Neopets Battledome Brings Beloved Virtual Game Back to the Table

Upper Deck is bringing the trading card game back to Neotopia on June 26, 2024, with Neopets - Battledome. The Neopets haven't hit the table since Wizards of the Coast ened their version in 2006. Neopets will retain it's classic look maintaining the charecterstic anime inspired art style of the series. The gameplay is completely new, aiming for a more focused and approachable flow. Designed to be playable by ages 6+ this game is meant to reach out to returning fans and new ones.

The initial release features 2 starter decks and a booster set. The starters are based around Starry Acara and Fire Uni; each containing 55 cards (5 foils), 10 dice, and a playmat. The first booster set, Neopets Battledome - Defenders of Neopia, contains over 250 cards. Card rarities include Common, Rare, Super Rare, Ultra Rare, Rainbow Pool Rare and there will be foil variants of common cards. Packs can also include code cards that will unlock collectables on Neopets.com.

The game play appears more simplified than the older version. Players will now only field one Neopet at a time; using equipment, codestones, paint, Legends and Fairies to boost their power. Combat leans more into the dice mechaninc, no longer just adding the value to their attack. During battle an attacker rolls dice equal to their attack and defenders dice equal to their defense in an attempt to block. The Neopet with the highest agility will also be able to reroll some of their dice. Once the results are compared the defending Neopet will take any damage that was not blocked. When 3 of their opponent's Neopets are knocked, out a player wins.

Despite the suggested ages it will be interesting to see if the Neopets property will resonate with younger players. A quote from Upper Deck's president suggests that they are hoping this to be a game that will be able to be a bridge between a parent and their childern. Aiming for the parental nostalgia angle to help boost and build a brige the gap to new players. The offical launch of the game appears rather muted so far. Distribution has not yet hit a wide market, with retailers like Amazon not yet appearing to carry it. Currently only Upper Decks official store and some smaller retailers appear to be offering Neopets - Battledome.