Star Wars Playing Cards: theory11 Light Side, Dark Side
Star Wars playing cards by theory11: Light Side, Dark Side, Silver, Mandalorian V1 and V2, Gold Foil and Box Set compared, and which to give.
In short
The official Star Wars playing cards on sale today are mainly those by theory11, an American playing card publisher that works under official licence from Lucasfilm, the studio behind Star Wars. They are complete standard decks in which characters from the saga appear on the court cards, aces, jokers, card back and tuck box.
- Two sides: the Light Side deck (in blue) and the Dark Side deck (in red), with their Silver editions in white and graphite grey.
- Series and specials: The Mandalorian and Mandalorian V2, the Gold Foil Special Edition, the Star Wars Box Set with six decks, and Year of the Dark Side, dedicated to the villains.
- How to choose: by side, by character (Darth Vader, Luke, Din Djarin and Grogu) or by finish, depending on whether it is for playing, as a gift or for a collection.
A Star Wars deck of cards is a regular deck in which Darth Vader plays the King of Spades, X-wing fighters fill the card back or the Mandalorian's helmet is embossed on the box. You can use it for poker, solitaire or any standard card game, and it is also an object any fan of the saga will recognise. In this guide we go through the Star Wars playing cards we stock, what each one includes, how the dark side and light side decks differ, and which one suits each person best.
What are the official theory11 Star Wars playing cards?
theory11 is an American publisher known for its own original decks and for licensed editions from major franchises. For Star Wars it works under official licence from Lucasfilm, the studio created by George Lucas, which has belonged to Disney since 2012. This means the illustrations of characters, ships and emblems are approved by the owners of the saga, and the box carries the official logos.
The collection started in 2019 with two decks, Light Side and Dark Side, released to coincide with the premiere of The Rise of Skywalker, the ninth film in the Skywalker saga. Then came the Silver Edition of both in 2020, the gold edition that brings the two sides together, the decks dedicated to The Mandalorian series, the collector's box set and the Year of the Dark Side deck.
If you want to know how theory11 compares with other brands, we explain it in Bicycle vs theory11 vs Tally-Ho, and you can find all its decks on the theory11 brand page.
| Feature | What it means |
|---|---|
| Publisher | theory11, officially licensed by Star Wars (Lucasfilm) |
| Deck type | Standard poker deck: 52 cards plus jokers |
| Manufacturing | United States, FSC-certified paper (from sustainably managed forests) |
| Materials | Vegetable-based inks and starch-based coatings |
| Tuck box | Embossing and foil (metallic stamping) on every edition |
| What changes from one to another | Court cards, aces, jokers, card back, colours and box |
Light Side and Dark Side: the light side and dark side playing cards
These are the two decks theory11 launched the collection with. They share the same structure and were designed as a pair: one for each side of the Force. Both have the same 12 court cards (the jacks, queens and kings of the four suits), illustrated with characters from both sides, so what really sets them apart is the colour, the card back and the box.
Star Wars Light Side playing cards (blue)
The theory11 Star Wars Light Side is dedicated to the Jedi, the Rebel Alliance and the Resistance. The blue card back is full of details, from R2-D2's dome to the Rebel Alliance symbol. In the centre is a repeating pattern of X-wing fighters, with two lightsabers along each side edge. From the light side, Rey, Leia Organa, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker appear on the court cards, among others.
The box combines embossing, deep blue foil and a clear reflective foil that recreates the cockpit window of the Millennium Falcon.
Star Wars Dark Side playing cards (red)
The theory11 Star Wars Dark Side is the version for the Galactic Empire, the First Order and the Sith. The red card back brings together the Death Star and the insignia of the First Order, the Sith and the Empire, with a central pattern of TIE fighters flanked by Darth Vader's lightsaber. From the dark side, Palpatine, Kylo Ren and Darth Vader appear, among others.
This is the one people usually look for when they want Darth Vader playing cards: the King of Spades shows Vader with his lightsaber in hand, commanding his imperial troops. The box, with embossing and foil, shows a window of the imperial throne room on the front, with the symbols of the Galactic Empire and the First Order in the corners.
