In this video, we break down everything you need to know to perform better at an OP13 pre-release, whether your goal is simply to enjoy the event or to give yourself the best chance of winning. It covers how pre-release works, what makes a strong sealed deck, which leaders are worth bringing, and which card types to prioritise when building your 40-card list.
What is a pre-release?
At an OP13 pre-release, each player receives six packs of OP13. You then build a 40 card deck using only the cards you open from those packs.
You should also bring your own leader to play, unless your store is running a Rainbow Luffy style event. Even then, it is still worth bringing Rainbow Luffy with you just in case your store runs short.
Pre-release basics
What makes a good pre-release deck?
Sealed formats reward simple fundamentals. You are not building a perfect constructed deck, so the focus is on consistency, defence, and winning through strong bodies.
The most important deck ingredients
What leader should you play at your pre-release?
If you are not playing in a Rainbow Luffy specific event, you will need to bring your own leader. The video highlights several leaders that perform well in sealed.
Strong leader options
Red Blue Ace
A strong sealed leader because it offers two key things:
This helps you stay ahead on hand size and makes defence easier.
Rainbow Luffy
A very flexible option because it is treated as every card type, letting you use a wide range of cards and still gain value from their effects.
Red Sanji
One of the best sealed leaders if you want to win. It can grant rush to larger characters without on-play effects, letting you turn big bodies into immediate pressure.
Zoro
Still strong for aggressive board clearing and pressure, but not as dominant this set due to fewer rest tools available in OP13 sealed.
Bonnie
A strong defensive leader in this set because many film cards can restand DON!!, making it easier to keep DON!! available for her ability.
Yamato
Always a threat in sealed due to double attack and efficient DON!! usage. It can play aggressively while still being resource-efficient.
Shanks
Useful for lowering the cost of defending and helping against 5,000 swings. If you are comfortable with Shanks, it can be a solid choice.
Green Kid
A leader that can convert brick cards into value by trashing them and threatening big swings. It is not the top option, but still playable.
Nami
An underrated sealed pick. With DON!! attached, it can become a 7,000 leader on your opponent’s turn by trashing a card, and it can also help keep your hand size healthy through additional draw.
The best counter cards
Counter is everything in pre-release. You will win more games simply by building a deck with strong defence and enough resources to protect your key bodies.
2k counters
You should prioritise any 2k counter you open, regardless of how good the actual card text is. In sealed, the counter value matters more than perfect synergy.
A few highlighted examples include:
The key rule is simple.
Counter events
Counter events are extremely powerful in sealed because they often provide 3k or 4k counter value and may also include extra effects.
The video highlights these as top priorities:
If you open counter events, you should strongly consider running them, as they protect both life and key characters.
The best blockers
There are not a huge number of blockers in this set, so when you open them, they matter.
Blockers to look out for
Blockers protect life, protect your big bodies, and give you time to take control of the board.
The best vanilla statline cards
Vanilla statline cards are some of the strongest tools in sealed. These are cards where power is roughly two higher than cost, such as 6 cost 8,000 power.
Examples that tend to shine in pre-release include:
The video notes a few cards that behave like vanillas due to effects that let them reach those power thresholds.
One practical tip is to avoid cards that feel like they demand extra DON!! just to function, unless you need them to fill slots.
The best card draw and hand filter
Having more cards than your opponent often decides sealed games. Draw and filter effects help you find blockers, counters, and your best power plays.
Cards and effects that help your consistency
A strong sealed deck is often the one that simply sees more of its best cards.
Win conditions and power plays
OP13 sealed includes several cards that can end games quickly, especially those that restand DON!! or threaten immediate pressure.
What to look for in your pulls
If you open powerful events like Never Existed, they should usually go straight into your deck.
Final notes for OP13 pre-release
The video finishes with practical advice that applies no matter what leader you choose.
Practical tips that win sealed games
If you want to do well, build a deck with lots of 2k counters, use blockers to protect your life, and win with large bodies your opponent cannot efficiently answer.
