With July officially here, it means that GenCon 2026 is now less than a month away. I’m continuing Nerd Initiative’s Nerdy GenCon 2026 review today with a look at the new bag-building combat game making its debut at GenCon 2026, DC: Brave & Bold from Resurrection Games. My first article looked at the expansion coming for the Marvel Multiverse RPG; now we are going to turn to the other of the Big Two comic companies and see what is coming out from DC’s IP this year.
About The Game
DC: Brave & Bold is a brand-new bag-builder combat game that will debut at GenCon. While it will be available to the general public in September, GenCon attendees will get a chance to demo the game for free, as well as take home Combat Vaults or the smaller two-character boxes from the event. DC: Brave & Bold lets players take on the role of their favorite DC villains or Super Heroes in a fast-paced and competitive experience. Resurrection Games, the publisher of the game, indicates the game is inspired by DC’s legendary storytelling.
The game itself is a bag-builder-style game where players will blindly draw from a bag to build up their player characters. As the match grows, players can use the asymmetric play style to fit their tactics and capitalize on momentum as they build up the tools and abilities that their character has access to. Through a three-phase process (Watchtower, Preparation, and Combat), players prepare for their turn, draw and allocate tokens, and activate abilities. Their abilities can unlock special abilities or bonuses. Each player is then given a chance for a second three-phase process (Resupply, Rebalance, and Reload) before the start of the next round of combat. When one player is left standing, they are the winner.
Alternative Battles
The first edition of the Brave & Bold rulebook is available. In addition to the head-to-head battles, the rulebook outlines alternative battle options for 4-6 players, allowing for a 2v2 team battle with two heroes facing two villains or a 3v3 team battle for six players with three heroes and three villains apiece. These team battles add some exciting new dynamics that allow you to prevent damage to a teammate who may be in danger.
GenCon Options
Resurrection Games is offering several fun options to play and learn (and get a copy) of the new DC: Brave & Bold game at GenCon 2026. As mentioned earlier, GenCon 2026 will mark the first public release of the game before its September 4th scheduled retail release. Here’s a quick overview of some of the available DC: Brave & Bold options at GenCon 2026:
Free Demo – This event is free to attend and will help players see the combat of the game as well as understand how quick and easy it is to pick up and play. No experience is required, with the event description stating: “You’ll see a live demo at the table, walk through key decisions, and get a feel for how different characters play without committing to a full game. These demos are designed for quick drop-in play—perfect if you’re curious, short on time, or deciding which session to attend next. Ask questions, watch big moments play out, and learn what makes the system fast, tactical, and highly interactive. “
Gate Crasher – This early morning event gives you a chance to start your day with DC: Brave & Bold. On top of coming with a two-character set, your $22 entry fee also entitles you to a special promo art card available only at that section. From the event description: “This is the perfect low-pressure chance for casual play before the exhibit hall opens. Your ticket includes exclusive Gen Con pricing on one 2-character set (save $10)—no waiting in line. Just arrive at the scheduled time, pick up your copy, and head straight to the tables. As a bonus, all ticket holders receive a Gate Crasher–exclusive Gen Con promo Art Card, available only at this session.”
Learn to Play & Keep – These $24 sessions will not only have someone from Resurrection Games teaching you how to play, but you’ll leave with a box containing one of the most iconic rivalries in comics, Superman and Lex Luthor, that you’re being taught to play with. From the event description: “This Learn to Play event is the perfect entry point for new players and curious gamers alike. You’ll play a full head-to-head game with experienced hosts guiding you through each phase, explaining rules as they come up, and helping you make meaningful choices without slowing the action. This is a hands-on session—you’ll be playing from the start, not watching a demo.”
Learn to Play & Keep Advanced – These events are the granddaddy of them all. Entry is $94, but you leave your Learn to Play session with a full combat vault (pictured above), saving you $6 off buying it retail as well as getting it a month early, as well as an exclusive first player marker. From the event description: “Learn the game through DC rivalries, choosing any available character to play. This Learn to Play event is a great next step for players familiar with the basics, though no prior experience is required. If you’re new, we recommend starting with one of our lighter Learn to Play sessions first. You’ll play a full head-to-head game with our hosts guiding you through each phase, explaining rules as they come up, and helping you make meaningful choices without slowing the action. This is a hands-on session— by the end of the game, you’ll understand the flow, strategy, and what makes each character feel distinct. Your ticket includes the Combat Vault (a $100+ value) with the full roster, a Gen Con exclusive bonus only available with Combat Vault purchases, and an exclusive collector First Player marker.”
Hall of Justice Proving Ground – Okay, so you’ve got DC: Brave & Bold down, but now you’re ready for competition. These events are your chance. Play a light and fun competitive series against other players. You’ll leave with at least one of the GenCon exclusive character sets, all three GenCon promotions, and a chance to put your skills to the test. This event will be $24. The event is described as: “This session features light organized play using a 3-round Swiss format, designed to be welcoming, social, and just competitive enough to keep things exciting. Players will compete in short, structured rounds with matchmaking based on performance, ensuring fair and engaging games throughout the event. Your ticket to the Proving Grounds includes your choice of one 2-character set available exclusively at Gen Con. As a bonus, you will also receive all three Gen Con promotions.”
If you’d like to learn more about DC: Brave & Bold, you can check out the link at the beginning of the article or watch the trailer video from Resurrection Games below.
Are you excited to check out DC: Brave & Bold? Let me know in the comments below.
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