The Silver editions: white and graphite grey
In 2020 theory11 released a Silver Edition of both decks. They keep the design and court cards of the originals but change colour:
- theory11 Star Wars Light Side Silver: white card back with the X-wings, R2-D2 and the rebel emblem, and an embossed box with silver foil that also recreates the Millennium Falcon cockpit.
- theory11 Star Wars Dark Side Silver: graphite grey card back with Darth Vader's lightsaber, the Death Star and the imperial fleet, and a box with embossing, foil and the throne room window.
The Silver decks have a more understated look than the blue and the red, and they are the ones usually sought by people who already own the first pair and want to complete the series.
The Mandalorian playing cards: V1 and V2
theory11 dedicated two decks to The Mandalorian, the Star Wars series on Disney+. Both follow the journey of Din Djarin, a lone bounty hunter travelling the outer reaches of the galaxy while protecting the Child (Grogu) from the remnants of the Empire, from the jobs for Greef Karga to the showdown with Moff Gideon. In both, the whole design is original: the card back, aces, jokers and court cards were drawn for the deck based on characters and moments from the series.
Mandalorian playing cards (first version)
The theory11 Mandalorian features Din Djarin in his beskar armour, Grogu, Cara Dune, IG-11 and Moff Gideon, among other characters from the series. The box combines silver foil (the shade of beskar, the metal of Mandalorian armour), black and red, and has the Mandalorian's helmet in three-dimensional embossing.
Mandalorian V2 playing cards
The theory11 Mandalorian V2 is the second deck in the series, from 2023. It tells the same story but switches to a grey palette with touches of orange and introduces a new group of characters on the court cards. The outer box combines beskar silver and oxidised bronze foil, and again features the Mandalorian's helmet sculpted in embossing.
| Mandalorian (V1) | Mandalorian V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| What it brings | The first deck of the series | Grey palette with touches of orange |
| Tuck box | Silver, black and red foil; 3D embossed helmet | Beskar silver and oxidised bronze foil; 3D embossed helmet |
| Characters | Din Djarin, Grogu, Cara Dune, IG-11, Moff Gideon | A new group of characters on the court cards |
| Design | Original card back, aces, jokers and court cards | Original card back, aces, jokers and court cards |
Did you know decks like these exist?
At heart, every deck has the same cards. What changes is everything else: the design, the finish, metallic inks or gilded edges. Take a look at our catalogue and bring your own style to the card table.
Browse our playing cards →
Special editions: Gold Foil, Box Set and Year of the Dark Side
Star Wars Gold Foil Special Edition
The Star Wars Gold Foil Special Edition brings both sides of the Force together in a single deck. The card back is printed with gold foil, a metallic stamping that shines as the cards move under the light and recalls the gold of C-3PO. It features characters from the original trilogy and the most recent one, such as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Rey, Darth Vader and Kylo Ren.
The box combines gold foil and clear reflective foil: on the front it evokes the Millennium Falcon cockpit window and on the back, the window of the imperial throne room. In other words, the Light Side and Dark Side boxes brought together in one.
Star Wars Box Set (six-deck case)
The theory11 Star Wars Box Set, sold in some countries as The Force Box Set, is a collector's case with six decks from the series in different colours, two of them in the special gold foil edition. According to the details given by several distributors, the rest are the red (Dark Side), the blue (Light Side), the black (Dark Side Silver) and the silver (Light Side Silver).
What sets it apart is the outer box, with a silver foil finish: it is designed to open and close slowly at the command of whoever is handling it, even from a distance, with no magnets, threads or electronics, as if moved by the Force. theory11 does not explain the mechanism, which is part of the product.
Year of the Dark Side
The theory11 Star Wars Year of the Dark Side is dedicated solely to the villains of the saga, with new illustrations of Darth Vader, Darth Maul, Count Dooku and Emperor Palpatine, among others. It contains 52 cards and 2 jokers, and the box combines silver and red foil with the Imperial emblem, the Death Star, the throne room window and Vader's helmet. It is currently sold out.
