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Shonen TCG · General
All Union Arena sets in English with release dates, IPs covered, set sizes, and what each set adds to the competitive format. Updated through 2026 confirmed releases.
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Union Arena
Union Arena's release strategy differs from most TCGs. Rather than one main game with expansion sets, Bandai Namco releases IP-specific sets for Union Arena where each booster focuses entirely on one anime franchise. Solo Leveling, Bleach, JJK, Dragon Ball Super: each is its own self-contained set with IP-specific mechanics.
The consequence is that knowing "all Union Arena sets" means knowing the IP release timeline, not just set numbers. This guide lists every confirmed EN release, its IP, release date, competitive format status, and what makes it worth knowing about.
TL;DR: Union Arena EN has 8 sets released as of June 2026. Key active standard sets: Solo Leveling (BT01), Bleach (BT02), JJK (BT03). InuYasha confirmed EN release August 14, 2026. Dragon Ball Super JP exists but no confirmed EN date. All sets are single-IP.
Union Arena launched in Japan in 2022. The EN version began in 2023. Each set is IP-specific; competitive formats mix all legal sets together in a standard rotation.
About the author
TCG Deck Analyst
Former card game tournament organiser turned analyst. Covers One Piece TCG meta, deck efficiency, and card valuation. Builds spreadsheets for decks most people just play.
Disclaimer
This article is published for informational and entertainment purposes. It does not constitute professional financial, legal, or technical advice. Game performance, online services, patch schedules, and store listings change. Verify critical details (pricing, system requirements, regional availability) with publishers and storefronts before you buy. Affiliate links, where present, help support our editorial work and are labelled in our affiliate disclosure.
All One Piece TCG Sets: Complete List OP-01 to OP-16
General · 11 min
EN Release: March 2023
Japanese Release: January 2023
Set Size: 100 cards
Key Mechanic: Shadow Army (Shadows go to Shadow Storage on K.O., Sung Jinwoo summons from Storage)
Competitive Status: Active standard, top-tier aggressive archetype
Current Standard Legality: Yes
Solo Leveling launched Union Arena in English. The set introduced the Shadow Army mechanic, which remains one of the strongest consistent archetypes in the game. 100-card set with good density of competitive staples. Starter deck is the best beginner option in Union Arena EN.
EN Release: June 2023
Japanese Release: April 2023
Set Size: 120 cards
Key Mechanic: Hollow Form (Ichigo's power level increases as Hollow conditions are met)
Competitive Status: Active standard, balanced midrange archetype
Current Standard Legality: Yes
Bleach introduced a more complex conditional mechanic than Solo Leveling. Ichigo's form change ability requires meeting specific board conditions (number of Spirit Pressure characters in play, specific characters K.O.'d). Rewarding but not beginner-friendly. Chase card: Hollow Ichigo ($25-40).
EN Release: October 2023
Japanese Release: July 2023
Set Size: 120 cards
Key Mechanic: Cursed Energy / Domain Expansion (board wipe with conditional exemptions)
Competitive Status: Active standard, control archetype
Current Standard Legality: Yes
JJK's Domain Expansion is the most impactful single card in Union Arena EN. When resolved, it K.O.'s all characters on the field unless they have Cursed Energy trait. This creates a field wipe that resets board advantage. Strongest in long games against creature-heavy decks. High skill ceiling.
EN Release: February 2024
Japanese Release: November 2023
Set Size: 60 cards (EX sets are smaller supplemental releases)
Key Mechanic: Quirk activation (character abilities unlock when specific allies are in play)
Competitive Status: Active standard (EX sets have shorter rotation cycles)
Current Standard Legality: Yes
EX sets are Union Arena's supplemental release format: smaller card pools, faster release cadence, less competitive impact than main BT sets. MHA EX01 added Quirk activation support for characters that mention specific ally names. Mostly casual play value.
EN Release: May 2024
Japanese Release: March 2024
Set Size: 130 cards
Key Mechanic: Power Level scaling (Ki accumulation buffs character power permanently)
Competitive Status: Active standard, ramp-into-big-bodies archetype
Current Standard Legality: Yes
Dragon Ball Super uses Ki as a secondary resource. Characters accumulate Ki through specific abilities and events. High-Ki characters power up permanently beyond their printed values. The archetype is slow to establish but closes games quickly once the power scaling triggers.
