So you've cracked some packs, fallen in love with Flesh and Blood, and now you're hearing about this thing called “drafting.” What is it? Don’t stress - we’ve all been there. This guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know to draft confidently, build a solid deck, and actually have fun doing it.

What Is Drafting in Flesh and Blood?

Drafting is a limited format where you build your deck as you go - right at the table. You and your draft pod (usually 8 players) each open a pack, pick one card, then pass the rest. Rinse and repeat for three packs.

Your goal? End up with a 30-card minimum deck, plus equipment and weapons. The twist? You can only use the cards you draft - no bringing your own deck from home!

The Goal: Build a Deck!

Your final draft deck should include:

✅ 1 hero
✅ 1 weapon
✅ 30+ cards from your draft pool
✅ Any equipment you drafted

You can only use cards that match your hero’s class and talent, plus generic cards, so early picks can be crucial.

Drafting Basics: What to Watch For

1. Stay Open Early

In your first 4–5 picks, it’s best not to commit too hard to one class. Pick generics or cards that work across multiple heroes if possible. This helps you stay flexible until you see what’s “open” at the table.

2. Read the Signals

If you keep getting passed strong cards from a specific class, it likely means players to your left aren’t drafting that lane. Take advantage and lean in!

3. Draft a Solid Resource Curve

Your deck needs to function, not just look cool. Aim for:

• Your pitch! Don't forget your pitch

• A good number of attack actions

• Enough defense value to survive tough matchups

• A mix of costs to make the most of your resources each turn

Drafting Equipment and Majestics

• Don’t ignore equipment! A single piece of armor can win games in limited.

• If you open a powerful rare or majestic early, it might be worth building around - just don’t force it if the support isn’t there.

💡 Pro Tip: If the card isn’t playable in your deck, consider whether it’s a strong “hate draft” pick (e.g., taking a powerful card so no one else can use it).

Building Your Deck

After the draft ends, it’s time to build:

• Choose your hero and weapon (you must have these to play!)

• Select at least 30 playable cards

• Add your drafted equipment

• Keep your pitch balanced

Don’t try to get too fancy. Keep it consistent and streamlined.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Drafting too many cards with high cost and not enough blues
❌ Forcing a class too early and ending up with unplayable cards
❌ Ignoring defense values - blocking wins games too!
❌ Forgetting that your hero/class affects what cards you can play

Final Thoughts – Practice Makes Perfect

Drafting might feel overwhelming at first - but that’s part of the fun. With each draft, you'll get better at reading signals, making picks, and building stronger decks. And with a spicy set like High Seas, there’s always a new strategy to explore.

So next time your local game store hosts a draft night - don’t hesitate. Jump aboard! You’ll be surprised how much fun you have once you dive in.