Comparison table of the Star Wars playing cards
If you are torn between several, this table sums up what each deck includes and the detail that sets it apart.
| Deck | Side or theme | Card back and box | What sets it apart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Side blue | Jedi, Rebel Alliance and Resistance | Blue back with X-wings and R2-D2; box with the Millennium Falcon cockpit | The first light side deck (2019) |
| Dark Side red | Empire, First Order and Sith | Red back with TIE fighters and the Death Star; box with the throne room | Darth Vader as the King of Spades |
| Light Side Silver | Light side | White back; box with silver foil | 2020 Silver Edition |
| Dark Side Silver | Dark side | Graphite grey back; box with embossing and foil | 2020 Silver Edition |
| Mandalorian | The Mandalorian series | Box in silver, black and red foil with the embossed helmet | Din Djarin, Grogu, Cara Dune and Moff Gideon |
| Mandalorian V2 | The Mandalorian series | Box in beskar silver and oxidised bronze foil with the embossed helmet | Grey and orange palette, new characters |
| Gold Foil Special Edition | Both sides of the Force | Gold foil back; gold, reflective box | Light Side and Dark Side in a single deck |
| Star Wars Box Set | Complete collection | Six decks in a silver foil box | The box opens by itself, with no magnets or electronics |
| Year of the Dark Side | Villains of the saga | Box with silver and red foil | Vader, Darth Maul, Dooku and Palpatine (sold out) |
Which Star Wars deck to give as a gift, person by person
A Star Wars deck of cards is a small gift that hits the mark when it connects with the part of the saga the recipient loves most. These tips help you decide.
For fans of the original trilogy
Luke, Leia, Han Solo, R2-D2, the X-wings and the Millennium Falcon. The blue deck gathers much of what anyone who grew up with the first films remembers.
- Light Side blue
- Light Side Silver
- Gold Foil
More details
The Gold Foil Special Edition adds Obi-Wan Kenobi and puts the heroes and villains together in the same deck.
For those who prefer the dark side
For anyone who was always on Darth Vader's side. The Dark Side puts him on the King of Spades and fills the card back with TIE fighters.
- Dark Side red
- Dark Side Silver
- Year of the Dark Side
More details
The Year of the Dark Side is dedicated solely to the villains, with Darth Maul and Count Dooku, but it is currently sold out.
For fans of The Mandalorian
Din Djarin, Grogu and Moff Gideon in a deck with the Mandalorian's helmet embossed on the box.
- Mandalorian
- Mandalorian V2
For collectors
Finishes, box and edition are what count. It is worth keeping the box and, if possible, the seal.
- Star Wars Box Set
- Gold Foil
- Silver editions
More details
The Box Set brings together six decks and a box that opens by itself. There are more special editions in collector's playing cards.
For a couple or two siblings
The Light Side and Dark Side were designed as a pair: one each, or both together for games that use two decks.
- Light Side and Dark Side
- Both Silver decks
More details
More ideas by profile in which deck to give as a gift and in our gift guide.
For magicians and cardists
They are complete poker decks and work for playing games or practising magic. A themed card back makes the trick more memorable.
- Mandalorian
- Light Side or Dark Side
More details
For daily use, it is better to choose one without foil on the cards. You will find decks made for that in magic playing cards and cardistry playing cards.
More licensed playing cards
Star Wars, Disney, Marvel, Harry Potter, music and TV series, all in one section.
See themed decksCard games to play with a Star Wars deck
The theory11 Star Wars playing cards are complete standard decks, so they work for any poker deck game. Some ideas:
- A poker night: Texas Hold'em with a Light Side and a Dark Side, switching decks each hand. More ideas in home poker night.
- For three to six players: President, Cheat or Hearts.
- For two: Gin Rummy and others we cover in two-player card games.
- On your own: classic Solitaire.
- With two decks: Continental or Canasta, where the Light Side and Dark Side pair comes in handy.
- With children: Pairs, War or Old Maid, in card games for kids.
If you want more, the list of card games sorts them by number of players, and card games with a poker deck covers the best-known ones.
Star Wars is also Disney
Disney bought Lucasfilm, the studio behind Star Wars, in 2012. Since then Star Wars has been part of the same group as Mickey Mouse, Pixar and Marvel, which is why the saga's decks and Disney decks often appear together in shops, even though they are published by different brands: the Star Wars decks are by theory11 and the Disney ones are mostly by Bicycle.