GODEEPER: Want to know which Union Arena IP is best for new players to start with? Union Arena TCG Beginner Guide →
EN Release: August 2024
Japanese Release: June 2024
Set Size: 60 cards
Key Mechanic: Ninjutsu chaining (playing sequential events at reduced cost)
Competitive Status: Active standard
Current Standard Legality: Yes
Naruto EX02 introduced Ninjutsu chaining, which lets you play one event and then chain into a second event at 1 energy less. Combo-friendly and interesting in theory but the small card pool limits it to a casual tier in standard.
EN Release: November 2024
Japanese Release: September 2024
Set Size: 120 cards
Key Mechanic: Dual Blade (Kirito gains additional abilities when controlling both a sword and a dagger character)
Competitive Status: Active standard, niche archetype
Current Standard Legality: Yes
SAO's Dual Blade mechanic requires maintaining two specific character types simultaneously to unlock Kirito's best abilities. Fragile to targeted removal since opponents can disable the synergy by removing either half. Competitively niche; strong in casual because the anime is so popular.
EN Release: August 14, 2026 (confirmed)
Japanese Release: May 2026
Set Size: 130 cards (announced)
Key Mechanic: Jewel Shard / Purification (progressive power scaling through Jewel Shard counters, Kagome's Purification removes counters for bonus effects)
Competitive Status: Not yet released in EN; JP testing indicates strong beginner accessibility
Current Standard Legality: Will be legal from EN release date
InuYasha is the most anticipated Union Arena EN release of 2026. The Jewel Shard mechanic scales characters as you accumulate counters, similar to Dragon Ball Super's Ki system but with Kagome's Purification providing a unique counter-reset mechanic. Japanese data suggests beginner-friendly design with less conditional complexity than JJK.
Dragon Ball Super Extended (BT07 JP): Japanese release January 2026. Not confirmed for EN as of May 2026.
Blue Lock (BT08 JP): Japanese announcement but no release window confirmed.
Fairy Tail: IP-licensed but no release announcement in any region.
Bandai Namco typically announces EN dates 3-4 months before the EN release. Watch the official Union Arena EN social media channels for confirmation.
Union Arena standard format rotates sets out approximately 18 months after EN release. Current rotation cadence:
Check the official Bandai Namco Union Arena tournament page before every major event because rotation announcements sometimes happen with limited advance notice.
For competitive play: Solo Leveling (most consistent win rate) or JJK (highest skill ceiling, highest reward).
For collecting: Bleach (most character diversity, Ichigo is a collector magnet), InuYasha when it releases in August 2026.
For beginners: Solo Leveling starter deck, then InuYasha when it releases if you prefer a less aggressive playstyle.
For box value: JJK had the strongest box EV among released sets due to high chase card demand. Solo Leveling boxes hold steady value.
GODEEPER: For the best introduction to playing Union Arena's Solo Leveling set competitively, the Solo Leveling guide covers the key cards and deck build. Union Arena Solo Leveling Guide →
Does Union Arena have a world championship? Yes. Bandai Namco runs a Union Arena World Championship. Regional qualifiers feed into the world event. Check the official site for the current year's schedule and qualifying system.
Can I buy English Union Arena cards at Japanese game stores? EN cards are region-specific and typically not sold at Japanese retailers. Japanese card shops carry JP versions. Online retailers and import stores carry both versions globally.
Are Japanese Union Arena cards playable in EN tournaments? Generally no. Official EN tournaments require EN card versions. Some local events allow both; confirm with your local tournament organizer.
How big is the Union Arena player base compared to One Piece TCG? Union Arena's EN player base is smaller than One Piece TCG's but growing. The multi-IP approach creates wider casual reach. Competitive events in North America typically draw 50-150 players for regionals versus 200-400 for equivalent OPTCG events.
Will more anime IPs get Union Arena sets? Bandai Namco has confirmed Union Arena is an ongoing platform with multiple IPs planned. Hunter x Hunter and Fullmetal Alchemist have been cited as potential future sets in community speculation, but nothing is officially confirmed.
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