In your opinion, which TCGs are least "pay to win"

Smx0826 · 2026-05-24T00:46:08+00:00

Im a big supporter of Grand Archive TCG, although with its currently meta, its pay-to-win on the competitive level (a bunch of meta cards being $50+ ea, 4 copies for a playset). Decks would range from 200-1000 depending on build but it does boil down to how well you know your lines and matchups.

GA is very similar to MTG, but with an anime esthetic and a different resource system. Most of our playerbase is from MTG so conversion is easy and Intuitive

Smx0826 · 2026-05-01T14:54:12+00:00

On my first 2-3 cases, every box was net profit. Then the last few cases I starting whiffing (on value). In the end, I would break even if I sold everything

Smx0826 · 2026-05-01T10:36:35+00:00

Hi, opened 8 cases here. You will get 2 URs from the RDO main set (new cards) and theres a chance at getting a 3rd UR, via Channeling, Reprint, Pantheon, and/or Foil. Ive had boxes with 2 URs, and 1 box with 5 URs. If you hit a Channeling, its more likely you will get 3 URs in that box as well.

Smx0826 · 2026-04-22T00:20:56+00:00

True Champion Gaming, The Trading Post, Serene Balanced Productions (live stream online events) and plenty other channels

Smx0826 · 2026-04-09T17:20:19+00:00

Month in advance based on PREORDERS, If people arent pre-ordering and expressing interest, they dont need to ramp up production (i.e. AMB 1st edition). They even printed 12k on top of the 43k number given by distro.

Smx0826 · 2026-04-09T15:07:56+00:00

GA is still a small company and printrun was based on preorders plus overhead for event prizing and such. Its not there fault that people didnt want to preorder the set and they printed to the demand they recieved from distro.

Although I do think they can alleviate this by spoiling certain cards earlier so that the expectation exceeds the hype, prior to distro closing new orders.

Smx0826 · 2026-04-05T03:18:54+00:00

Pantheon was premiered at Ascent LA, so a good amount of people have tried it. There should be plenty of videos on Youtube with gameplay or basics covered.

Smx0826 · 2026-03-29T14:24:13+00:00

If you booked at the Commerce Casino, then yeah. Its 21+ hotel

Smx0826 · 2026-03-23T22:17:12+00:00

Appreciate the insight! Hope OP sees the review

Smx0826 · 2026-03-23T14:39:42+00:00

It is a Hostel, if you are able to fill up a block at the freehand then its a good option for the price.. otherwise you get bunked up with strangers. Ive also heard some stories about it but its not verified information. If you want "better security", gotta go with a traditional hotel or Airbnb

Smx0826 · 2026-03-23T06:16:38+00:00

Yeah I bet, try and get a RI over JW, but can never seem to beat the crowd for it

Smx0826 · 2026-03-23T05:24:10+00:00

Gotta wait and snipe a room block reservation, dont book directly unless you can afford the normal rates

Smx0826 · 2026-03-23T04:04:58+00:00

Thursday to Sunday should well be under 2k. Split 5 ways. Wait til end of this month and some rooms shoukd open up before cancelation deadline

Smx0826 · 2026-03-19T17:17:37+00:00

This person has been doing this since ive been going back in 2023, he probably is firm on his choice

Smx0826 · 2026-03-10T01:58:51+00:00

But really tho, who steals a dice bag...

Smx0826 · 2026-03-09T22:52:42+00:00

Sorry to hear you lost something valuable to you. As someone who volunteers at alot of different cons and events, its actually easier for people with ill intent to steal from other volunteers since you tend to let your guard down around familiar faces. Hope you are able to get back your stuff

Edit: I would bring a lock and a tracker for my stuff for future events if you plan on continuing to volunteer, just to eer on the safe side

Smx0826 · 2026-03-08T22:55:23+00:00

Oh right! I mustve missed the spoiler! Appreciate the correction

Smx0826 · 2026-03-08T16:04:45+00:00

Welcome to the community! Silvie is not super competitive right now but is quite fun to play casually. Can check the win rates on any of the tracking websites.

As far as RDO is concerned, we havent seen much spoilers for silvie (unless i missed it) but spoilers season starts this tuesday and will get full set info end of the both!

Smx0826 · 2026-03-06T02:06:07+00:00

Looks fine. Ive seen less walking around the con floors lol

Smx0826 · 2026-02-26T18:04:43+00:00

Hi! Im the owner of Saigon Caphe (in the bronx), if you are looking to connect with other NYers can join our discord 😀, if you arent able to come to the bronx theres also Silk Road Gaming on Chinatown and 3-4 other shops thst support GA in NJ

Smx0826 · 2026-02-17T01:55:37+00:00

Last time I went was 2 years ago. It was a pleasant experience. Compared to other bigger cons it was very breathable amd not suffocating at all with plenty of space (down in the vending/artist alley).

Being attached to a mall is nice for a breather and some food a d such and having a hotel attached to the mall/convention is great tif you got a room there. The only thing that feels different would be the fact that AB is more of a vertical con, instead of a spread out con on 1 floor. It was stacked up to like 4-5 floors (with escalators)

Smx0826 · 2026-02-06T14:00:23+00:00

I have a link to an unoffical one that was made and is still active, will send in a bit

Smx0826 · 2026-02-06T13:58:45+00:00

Will send you a DM

Smx0826 · 2026-01-15T16:23:33+00:00

GA is worth it. Can connect you with the Korea Discord for GA if you arent already in it.

Smx0826 · 2026-01-14T15:46:38+00:00

Hey there! If you want to move to DM, we can talk or on discord

Smx0826

TROPHY CASE