If there are fans of both at home, we go over the Mickey, Stitch, Princesses, Villains and Toy Story decks in Disney playing cards. All licensed decks, from Star Wars, Disney and other franchises, are in themed and licensed playing cards.
How to look after a Star Wars deck of cards
A Star Wars deck is cared for like any paper deck, with a couple of extra details if it has foil or you want to keep it in good condition.
- Keep it in its box: with these decks the box is part of the design, with embossing and foil that get marked easily.
- Clean, dry hands: grease and moisture dull the colours and make the cards stick together.
- Away from sunlight and heat: direct light fades inks and foil, and heat warps the cards.
- Extra care with the gold one: on the Gold Foil Special Edition the foil is on the back of every card and loses its shine with friction. If you want a deck to play with often, choose one without foil on the cards, such as the Light Side or the Dark Side.
- If it is for a collection: keep the seal intact or buy two, one to open and one to keep. With the Box Set, keep the outer box too.
How much does a deck of cards cost?
From €5 to over €100. The 52 cards and the rules stay the same; this is what changes.
 To play€5.95 |  Designer€12.95 |  Premium€17.99 |  Collectible€34.94 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical price | €5-9 | €9-15 | €15-30 | €30 or more |
| What sets it apart | Classic casino design | Artist illustration on back and faces | Special inks, embossing and foil on the box | Limited print runs and gilded edges |
| Who it is for | Games at home | Playing with something beautiful | Gifts or cardistry | Collecting and display |
| Example | Tally-Ho Fan Azul | theory11 Medallion | The Sandwich Series (Luncheon Meat) | Kings Wild LOTR Two Towers Gilded |
| See decks | See decks | See decks | See decks |
Frequently asked questions
Who makes the official Star Wars playing cards?
theory11, an American playing card publisher, under official licence from Lucasfilm. The cards are made in the United States on FSC-certified paper.
What is the difference between the Light Side and Dark Side decks?
The side and the colour. The Light Side is blue and dedicated to the Jedi and the rebels, with X-wings and R2-D2 on the card back; the Dark Side is red and dedicated to the Empire and the Sith, with TIE fighters and the Death Star. Both share the same 12 court cards.
Which deck has Darth Vader on it?
In the Dark Side, red or Silver, Darth Vader is the King of Spades. He also appears in the Gold Foil Special Edition and is the main figure of Year of the Dark Side, which is currently sold out.
Can you play games with a Star Wars deck of cards?
Yes. They are complete poker decks with the usual suits and indices, and they work for any standard card game.
What is the difference between the Mandalorian and Mandalorian V2 playing cards?
The V2 switches to a grey palette with touches of orange, introduces new characters on the court cards and its box uses silver and oxidised bronze foil instead of silver, black and red. Both have the Mandalorian's helmet embossed.
What is the Star Wars Silver Edition?
A 2020 reissue of the Light Side and Dark Side in other colours: a white card back for the light side and graphite grey for the dark side, with silver boxes.
What is in the Star Wars Box Set?
Six decks from the series in different colours, two of them in the gold edition, inside a box that opens and closes by itself with no magnets, threads or electronics.
Does Disney own Star Wars?
Yes. Disney bought Lucasfilm, the studio behind Star Wars, in 2012. You will find the Bicycle Disney decks in Disney playing cards.
If you love Star Wars, a deck of cards is a simple way to bring the saga to the card table. You can see all the brand's decks in theory11 playing cards and the rest of our licensed designs in themed and licensed decks.
Want more guides like this one? Sign up for the newsletter.
Keep exploring
- Disney playing cards
- Which deck to give as a gift
- Bicycle vs theory11 vs Tally-Ho
- History of the joker card
- Card games with a poker deck
- Marvel Playing Cards
- The Beatles Playing Cards
Playing Cards
Gemini Casino Phthalo Green – Playing Cards
Premier Edition Restricted Red – Playing Cards
Premier Edition Jet Black Private Reserve – Playing Cards
Card Mafia One Piece Robin – Playing Cards
Lounge Edition Terminal Turquoise – Playing Cards
Lounge Edition Taxiway Yellow – Playing Cards
Cardistry Fanning Yellow Edition – Playing Cards
Tally-Ho Gaff – Playing Cards
Contact our team for any clarification about this document. Contact us
