The 2026 trading card game release calendar is already shaping up to be one of the busiest years in TCG history. Between major in-universe Magic sets, expanding competitive ecosystems like Riftbound, and continued momentum from Disney Lorcana and all the other trading card games in the space, there’s a lot for players and collectors to keep track of.
Whether you’re planning preorders, budgeting for sealed product, or deciding which games to fully invest in next year, this guide breaks down every major confirmed TCG release for 2026 and explains who each set is best for.
What Riftbound releases are coming in 2026?
Riftbound continues to aggressively expand its card pool in 2026, with four major releases planned throughout the year. If you’re a competitive player or someone invested in deck evolution, Riftbound is one of the most important–and newest–TCGs to watch next year.
Spiritforged – February 13th, 2026
The year kicks off with Spiritforged, a set expected to push deeper champion customization and equipment-focused strategies. This is a strong pickup for players already invested in Origins or looking to solidify a main deck early in the season.
Unleashed – May 2026
Unleashed is positioned as a mid-year meta shakeup. No official spoilers yet other than the cover, however with Vi and Master Yi’s returning art work, I’m expecting to see some important reprints and possible legend cards for champion units from set 1.
Vendetta – Q3 2026
Again, with no official spoilers we don’t know much about Vendetta other than the Champions on the cover. One thing that is known is that Riot is aiming for this set to be the first set to release at the same time globally.
Radiance – Q4 2026
The fourth and final set for Riftbound is called Radiance, expected to release in Q4 of 2026 we currently have no other information other than the title.
Who should buy Riftbound in 2026?
Highly recommended for competitive TCG players and Riot IP fans who enjoy constant meta evolution and deck refinement.
What Magic: The Gathering releases are coming in 2026?
Magic The Gathering has a packed 2026 schedule, but these are the major in-universe sets most players will want to prioritize. Each one targets a different slice of the Magic audience. We have a full breakdown of what is releasing in 2026 here.
Lorwyn Eclipsed – January 23rd 2026
With pre-release starting in just a few weeks on January 16th, you’d think there’d be more spoilers than there are. However, fans—myself included—are excited about this set so we’re holding out. A return to Lorwyn is a huge deal for long-time fans. Expect tribal synergies, fairy-tale flavor, and mechanics that reflect the light and the dark of this realm.
Secrets of Strixhaven – April 2026
Strixhaven’s return will likely focus on spells, factions, and academic-themed gameplay. If you enjoy instant- and sorcery-heavy decks or Magecraft-style mechanics, this will likely be one of the standout releases of the year.
Reality Fracture – October 2026
Not much has been revealed about this set yet, however it is the last in-universe magic set of the year. I’m hoping to see reality flipped versions of well known Magic characters.
Who should buy Magic in 2026?
Commander players, Limited fans, and anyone looking for strong in-universe storytelling without Universes Beyond commitments.
What Disney Lorcana releases are coming in 2026?
Disney Lorcana continues its steady expansion in 2026, not just with new card sets, but with brand-new products aimed squarely at collectors and dedicated fans. Alongside upcoming releases, Ravensburger is launching the first official Disney Lorcana Collector’s Guides, offering a deep dive into Lorcana’s artwork, lore, and a complete visual catalogue of cards from the game’s first two years. These guides, along with the new Disney Lorcana Notebook, give players and collectors even more ways to engage with the game beyond the table.
Winterspell - February 13th 2026
Disney Lorcana leans fully into seasonal chaos with Winterspell, bringing a wave of winter-themed fun to the realm. This set introduces new glimmers from Disney Darkwing Duck and Disney Lilo & Stitch: The Series.
Wilds Unknown - Q2 2026
Wilds Unknown expands Lorcana’s scope by welcoming Pixar Animation Studios characters into the game for the first time. Illumineers will be joined by Disney and Pixar’s Woody, Buzz, and more familiar faces as they traverse treacherous terrains and unexplored regions.
Who should buy Lorcana in 2026?
Collectors, Disney fans, and casual-to-midcore players looking for accessible gameplay with strong IP appeal.
What Pokemon TCG releases are coming in 2026?
Pokémon Trading Card Game continues to balance nostalgia and competitive evolution heading into 2026. The Pokémon TCG remains one of the most collector-driven card games on the market, but recent sets have also done a strong job supporting tournament play and deck diversity. Early 2026 looks to lean heavily into fan-favorite mechanics, making it a key year for both longtime collectors and competitive players planning their sealed and singles purchases.
Mega Evolutions Ascended Heroes - January 30th 2026
Pokémon Trading Card Game launches 2026 with Mega Evolutions: Ascended Heroes, putting Mega Evolution back in the spotlight and keeping the hype going well past release day. The main set arrives on January 30, followed by a steady stream of additional products throughout the spring.
