Palworld TCG stock shortages and scalping
In mid-August 2026 Bushiroad issued a public apology for the ongoing shortage of Booster Pack "Dawn of Palpagos", which sold out across retailers faster than planned and drew heavy scalper activity. The practical advice: buy at MSRP from official stores and wait for reprints rather than paying secondary premiums.
Updated for the current Palworld patch
- ✓Why can't I buy Palworld packs
- ✓Should I buy from scalpers
- ✓Where should I buy instead
- ✓How do I avoid counterfeits during a shortage
Why can't I buy Palworld packs
Demand outran the printed supply of the launch set. Bushiroad acknowledged this publicly and apologised, which is the clearest signal that the shortage is a supply issue rather than store-level hoarding.
Should I buy from scalpers
No. Secondary prices during a shortage collapse when reprints and the next set land — Legends Awaken on 30 October 2026 and Eternal Ascent on 18 December 2026 both add legal cards to the pool.
Where should I buy instead
Sanctioned hobby stores listed through official channels. Store allocations arrive in waves, and stores that run tournaments usually keep product back for event prizing and demos.
How do I avoid counterfeits during a shortage
Shortages are exactly when fakes spread. Check the printed card number against the official card list, and use the Pal Stars card checker to compare a card's code, rarity and layout against the official print.
Does the shortage affect tournament play
Only indirectly. Trial decks remain the reliable route into a legal deck when boosters are scarce, and shop tournaments regularly award promo cards to participants regardless of finish.