Handheld Blaster
1x Enforcement Batons
1x Noble's Blaster
1x Scoundrel's Blaster
3x Sturdy Javelin
2x Multi-Mission Gear
3x Reinforced Plating
1x Bashing Shield
2x Field CommunicatorHow to Play
This deck is all about playing multiple Actions per turn! The Thunderbee player should firstly take note of Thundercracker’s bot mode ability. There’s a large number of methods to play multiple Actions on Thundercracker’s attack turn. Bumblebee’s alt mode flip should be timed appropriately to provide Thundercracker a massive attack. If done correctly, you can play 6+ Actions in a single turn, providing Thundercracker a gigantic boost!
Replacement cards
New players should note the presence of a card in the deck that is usually on community ban lists: Multi-Mission Gear. This card is included in this list due to its starter deck nature. However, if you need to replace it, you can start by adding another Field Communicator. Additionally, Anticipation Engine may add additional Actions to your turn!
Starter Deck: Timecop
CHARACTERS
Prowl, Military Strategist
Wheeljack, Weapons Inventor
Major Prowl, Infantry • Strategist
BATTLE CARDS
3x Incoming Transmission
3x Ramming Speed
3x Ready for Action
3x Supercharge
3x Treasure Hunt
3x Zap
2x Diagnosis
3x Flamethrower
3x Grenade Launcher
2x Multi-Tool
2x Bashing Shield
3x Improvised Shield
3x Force Field
2x Turbo Boosters
2x Field Communicator
1x Basic Combat ProtocolHow to Play
We should have called this deck Jean-Claude Van BLAM!! This deck is all about stacking Bold to erase your opponent’s team! Send out Major Prowl in car mode first to soak up some damage. Next, Wheeljack swings for the fences with a well-timed Prowl flip and a Weapon in the scrap pile. Be sure to play a Force Field on Wheeljack when he gets exposed. Additionally, when Major Prowl is about to be KO’d, make sure Prowl is in bot mode for a handy repair 3.
Replacement cards
There’s a lot of 10 ★ Car options for Major Prowl depending on your existing collection. As a Mercenary option, Lockdown, Bounty Hunter is a solid choice. If you’re lucky enough to own him, super rare Bumblebee, Legendary Warrior also shines.
Starter Deck: Stormtrigger
CHARACTERS
Flamewar, Veteran Decepticon
Raider Ion Storm, Infantry • Rainmaker
Raider Triggerhappy, Air Force • Gunner
BATTLE CARDS
3x Disruptive Entrance
3x Leap Into Battle
3x Repair Bay
3x Escape Route
3x Pep Talk
3x Underhanded Tactics
3x Armed Hovercraft
1x Drill Arms
3x Grenade Launcher
3x Handheld Blaster
1x Piercing Blaster
1x Enforcement Batons
3x Improvised Shield
3x Reinforced Plating
1x Bashing Shield
2x Aerial Recon
2x Field CommunicatorHow to Play
Unleash the thunder with this deck! Not only is Raider Ion Storm a strong first attack, he also defends! Flip Flamewar first to ensure your entire team is protected. Use your future flips on Raider Triggerhappy’s alt mode to get Weapons into your hand. Your Escape Routes help Raider Triggerhappy flip even more! Don’t forget about Raider Triggerhappy’s Pierce 4 in bot mode to guarantee damage.
Replacement cards
You can replace your Disruptive Entrances with Marksmanships if you’d like a stronger direct damage variation. Any of your 3x Weapons can be replaced with other Weapons if you’d like more options for your Triggerhappy “toolbox”.
Come play with us!
Team Bayformers hopes these starter decks will help all new players get started with the game! If you’re looking for additional places to play, find us online! The Team Bayformers Discord hosts events and plays games over webcam and TableTop Simulator. Plus, we’re a helpful crew, always willing to help out with questions and guidance!