Star Trek Commander Reprint Value: Best Deck to Buy

This article answers whether the reprinted Star Trek: Commander decks hold their value and which one is worth buying. The short answer: the Romulan and Klingon decks are the strongest buys for gameplay and likely to hold value best, while the Federation deck is the most affordable entry point.

Formula

The calculator estimates the future value of a reprinted Star Trek: Commander deck based on its current price, the size of the reprint run, and how long you plan to hold it. The formula used is:

Future Value = Deck Cost × (1 – 0.05 × Years Held)

Where:

• Deck Cost – the price you pay today (USD).
• Years Held – how many years you intend to keep the deck before selling.
• 0.05 – a 5% annual depreciation factor, a rough average for mass-produced collectible card game products that are not scarce.

This is a simple linear model; real market prices fluctuate based on demand, condition, and print run size.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: you buy a deck for $40, the reprint run is 5,000 units, and you hold it for 3 years.

1. Start with the deck cost: $40.
2. Apply the annual depreciation factor: 0.05 × 3 = 0.15.
3. Subtract from 1: 1 – 0.15 = 0.85.
4. Multiply by the cost: $40 × 0.85 = $34.

The estimated value after 3 years is $34. The value lost per year is ($40 – $34) / 3 = $2.00 per year.

Background: What Are the Reprint Decks?

Star Trek: Commander is a two-player card game released in 2018, featuring four factions: Federation, Klingon, Romulan, and Cardassian. The original print run sold out quickly, and secondary market prices climbed. In 2020, the publisher issued a reprint of all four decks, making them widely available again at retail prices. The reprint uses the same card lists and artwork as the originals, with no functional changes. This reprint is the reason prices today are far lower than the peak of 2019–2020.

How Reprint Values Work in Collectible Card Games

Reprints typically depress the value of the original printing because supply increases. For a game like Star Trek: Commander, which is not a tournament staple like Magic: The Gathering, the reprint effectively caps the ceiling on secondary market prices. The key factors that determine whether a reprinted deck holds value are:

• Print run size – a small reprint run can still keep prices high; a large run floods the market.
• Game popularity – if the game has an active player base, demand for sealed decks remains.
• Faction popularity – certain factions (e.g., Klingon) are more iconic and sought after.
• Condition – sealed, unopened decks command a premium over opened ones.

In the case of the 2020 reprint, the print run was not publicly disclosed, but it was large enough to meet retail demand for at least a year, which is why prices have stayed near MSRP.

Which Deck Is Worth Buying?

If you are buying to play, the Klingon deck is generally considered the strongest out of the box, with aggressive combat mechanics that win quickly. The Romulan deck offers more subtle political and stealth strategies, appealing to players who prefer control. The Federation deck is balanced and beginner-friendly, while the Cardassian deck is the most complex and less popular.

For investment potential, the Romulan and Klingon decks have historically held the highest secondary market prices because of faction popularity. However, none of the reprint decks are likely to appreciate significantly in the short term; they are more like stable collectibles than speculative assets.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A common misconception is that the reprint is identical to the original in every way. In fact, the reprint boxes have a different copyright date and may have slight print quality variations. Another issue is that some buyers confuse the Star Trek: Commander game with Star Trek: Attack Wing or Star Trek: Fleet Captains – they are entirely different games. Also, note that the reprint does not include any exclusive promos or alternate art, so there is no reason to buy multiple copies for rarity.

Costs and Where to Buy

Reprint decks typically retail for $30–$50 USD each. Online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon often have them for slightly less, but shipping costs can add up. Local game stores may stock them at MSRP. Avoid paying more than $60 for a reprint deck unless it is sealed and you are a completionist; the original printings occasionally sell for $100+ but that is not a good value for the same cards.

Comparing Reprint vs. Original Print

If you are considering an original printing, know that the cards are functionally identical. The only differences are the box copyright year and potentially minor print color shifts. Original decks are only worth the premium if you are a dedicated collector who wants the first edition. For players, the reprint is the better buy because it is cheaper and easier to find.

Will Prices Hold?

Based on the current market, prices for the reprint decks have stabilized at around $35–$45. They are unlikely to drop much below that because the game still has a niche following and the decks are no longer in production. They are also unlikely to spike unless the game gets a sudden resurgence (e.g., a new TV series tie-in). The depreciation model in the calculator reflects a slow decline, which matches the trend for most non-essential card games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Klingon deck better than the Federation deck?

For competitive play, yes, the Klingon deck is faster and more aggressive, often winning by turn 5. The Federation deck is more defensive and requires longer games, which can be a disadvantage in a tournament setting. For casual play, both are fun.

Can I mix cards from different decks?

Yes, the game allows deck building with cards from any faction, as long as you follow the deck construction rules (minimum 60 cards, no more than 3 copies of a unique card). Mixing is common among experienced players.

Are the reprint decks exactly the same as the originals?

Yes, the card list and rules are identical. The only difference is the box copyright year and possibly minor print quality. No errata or balance changes were made.

How long will the reprint decks stay in print?

The 2020 reprint was a single run; the publisher has not announced any further printings. Once current stock sells out, prices will likely rise slowly, but not dramatically.

Is it worth buying multiple copies of the same deck?

Only if you plan to play with more than two players (you need two copies of the same faction to have a full playset of cards). Otherwise, one copy is enough for collection or play.

Related

• Steam Deck Offline Game Pass: SteamOS vs Windows
• Peptide Gene Switch Nuclear Delivery Explained
• Google Storage Left: How to Check Your Quota

in t | Deck cost (USD) | USD | 40 | 0
in r | Reprint print run (units) | units | 5000 | 0
in y | Years held | years | 3 | 0
out v | Value after years (USD) | USD | t * (1 - 0.05 * y) | 2
out vp | Value per year (USD/yr) | USD/yr | (t - v) / y | 2