Quick answer

To choose the right Elestrals starter deck, first decide whether you're buying for yourself or for two players, then match the deck's play style to your preferred strategy. For solo beginners, the Artemis Starter Deck offers a complete control deck with everything you need. For head-to-head play, the Hera vs. Aeolus Double Starter Deck gives two full decks in one box.

Know Your Play Style: Control, Aggro, or Heal

Elestrals starter decks are built around distinct strategies. The Artemis Starter Deck is a Control deck, which means you'll focus on managing the board, disrupting your opponent's plans, and slowly gaining advantage. If you enjoy thinking several turns ahead and prefer a reactive style, this deck suits you.

The Hera vs. Aeolus Double Starter Deck offers two different experiences: Hera is a Heal/Control deck that keeps your creatures alive, while Aeolus is an Aggro/Nexus deck that pushes fast, aggressive attacks. If you like to pressure your opponent from turn one, Aeolus is your pick. If you prefer to outlast and recover, Hera fits better.

Consider Your Budget and Value

Starter decks are the most affordable way to enter Elestrals, but prices vary. The Artemis Starter Deck is priced at $16.49, while the Hera vs. Aeolus Double Starter Deck costs $21.89. The double deck gives you two complete 60-card decks plus extra booster packs, making it a better value if you plan to play with a friend or want more cards to build from.

Both decks include booster packs and a reversible Poster/Playmat. The Artemis deck includes 3 Lifestream booster packs, and the double deck includes 4 Sunstrike booster packs. If you're on a tight budget and only need one deck, the Artemis deck is the more economical choice.

Think About Your Goals: Playing vs. Collecting

If your main goal is to start playing immediately, either starter deck works because they're complete and ready out of the box. The Artemis deck includes a Posthumoose Champion of Artemis, and the Hera vs. Aeolus deck includes Ohmperial Champion of Hera and Stratomoth Champion of Aeolus—all powerful cards that give you a solid foundation.

If you're also interested in collecting, note that some lucky decks contain a free serialized Stellar card. The double deck gives you twice the chance to pull one, plus more booster packs for additional cards. For pure collection expansion, a booster box might be a better next step, but starter decks are the best starting point.

Steps to Choose Your Starter Deck

  1. Decide who will play: If you're buying for yourself, a single starter deck is enough. If you want to play with a friend or family member, choose the double starter deck to get two complete decks in one box. Checkpoint: If you need two decks, the Hera vs. Aeolus double deck is the most cost-effective option.
  2. Match the deck to your play style: Consider whether you prefer a reactive control style, an aggressive aggro approach, or a healing/sustain strategy. The Artemis deck is control, Hera is heal/control, and Aeolus is aggro. Checkpoint: Pick the deck that feels most fun to you, not just the one with the flashiest art.
  3. Compare value and extras: Look at the number of booster packs, playmats, and any bonus cards included. The double deck includes more packs and two playmats, while the single deck is cheaper. Checkpoint: If you're on a tight budget, the Artemis starter deck gives you everything you need to start playing.

Starter Decks at a Glance

  • Elestrals TCG: Artemis Starter Deck - Lifestream (Divine Champions): Complete 60-card Control starter deck featuring Artemis and Posthumoose Champion of Artemis. Includes 3 Lifestream booster packs and a reversible Posthumoose Poster / Playmat. Ideal for beginners who want a complete, ready-to-play deck with a strategic control style, plus extra packs to expand their collection.
  • Elestrals TCG: Hera vs. Aeolus Double Starter Deck - Sunstrike (Divine Champions): Two complete 60-card starter decks featuring Hera (Heal/Control) with Ohmperial Champion of Hera and Aeolus (Aggro/Nexus) with Stratomoth Champion of Aeolus. Includes 4 Sunstrike booster packs and 2 reversible Poster / Playmats. Perfect for two players or those who want to try two different play styles without buying two separate decks. Offers more booster packs and playmats for a slightly higher price.