We’re diving into the Panini Minecraft Trading Card Game: Create, Explore, Survive, a surprisingly fun and tactile way to enjoy the Minecraft universe. Whether you’re a long-time card collector or just a Minecraft player curious about the hobby, this set is easy to pick up and delivers solid value.
Each pack feels rewarding right out of the wrapper.
While Panini has since released the 2024 Minecraft Anniversary trading cards edition, this earlier Create, Explore, Survive set still has plenty of charm. It’s budget-friendly, well-produced, and perfect for collectors who just want great-looking cards without the pressure of chasing major hits.
You typically get 3–4 holo cards (Pixel and/or Rainbow foils), and all cards form puzzles when flipped — so using a transparent binder to show off both sides is highly recommended. It’s one of the most visually satisfying sets we’ve opened lately.
What’s Inside a Box?
A sealed box from Panini UK contains:
- 18 packs per box
- 8 cards per pack
- Total: 144 cards per box, featuring:
- Pixel Cards (core set)
- Metal Cards (rarer foiled subset)
- Card #250, “The Island” — technically the rarest card, though not a high-value chase
Panini’s stated odds are roughly 3 metal cards every 2 packs, but real-world results can vary.
📲 Build Your Card Collection on HoloHoard
Organize your pulls, complete puzzles, and track variants — all in one place.
Start your digital binder →
The packs come wrapped in paper, which is both eco-friendly and easy to open. Starter kits and boxed sets often include exclusive limited edition cards, giving collectors a little something extra to hunt down.
What We Pulled
We cracked open one retail box and here’s everything we got.
| Card Type | Quantity Pulled |
|---|---|
| Pixel Cards | 59 |
| Metal Cards | 22 |
| The Island (Card #250) | 1 |
| Base | 62 |
| Out of which… duplicates: | 12 |
The final metal card count was slightly below the expected 27 (as per disclosed approximate pull rates), but still respectable.
Our Take
What stood out to us most was the value-for-money. For a low-cost retail product, this set punches above its weight:
- The metal cards are among the better-produced we’ve seen in this price tier—clean foil, durable cardstock, and well-aligned printing
- The back sides of the cards form beautiful puzzles when placed in 9-slot binders
- The mix of characters, mobs, tools, and scenes covers a wide chunk of Minecraft’s iconic elements
- While there’s no autograph or numbered chase, the checklist is broad and the break feels balanced
And yes—we did pull The Island (card #250). While technically the rarest card, it’s not a massive chase or high-dollar hit. Still, completing the full set is a fun challenge for fans.
Final Thoughts
The Minecraft: Create, Explore, Survive box won’t wow high-end TCG hunters—but that’s not the point. At this price, it’s a low-pressure rip with solid card quality, simple mechanics, and a bit of checklist satisfaction.
If you’re looking for something fun to open—or you want to introduce a younger fan to collecting—this is a very approachable and well-made product.
Tracking Your Minecraft Cards?
If you’re collecting Minecraft: Create, Explore, Survive, you can organize your pulls, holo variants, and puzzle cards on HoloHoard.
The HoloHoard collection tracker app lets you:
- Build checklists and binders
- Track variants like Pixel and Rainbow foils
- Share your collection with friends