On February 20, players and collectors can pick up the Elite Trainer Box, Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box, and Mini Tins. The excitement ramps up further on March 20 with Premium Poster Collections featuring Mega Lucario and Mega Gardevoir, plus a Deluxe Pin Collection highlighting the starter Pokémon from Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
The rollout wraps up on April 24 with the Booster Bundle and Mega-focused boxes for Mega Emboar ex, Mega Feraligatr ex, and Mega Meganium ex, making Ascended Heroes a standout early-year set for both collectors and competitive players.
Who should buy Pokémon in 2026?
Collectors, nostalgia-driven fans, and competitive players looking for high-impact power cards.
What Yu-Gi-Oh releases are coming in 2026?
Yu-Gi-Oh Trading Card Game enters 2026 with its signature rapid-fire meta evolution and a continued focus on high-skill competitive play. Yu-Gi-Oh remains one of the fastest-evolving TCGs, with new archetypes and combo lines frequently reshaping the meta. Early 2026 releases are positioned to immediately impact tournament decks, making these sets especially important for duelists who stay current with competitive formats.
Burst Protocol - January 26th 2026
Burst Protocol kicks off the year as a main booster set designed to push new strategies and expand existing archetypes. Expect brand-new cards that immediately impact competitive play, along with support for established decks looking to stay relevant in the evolving meta. This is a priority pickup for duelists who play regularly at locals or follow the tournament scene closely.
Maze of Muertos - February 20th 2026
Maze of Muertos blends strong thematic flavor with meaningful gameplay additions. Featuring a Day of the Dead–inspired aesthetic, this set introduces new cards and archetype support that reward creative deckbuilding and combo experimentation. It’s a great middle ground for players who enjoy competitive viability but also value standout artwork and theme cohesion.
Rarity Collection 5 - April 10th 2026
Rarity Collection 5 is a must-buy for collectors and competitive players alike. This release focuses on highly sought-after reprints upgraded into premium rarities, making powerful and popular cards more accessible while also offering high-end versions for collectors. If you’re upgrading decks or hunting chase foils, this is one of the safest purchases of the year.
Blazing Dominion - May 8th 2026
Rounding out the lineup, Blazing Dominion delivers another core expansion aimed at expanding the game’s strategic depth. With new monsters, spells, and traps designed to slot into a variety of playstyles, this set is expected to further shape the competitive landscape as the year progresses.
Who should buy Yu-Gi-Oh! in 2026?
Competitive duelists, collectors chasing premium rarities, and longtime fans who enjoy both high-level play and strong thematic releases.
What One Piece TCG releases are coming in 2026?
One Piece Card Game continues its strong momentum in 2026 with a packed early-year lineup that caters to both competitive players and collectors. Bandai is stacking January and February with new decks, booster products, and accessories, making One Piece one of the most active TCGs to start the year.
An Egghead Starter Deck [ST-29] – January 16, 2026
The year begins with the Egghead Starter Deck, offering an accessible entry point tied to one of the series’ most recent arcs. Starter decks like this are ideal for new players jumping into the game or veterans looking for a ready-to-play foundation built around a focused strategy.
The Azure Sea’s Seven [OP14-EB04] – January 16, 2026
Launching alongside the starter deck, The Azure Sea’s Seven booster pack expands the card pool with new leaders, characters, and strategies. This release is positioned as a major pickup for players keeping up with the evolving competitive meta, while also offering strong collector appeal tied to fan-favorite characters.
Illustration Boxes – January 16, 2026
Also releasing on January 16, Illustration Boxes include four booster packs and two promo cards, making them an attractive mid-tier option for collectors who want exclusive art alongside sealed product.
Tin Packs – January 30, 2026
Later in the month, Tin Packs arrive containing two booster packs, offering a compact and collectible-friendly option that’s perfect for casual purchases or display-focused collectors.
One Piece Heroines Edition [EB-03] – February 2026
The early 2026 rollout continues with the Extra Booster: One Piece Heroines Edition, a character-focused release that spotlights popular female characters from across the series. Extra Boosters typically blend collector value with targeted deck support, making this a standout release for fans of the IP.
Official Accessories – Throughout 2026
Bandai will also release new official card sleeves and playmats throughout the year, giving players additional ways to personalize their decks and tournament setups.
Who should buy One Piece TCG in 2026?
Competitive players following the meta closely, anime fans invested in the Egghead arc, and collectors looking for premium promos and themed products.
Extra TCGs to watch in 2026
Beyond the major headliners, several other trading card games have confirmed meaningful releases throughout 2026. While these games may not be the primary focus for most players, they’re absolutely worth keeping on your radar if you’re invested in their respective ecosystems or IPs.
Flesh and Blood TCG releases in 2026
Flesh and Blood keeps things tight and competitive with a new budget format in early 2026 with a focused release window.
