One Piece ST-08 Monkey D. Luffy: A Character Starter and Choosing Your Targets
ST-08 is a Luffy starter, but that name does not tell you which Luffy plan you are buying. The product code matters more than the face on the box.
What this product is
ST-08 is Monkey D. Luffy, released in English on August 11, 2023. A constructed 51-card deck, ten DON!! cards, and a playsheet.
The 51-card deck count includes its Leader and fifty main-deck cards. The DON!! cards are separate. One complete starter supplies one player’s deck; a two-person learning match needs another complete setup. Random bonus cards, where included, are separate from the fixed learning deck.
How to approach the deck
Bandai introduced ST-08 as a character-focused deck built around a new Luffy Leader and controlling the battle while attacking. Start with the actual Leader ability, then identify which cards help establish targets and which cards turn that position into pressure. Avoid importing a strategy from another Luffy starter merely because it shares the character. During combat, ask whether removing one rested opposing Character will give your crew more useful attacks over the next two turns than an immediate hit to Life.
A useful teaching exercise
Take one midgame position and list every legal attack target before assigning DON!!. Rank the targets by what they allow the opponent to do next turn. Play the highest-priority removal line, then replay using direct Life pressure. Compare your remaining hand and board after the opponent responds. The aim is to explain a target choice rather than memorize a preferred attack order.
Who should compare it?
A sensible thematic option when found at a suitable price, particularly for someone who wants Luffy but enjoys board decisions. Compare its code and contents with the many later Luffy releases.
One mistake to avoid
Do not buy a listing labeled only “Luffy starter” without confirming ST-08, language, and whether it is complete.
Before buying or upgrading
Match the exact product code and English language in the selected offer. Compare a sealed package with any deck-only resale by the contents actually included. If you want a particular upgrade, price the eligible singles before opening boosters in pursuit of it. Use the current event rules and restriction list for organized play; an old release-date legality note is not a current eligibility guarantee.
Browse the One Piece guide hub · Learn your first game
Sources: Bandai English product details and card-list links · Current rules and restrictions. Checked October 23, 2026. B3’s practice exercise and buying assessment are editorial guidance, without a claim of firsthand playtesting.
Where to look for this older deck
For the English ST-08 starter, compare current offers on TCGplayer. Search the exact deck code and English product name, and distinguish a sealed complete starter from a deck-only resale or individual cards. Compare condition, included components, seller, shipping, and total price. We have not verified a matching English Amazon listing for this guide.