A brand new trading card game is about to hit tables across SA, and our friends at Sword and Board are hosting one of the first events to celebrate it. The Cyberpunk TCG Beta Event runs from September 10–20, 2026 — think of it as a pre-pre-release, giving players a chance to experience the game before the full retail launch in November.
If you're keen to join, here's everything you need to know.
What Is the Beta Event?
The Cyberpunk TCG Beta Event is a sealed, Swiss-style tournament played in best-of-3 matches. It's designed to be casual and fun — the goal is to learn the game and enjoy it, not grind for prizes. Never played Cyberpunk TCG before? That's completely fine. Most people showing up will be in the same boat.
What's in the Kit?
Each player purchases a Beta Event Kit, which includes everything needed to play:
- 6x Welcome to Night City Beta booster packs
- 3x guaranteed Legend cards
- 1x Nova Rare promo card — "Mantis Blades"
- 1x full set of Cyberpunk TCG polyhedral dice (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20)
When the event starts, you'll open everything and build your deck on the spot. You have 30–60 minutes to construct — no prep required beforehand.
Deckbuilding Rules (Quick Version)
- At least 30 non-Legend cards in your main deck
- Choose up to 3 colours — your main deck can only use cards in those colours
- Exactly 3 Legend cards (can be any colour, regardless of your deck's colours)
- No limits on how many copies of a card you can run
- If you sleeve your Legends, use different sleeves from your main deck
Any cards you open but don't use become your sideboard. Between matches you can swap freely, as long as you still follow the deckbuilding rules above.
How the Rounds Work
Melee.gg handles all pairings automatically. Each round has a 50-minute time limit, and the first player to win 2 games takes the match. Rough event length guide:
- 4–8 players: 3 rounds (~4 hours)
- 9–16 players: 4 rounds (~5 hours)
- 17–32 players: 5 rounds (~6 hours)
If a match hits time, players finish the current turn, each gets one final turn, then whoever controls 7 or more Gig dice wins — otherwise it's a draw.
New to the Game? No Problem.
Cyberpunk TCG has a 5-minute How to Play video and a printable reminder sheet that covers everything you need for your turn. Worth a quick look before the event.
How to Register
Registration is through Melee.gg — or head straight to Sword and Board's event tickets page to secure your spot. Spots are limited to the number of kits available, so don't leave it too late.
We're stocking Cyberpunk TCG products in store — grab your singles and boosters from us to get familiar with the cards before the event. See you there!
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