Compendium of Rathe (Booster Set) – February 13, 2026
Silver Age Format Preconstructed Decks – February 13, 2026
Featuring 10 Heroes, designed to support the Silver Age format and provide accessible entry points for organized play.
Digimon TCG releases in 2026
Digimon has one of the busiest supplemental schedules of the year, with steady releases supporting both collectors and competitive players.
Early 2026
BT-24: Time Stranger – Pre-release January 16, 2026 / In stores January 23, 2026
EX-11: Dawn of Liberator – February 13, 2026
AD-01: Digimon Generation (Advanced Booster) – March 2026
Mid to Late 2026
BT-25: Dual Revolution – May 22, 2026
ST-23 & ST-24 Starter Decks (Beatbreak & Data Squad) – May 15, 2026
EX-12: Digital World Shambala – July 3, 2026
Gundam TCG releases in 2026
The Gundam TCG continues its structured rollout with a mix of starter decks, boosters, and premium collections.
Celestial Drive [ST07] – January 16, 2026
Flash of Radiance [ST08] – January 16, 2026
Steel Requiem [GD03] (Booster Pack) – January 30, 2026
Premium Card Collection: Gundam Assemble [PC02A] – February 27, 2026
Premium Card Collection: Iron-Blooded Orphans [PC01A] – February 27, 2026
Destiny Ignition [ST09] – March 27, 2026
Star Wars: Unlimited releases in 2026
Star Wars: Unlimited lays out a clear, narrative-driven expansion path for 2026.
A Lawless Time (Set 7) – March 2026
Focuses on outlaws, heists, and introduces new mechanics like credit tokens and multi-aspect cards
Ashes of the Empire (Set 8) – July 2026
Homeworlds (Set 9) – November 2026
Additional Products
Twin Suns Decks – Spring 2026
Icons Mini-Set – Fall 2026
Union Arena TCG releases in 2026
Union Arena remains one of the most IP-heavy TCGs in the space, with an aggressive 2026 lineup spanning anime, games, and manga properties.
Early 2026 Highlights
Arknights Starter Deck – January 9, 2026
Kingdom, Evangelion Booster Packs & Starter Decks – January 30, 2026
Goddess of Victory: Nikke Starter Deck – February 13, 2026
Chained Soldier & Kagurabachi Booster Packs – February 27, 2026
Spring 2026
Inuyasha Booster Pack – March 13, 2026
Solo Leveling Booster Pack – March 20, 2026
Re:ZERO Booster Pack – March 21, 2026
Tokyo Ghoul Booster Pack & Starter Deck – April 24, 2026
Later 2026 (Confirmed / Expected)
Chainsaw Man Booster Pack – July 31, 2026
The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, REALLY Love You Booster Pack – July 10, 2026
Sakamoto Days Booster Pack – 2026
Who should keep an eye on these extra TCGs?
Dedicated fans of specific IPs, competitive niche players, and collectors looking to branch out beyond the major headline games without fully committing their 2026 budget.
How to Budget for TCG Releases in 2026
With so many trading card games releasing new products throughout the year, planning ahead is the best way to avoid burnout—both financially and mentally. Not every game needs a full buy-in, and most players will be happiest picking one or two primary TCGs to focus on while sampling others selectively.
If you’re a competitive player, it makes sense to prioritize early-year releases that will shape metas for months, like Riftbound’s Spiritforged or Pokémon’s Mega Evolutions: Ascended Heroes. Collectors may want to set aside a budget for premium products, special editions, and staggered releases like ETBs, promo boxes, and illustration collections rather than chasing every booster set. Meanwhile, casual players and IP fans can comfortably jump in with starter decks, precons, and mid-year expansions without committing to full cases or constant upgrades.
Spacing out purchases by quarter, keeping an eye on prerelease windows, and being selective about which games you truly want to stay current in will go a long way toward making 2026 an enjoyable, and manageable, TCG year.
Final Thoughts on the 2026 TCG Release Calendar
2026 is shaping up to be one of the most packed and diverse years the TCG space has ever seen. Between strong in-universe Magic sets, Disney Lorcana’s continued expansion, and an ever-growing list of anime and IP-driven games, there’s something here for every type of player.
That said, the game I’m personally most excited to keep tabs on is Riftbound. Its clearly defined competitive focus, global release goals, and emphasis on meaningful meta evolution make it one of the most promising new TCG ecosystems heading into next year. If Riot continues delivering on that vision, Riftbound could quickly become a cornerstone competitive card game in 2026.
No matter which games you choose to invest in, this is a great year to be a TCG fan, as long as you plan smart and play what excites you most.
If you’re looking for more TCG content, be sure to check out our Lorwyn Eclipsed reveal speculation article for answers on why there haven’t been as many reveals this time around.
