11/02/2026
PREORDER & RELEASE SALES UPDATE
We’ve been reviewing your feedback alongside the challenges our staff face during busy releases.
The main change: first-day general sales are returning to in-store only.
When the same limited inventory is available online and in store simultaneously, it can sell out while customers are waiting to check out. Returning to in-store-only sales on the first day will help staff manage purchases and give customers clearer availability.
We recognize that not everyone can visit on release day. Online preorders remain available in both waves, and any remaining general-sale inventory will become available online the following day.
Our updated policy also brings the existing process into one place:
• Wave 1: Qualified players receive first access at or below MSRP, with higher purchase limits when supply permits.
• Wave 2: Remaining preorder inventory opens to everyone at the same preorder pricing.
• Separate limits: Limits reset between preorder waves and are separate from release-day and regular in-stock purchase limits.
• Clear timing: Each wave’s opening and closing dates will be posted. When allocation confirmation allows, we aim to offer approximately one week per wave.
• Event reserves: Some inventory may be reserved for organized play or made available in stages to spread purchasing opportunities over time.
The first-day sales restriction is the process change; the remaining updates clarify how eligibility, timing, limits, and availability work.
Please review the full policy below and check individual release announcements for the details that apply to each product.
KEYSTONE GAMES
PREORDER & RELEASE SALES POLICY
Our process prioritizes our local player community while providing purchasing opportunities for the broader community. Supply and release schedules vary by TCG and product, so individual release announcements provide the applicable dates, prices, and limits.
WAVE 1 — QUALIFIED PLAYER PREORDERS
Wave 1 eligibility is based on your attendance rate at Keystone Games events for the applicable TCG during the rolling 60-day period, as of the date Wave 1 opens for that item. Only events that took place count toward that rate.
Current qualification thresholds:
• MTG: 15%, reflecting its higher event volume.
• All other TCGs: 30%.
Eligibility is determined when Wave 1 opens for the item and does not change during that preorder window.
Wave 1 offers:
• First access to preorder inventory.
• Pricing at or below MSRP.
• Higher purchase limits than Wave 2 when supply permits.
• Online or in-store ordering.
• In-store pickup only; no shipping.
Qualification provides a purchasing opportunity, not a guarantee of availability.
WAVE 2 — PUBLIC PREORDERS
Remaining preorder inventory opens to everyone, including qualified players who purchased during Wave 1.
• Same preorder pricing as Wave 1.
• Generally lower purchase limits.
• Online or in-store ordering.
• In-store pickup only; no shipping.
Wave 2 depends on remaining preorder availability. Some products may sell out during Wave 1.
PREORDER TIMING & DURATION
Wave 1 typically opens 1–2 weeks before an item’s release, once allocation quantities are confirmed. Opening may be delayed while we await final confirmation from the publisher or distributor.
Opening and closing dates will be announced separately for each wave. When timing permits, we aim to provide approximately one week for Wave 1 and one week for Wave 2. Shorter timelines may require shorter preorder windows.
Wave 2 remains subject to available preorder inventory. Attendance eligibility is calculated as of the actual date Wave 1 opens for that item.
HOW PURCHASE LIMITS WORK
• Preorder limits apply separately to each wave. Wave 1 purchases do not reduce your Wave 2 allowance.
• Preorder limits are separate from release-day and regular in-stock purchase limits, including combined TCG item limits.
• Picking up a preorder does not count toward your purchase allowance that day.
• Online and in-store purchases count toward the same applicable limit. Separate orders or transactions do not create additional allowances.
For example, an eligible customer may purchase up to the Wave 1 limit, purchase again under the Wave 2 limit, and participate in release-day sales under the posted release-day limits.
FIRST DAY OF GENERAL SALES
Depending on the TCG, this may be the release date, prerelease date, or beginning of an authorized early-sale period. The applicable date will be announced for each release.
• In-store purchases only.
• Posted prices may reflect market conditions and may differ from preorder prices.
• Purchase limits may apply and vary by TCG or product.
THE FOLLOWING DAY & ONGOING SALES
Remaining general-sale inventory becomes available online and in store beginning the following day.
Pricing, purchase limits, and shipping availability may vary by product based on supply, demand, and market conditions. These may be adjusted as conditions change. Current prices, limits, and fulfillment options will be shown in the applicable listing or sales announcement.
Online availability is not guaranteed if general-sale inventory has sold out.
RESERVED INVENTORY & EVENT ACCESS
Some inventory may be reserved for release-day sales, organized play, or later purchasing opportunities. Inventory may be made available in stages to help spread access among more players and customers over time.
For select TCGs, limited restocks or reserved inventory may be offered first to participants at designated events. Any remaining stock offered at an event becomes available for general purchase immediately after that event.
A product may be unavailable for general purchase while reserved inventory remains. This does not guarantee availability at every event or a future restock. Pricing and purchase limits will be posted when products are offered.
PRODUCTS WITHOUT A SPECIFIED RELEASE DATE
The preorder and first-day sales stages do not apply to products without a specified release date, such as many accessories. These products generally become available once processed for sale.
General purchase limits, shipping restrictions, and inventory reservations may still apply.
PREORDER PICKUP & CANCELLATIONS
Preorders must be collected within seven days of the “Ready for Pickup” notification.
Canceled orders are subject to a 10% Order Cancellation Fee, including cancellations resulting from exceeding purchase limits or failing to collect an order within the pickup window. Exceptions are at Keystone Games’ sole discretion.
CHECK EACH RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENT
Check the applicable product listing or release announcement for exact dates, prices, purchase limits, and fulfillment options. Any release-specific exception to this general process will be identified explicitly.
