General Games Info / FAQ

This page provides information that applies to most of our games. We link to this page rather than repeating the information in each of our individual game FAQs, which are as follows (as of 11/2024):

Contradictory Rules

We cover our core game rules in rules sheets and rulebooks. However, as often happens in board and card games, some game components purposefully violate or change the rules. When this happens, those components supersede the core rules.

Sleeve Quantities?

Several of our games include cards. Card sleeves aren’t required to play our games, but they will protect your cards so you can use them hundreds of times. If you want to sleeve your cards, we made this web app to calculate how many sleeves you will need for your selected products.

Card Backs & Sleeves (Printed vs Clear)

Most of our game cards have a standard card back to enable shuffling and randomization. For several of our games, we sell sleeves printed with the standard card back.

However, sometimes we also use non-standard card backs, in which case clear sleeves should be used. We do this to ensure players do not shuffle certain cards together or to provide additional content.

​Storage Capacities and Sleeve Coverage

Our large storage boxes hold a ton of content. Most players’ collections will fit with extra space, so we recommend starting with one storage box. Note since we continually release expansions, any storage box may eventually be outgrown.

Sometimes we say a storage box will hold a specific group of cards (and/or other components). All necessary cards from those products will fit with at least enough space to pull the cards out. Note that some cards may be redundant and need to be removed. For example, there are 14 starting decks between Star Realms Core Set, Colony Wars, Frontiers, and Rise of Empire. Only 6 players can play the game at once, so removing 8 starting decks will free up space.

When we say sleeved cards will fit in a storage box, this assumes you use Wise Wizard Games sleeves. You may also need to skip sleeving some cards that aren’t shuffled, such as rule and token cards. Note that storage capacity is reduced when using extra thick sleeves or inner sleeves from third parties.

Lastly, we strive to give the most accurate information, but estimates may change. For example, we use crowdfunding and/or preorders to gauge interest and fund the manufacture of some products. So, if we like a backer suggestion or we unlock more stretch goals than expected, you might get extra cards! On the other hand, storage space may be consumed, and if you use sleeves, you may need to purchase more of them. Manufacturing challenges can also lead to product changes.