FAQ: Star Realms and Hero Realms Sleeves – Everything You Need to Know

Quick Answer

Star Realms and Hero Realms cards use standard 63.5 x 88 mm sleeves (often called 'standard' or 'MTG-sized'). For a single core set, you'll need about 80 sleeves for Star Realms and 110 for Hero Realms, but counts vary with expansions. Always check the card count of your specific set before buying.

If you're diving into Star Realms or Hero Realms, protecting your cards with sleeves is a smart move. But with different card sizes and expansion packs, it's easy to get confused about what you actually need. This FAQ answers the most common questions about sleeving these popular deck-building games.

We'll cover sleeve sizes, how many packs to buy, compatibility between the two games, and practical tips for keeping your cards in top condition—whether you're a casual player or a collector.

What Size Sleeves Do Star Realms and Hero Realms Cards Need?

Both Star Realms and Hero Realms cards are standard-sized, measuring 63.5 x 88 mm (2.5 x 3.5 inches). This is the same size as trading cards like Magic: The Gathering, so you can use any sleeves designed for standard cards. Avoid 'mini' or 'small' sleeves, which are meant for games like Catan or smaller-format cards.

When shopping, look for sleeves labeled 'standard' or 'MTG-sized'. Many brands offer these in packs of 50 or 100. If you're unsure, check the packaging for the exact dimensions—63.5 x 88 mm is the key number.

• Standard card sleeves (63.5 x 88 mm) fit both Star Realms and Hero Realms.
• Test a single sleeve before buying in bulk to ensure a snug fit.

How Many Sleeves Do You Need for a Core Set?

The number of sleeves you need depends on the specific game and expansions you own. A Star Realms base game includes 80 cards (two 40-card decks), so you'll need at least 80 sleeves. Hero Realms includes 110 cards (two 40-card decks plus 30 additional cards), so plan for 110 sleeves. However, if you combine multiple sets or add expansions, your card count will grow.

For expansions, check the card count on the box or product description. For example, the Star Realms High Alert Bundle includes 48 cards (four packs of 12). If you're sleeving everything, add that to your total. It's always wise to buy a few extra sleeves to account for damaged ones or future expansions.

• Star Realms base: 80 cards – at least 80 sleeves.
• Hero Realms base: 110 cards – at least 110 sleeves.
• Buy 10% extra to cover future expansions or damaged sleeves.

Are Star Realms and Hero Realms Sleeves Interchangeable?

Yes, because both games use the same standard card size (63.5 x 88 mm), sleeves are fully interchangeable. You can use the same sleeves for Star Realms and Hero Realms decks without any issue. This is convenient if you own both games and want to share sleeve supplies.

However, if you play both games frequently, you might prefer different colored sleeves for each to keep them visually distinct. That's a personal preference, not a requirement.

• Sleeves are interchangeable between Star Realms and Hero Realms.
• Use different colors to differentiate games if desired.

Do You Need Sleeves for Dividers and Storage?

Sleeves protect individual cards, but dividers and storage boxes serve a different purpose—they keep your collection organized and safe from physical damage. For example, the Star Realms High Alert: Universal Storage Box Dividers are designed to fit the Star Realms Universal Storage Box, helping you sort cards by expansion. These dividers are not meant to be sleeved; they're used inside the box.

If you use a storage box, you might still want to sleeve the cards you play with most, while leaving bulk commons unsleeved. Dividers help you quickly find specific cards without rifling through unsleeved piles.

• Dividers organize cards but don't replace sleeves.
• Sleeve frequently used cards; store extras in a box with dividers.

Sleeving Checklist

Confirm card size

Measure a card or check the game's official specs. Star Realms and Hero Realms are standard 63.5 x 88 mm. Buy standard sleeves only.

Count your cards

Add up all cards you own, including expansions. Base Star Realms: 80; Hero Realms: 110; each expansion adds its card count. Buy at least that many sleeves.

Choose sleeve quality

Decide between budget sleeves and premium ones. Premium sleeves last longer but cost more. Consider how often you play. If you play weekly, invest in quality.

Consider storage and dividers

If you have many expansions, use a storage box with dividers to keep sets separate. Sleeves alone don't prevent box clutter. Combine sleeves with a good storage system.

Products Mentioned

• Star Realms High Alert: Universal Storage Box Dividers: These high-quality plastic dividers correspond with the five Star Realms High Alert expansion packs (Heroes, Invasion, Requisition, Tech, and the Kickstarter-Exclusive First Strike pack). Use with the Star Realms Universal Storage Box. Each divider measures 6.3cm x 10.5cm. If you own multiple High Alert expansions, these dividers keep your sleeved or unsleeved cards organized within the Universal Storage Box, making setup faster.
• Star Realms High Alert Bundle: This bundle includes four different Star Realms High Alert expansion packs, each with 12 cards, for a total of 48 cards. Heroes contains new multi-faction hero cards. Invasion features new ships and bases with Double Ally abilities. Requisition contains new ships and bases which cost less to acquire for each card of their faction you have in play. Tech features the new Tech card type, which grants you special... Adding this bundle to your collection means you'll need 48 more sleeves. Knowing the card count helps you plan your sleeve purchase accurately.

Sleeving your Star Realms and Hero Realms cards is a simple way to protect your investment and improve shuffle feel. By knowing the correct sleeve size and card counts, you can buy exactly what you need. For organized storage, consider adding dividers to your setup. Happy gaming!