How To Get Started With Beyblade X In 2025

Earlier this year, I threw myself headfirst into Beyblade for the first time since I was 11, and it’s quickly become one of my most rewarding hobbies. Since the start of the X generation in 2023, Beyblade has seen a huge influx of new and returning players all over the world, and with the announcement of the Beyblade World Championship later this year, it’s never been a better time to let it rip.

All over social media, on the /r/Beyblade subreddit, and in my local Discord servers (shout out to We$tCoastBladerz), new players are constantly asking about the best way to get into Beyblade. As someone who has gotten very into the game over the last few months, I have a lot of experience when it comes to the best (and worst) ways to kick-start your collection and learn how to rip it with the best of ‘em. Of all the competitive-collector hobbies I’ve tried, Beyblade is by far the cheapest and easiest one to get started in. Here’s what you need to know about playing Beyblade in 2025.

Japanese Beyblade Vs. International Beyblade

The first thing you need to know is that Beyblade comes in two different brands. Takara Tomy distributes Beyblade in Japan and parts of Asia, while Hasbro distributes Beyblade… pretty much everywhere else.

In past generations, there used to be significant differences between the products each brand offered, but in the X generation, all Beyblades are essentially made the same, with a few exceptions when it comes to region exclusivity.

However, there are some big differences when it comes to buying Beyblades. Takara Tomy Beyblades always come out first. Typically, they release between six months and a year before the Hasbro versions, and Hasbro doesn’t always get every single TT release.

The benefit of waiting for the Hasbro version is that they’ll be significantly cheaper and easier to find. Department stores like Target and Walmart carry individual Beyblades for around $10, while importing a Takara Tomy Beyblade will cost you double that.

Hasbro’s Beystadium is also smaller than Takara Tomy’s. The Hasbro version of the official tournament arena will launch in November 2025.

If you want to compete on the cutting edge, you’ll definitely want to invest in the latest and greatest beys from Japan eventually. But if you’re just starting out, there are plenty of competitive Hasbro beys out there.

Many competitive events will be Hasbro-only. You’ll be allowed to play with your Takara Tomy beys, but only if they’ve also had a Hasbro release.

Everything You Need To Play Beyblade

If you’re starting from scratch, the first thing you should invest in is the Beyblade X Xtreme Battle Set. You can find this at almost any Walmart or Target, your local game store, or grab it on Amazon for a cool $40.

Congratulations! You now have everything you need to play Beyblade. The battle set comes with a Beystadium, two beys, and two entry-level proto launchers. With that, you and a friend can get started launching beys and watching them smash into each other at outrageous speeds. You will have a blast playing with just this set, but if you’re anything like me, it won’t take long before you’re ready to grow your collection.

The first thing you’ll want to invest in after this is a proper launcher. There are two kinds: winder launchers and string launchers. You can pick up a winder launcher for around $6, or you can get a red string launcher bundled together with Soar Phoenix, one of the best beys in the entire game, for $20. Which launcher you use is a matter of preference. Most people will tell you that winder launchers give you more power while string launchers give you more stability, but either one will get the job done.

You’re going to need a minimum of three beys to play competitively, and there are a lot of options out there. Here’s a short list of some of the most popular blades, ratchets, and bits you’ll want in your collection. It’s common to buy an entire whole booster just to get a ratchet or bit you’re after, so when you’re shopping for Beyblade pay attention to all of the parts included, not just the blade.

Those are some of the more meta components, but you can have a great time playing Beyblade with any bey. Finding combos that you like and resonate with you is more important than having the most powerful tools in the meta, especially when you’re first starting out. My favorite bey is Sting Unicorn, and love the surprised reaction I get from my opponents when I bust it out.

When building your deck of three beyblades, avoid repeating any parts. Most events won’t allow you to have the same blade, ratchet, or bit twice.

How To Get Into The Competitive Beyblade Scene

The main platform for finding Beyblade events in your area is the WBO. Once you make an account you can search for events and sign up to participate. This is an unofficial organization that maintains the standards and rules of the game, and you’ll find that tournament organizers have a very grassroots approach to hosting events. You’ll find some in game stores, but most will be hosted in local parks near you – and they’re almost always free of charge.

It can be intimidating to assimilate into a new group of people, especially when a lot of them have known each other for a long time, but every Beyblade event I’ve attended this year has been filled with nothing but friendly people who are excited to welcome new bladers into the hobby. There’s a good mix of men, women, adults, and children at events, and it’s a great game for parents and kids to play together. These local tournaments only last a few hours, and the more invested players will bring all of the arenas you’ll need, so you can just show up with your deck and let it rip.

You’ll often even be able to borrow beyblades from other players.

Beyblade is a great outdoor activity for the summertime with a low cost of entry and a great community of knowledgeable players. It’s incredibly easy to play, but if you catch the bug, there’s a vast depth of knowledge and technique out there for you to discover. Be careful though, I started with the Xtreme Battle Set two months ago, and now I’ve got a shoe box full of parts, an addiction to the anime, and a whole bunch of cool new friends.