Set to officially release this Friday on July 24, 2026 , the GD05 expansion has comfortably cemented itself as the most anticipated Gundam TCG set since the game's release. Historically, we have seen most Gundam booster box prices stabilize around the $100 range, with the notable exception of Newtype Rising due to its unavoidable 1st-set premium tax. However, the sheer power and appeal of this new expansion could easily break that barrier and permanently reset the pricing floor for the entire game.
Currently, we are seeing aggressive presales hovering around the $175 per box mark, and frankly, the pre-release hype is quite justified. The primary driving factor behind this massive surge is the reveal of the five top LR++ chase cards : Sazabi, Nu Gundam, Wing Gundam Zero, Master Gundam, and the Strike Freedom Gundam . While previous sets have typically only released one or two LR++ chases to hunt for, this lineup more than doubles the typical amount, giving investors a massive reason to rip boxes.
To put this into perspective for crossover collectors, this LR++ rarity is equivalent to pulling a highly coveted Manga Rare from the One Piece TCG. Because they are incredibly rare to pull, the price point values are expected to be remarkably similar as well, with most of this rarity type easily hitting four figures in value. The sheer scarcity of these top-tier pulls will drive intense aftermarket competition as players and investors alike scramble to secure them.
Beyond just the rarity, the selected artworks are an incredibly important factor. Bandai has presented a beautiful matching aesthetic for these five chases, stunningly showcasing the main Gundam with their respective pilots looming in the background. It is a visual triumph completely unlike anything the Gundam TCG has made thus far. With the matching aesthetic and framing of these five cards, it massively amps up the collectibility factor for those who will want a full five-card set.
Though these top cards were just revealed and are stealing the spotlight, that doesn't take away from the other rarities and hits in this set, which there are plenty of. As the set is released, we will follow its market trajectory closely because this is uncharted territory for the Bandai Gundam game. Most sets that were released previously immediately fall in price as more product comes out. This is the first set that may actually continue upwards, but it's impossible to tell and everything is speculative at this point. There is a strong demand for Gundam already, and maybe all that's needed to push it over the edge is a strong set like this to push the envelope.
From a strategic standpoint, we will most likely get into this set hoping for a lower price point after release. Jumping in now seems too risky , and as Gundam's newest set, there is plenty of room for reprints and more supply to add. That said, if you really believe in this set's long-term potential, you might still just start a small position now. By securing a box or two early, you ensure that you are at least somewhat in just in case of an unforeseen jump in price.
Ultimately, this is the ultimate set for any Gundam fan. As a long-time Gundam Wing and G Gundam fan myself, the Master Gundam and Wing Zero LR++ artworks have an undeniable appeal that may simply be too much to ignore. No matter which way this goes in the coming weeks, this set is undeniably making its mark on the Gundam TCG. Prepare your portfolios, because this Friday could to be massive.