Gundam Assemble Starter vs Expansion Packs Guide
By Tanuki Games | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Gundam Assemble Starter Set 01 and Expansion Pack 01 to decide which fits your tabletop gaming needs. Get clear decision rules and trade-offs.
Quick answer
Start with the Gundam Assemble Starter Set 01 if you're new to the game; it includes everything you need to play. Pick the Expansion Pack 01 to add variety to an existing roster without buying a full starter again.
What each box gives you
The Starter Set 01 is a complete 3-on-3 skirmish box. It includes three mobile suits, a map, terrain, and the core rules. You can open it, assemble the figures, and start playing right away. This is the ideal entry point if you have no other Gundam Assemble products.
Expansion Pack 01 adds three new mobile suits with their own unit cards and tactics. It does not include a map, terrain, or rulebook. You need a starter set or the core rules to use it. This pack is meant to refresh your roster and let you experiment with different team compositions.
Cost and value trade-off
The Starter Set 01 is priced at USD 25.89 (catalog comparison price USD 34.99), making it the more economical choice if you're starting from scratch. You get the full game experience in one box.
Expansion Pack 01 costs USD 29.60 (catalog comparison price USD 40.00) and only adds figures and cards. It is more expensive per unit of content, but it gives you strategic depth without forcing you to buy duplicate terrain or rules you already own.
How to decide: Starter vs Expansion
- You are completely new to Gundam Assemble: Buy the Starter Set 01. It gives you everything you need to learn and play: three mobile suits, a map, terrain, and the core rules. You will not need any other product to start.
- You already own a starter set and want more variety: Buy Expansion Pack 01. It adds three new mobile suits and unit cards that work with your existing rules and terrain. This is the most cost-effective way to expand your roster. Check that you have the core rules before buying an expansion. The expansion does not include them.
- You want to play with a friend who also has a starter set: Each player needs their own starter set. Two starter sets give you a full 3-on-3 game. An expansion alone cannot serve as a second army. Consider buying two Starter Sets if you plan to play head-to-head regularly.
Product details at a glance
- Gundam Assemble: Starter Set 01 (ST01): The Starter Set 01 includes a complete 3-on-3 skirmish box with a map, terrain, and accessible rules designed for fast tactical games. You can learn and play immediately without buying anything else, making it the lowest-risk entry into Gundam Assemble.
Gundam Assemble: Starter Set 01 (ST01) - Gundam Assemble: Expansion Pack 01 (EX01): Expansion Pack 01 adds three ready-to-play mobile suits, each with its own unit card and tactics to plug straight into existing forces. It freshens up your roster and introduces new strategic options without adding complexity or requiring a second rulebook.
Gundam Assemble: Expansion Pack 01 (EX01)
Which one fits your situation?
Best for
- New players who want a complete out-of-box experience
- Budget-conscious buyers who want the most value per dollar
Not ideal for
- Experienced players who already have a starter set and want to expand their collection
- Players who want to build a large, varied army quickly without duplicate terrain
