Star Realms Command Deck: The Pact – Setup and Play Guide
By Wise Wizard Games Store | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to set up and play the Star Realms Command Deck: The Pact, including solo raid boss rules and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick Answer
Set up the Pact Command Deck with its own 18-card pack, choose your mode (1v1 or raid boss), and follow the standard Star Realms turn order with Overlord Newburg's unique authority and firepower growth.
Understanding the Pact's Unique Mechanics
The Pact Command Deck plays as Overlord Newburg, who gains authority and firepower as your Trade Federation and Blob forces purchase and plunder. This growth is key to winning—unlike standard decks where you manage a static hand, here your power escalates each turn.
In raid boss mode, you face two opponents using standard personal decks. Your authority starts higher, but you don't draw a regular hand—instead, you play from your Command Deck each turn. This changes the pacing and requires you to plan purchases carefully.
How to Set Up and Play Star Realms Command Deck: The Pact
- 1. Separate and Shuffle: Take the 18-card Pact pack. Separate the Legendary Commander card (Overlord Newburg) from the 12-card custom personal deck. Shuffle the personal deck thoroughly. Common mistake: Forgetting to separate the Commander card first—it should not be shuffled into the personal deck.
- 2. Choose Your Mode: Decide if you are playing 1v1 against another Command Deck, or as a raid boss against two players using standard personal decks. The rules for each mode are printed on the Commander card. Raid boss mode changes turn order—you go first but your opponents have two turns per round.
- 3. Set Starting Authority: Set your authority according to the mode. In 1v1, start with the standard amount. In raid boss mode, you begin with higher authority (check the Commander card for the exact number). A common error is using the wrong starting authority for your mode—double-check before playing.
- 4. Play Your First Turn: Draw the top card of your personal deck. Play it as normal—you may purchase from the trade row and use combat to attack. Your authority and firepower will grow as you play. You do not draw a hand of cards; you play one card per turn from your deck. Plan purchases to keep your deck cycling fast.
- 5. Manage Your Deck: After each turn, shuffle any purchased cards into your personal deck. Continue drawing and playing one card per turn. Your deck size stays small, so every purchase matters. Buying too many expensive cards early can slow your deck. Focus on cards that boost authority or firepower quickly.
What's in the Box
- Star Realms Command Deck: The Pact: Contains 18 cards: 1 Legendary Commander card (Overlord Newburg) and a 12-card custom personal deck. The small card count means setup is fast, but you must shuffle thoroughly to avoid predictable draws.
Star Realms Command Deck: The Pact
