TOPICS
Introduction of the Block Number System
Thank you for playing the ONE PIECE CARD GAME.
With the implementation of a simultaneous worldwide release schedule, we anticipate that it will be easier than ever for new players to pick up and enjoy the ONE PIECE CARD GAME. In order to ensure that future players can try their hand at the game at any time, and that current players can continue to enjoy the game, we are implementing the Block Number system starting from April 1, 2026, with the goal of keeping card text easy to understand.
What are Block Numbers?
Block Numbers refer to the number printed in the lower right corner of each card.
These numbers are updated every year, with booster packs 1 to 4 being Block 1, booster packs 5 to 8 being Block 2, and so on.
The Block Number system will be implemented from April 1, 2026, and these Block Numbers will be used to designate which card pools are eligible for championships and official tournaments.
Events After April 1, 2026
Starting from Wednesday, April 1, 2026, we will adopt two regulations, Standard Regulation and Extra Regulation, for tournaments.
STANDARD REGULATION
In the Standard Regulation, we will adopt the Block Number System, allowing players to build their decks from a card pool of approximately 3 years' worth of the latest cards.
Therefore, this regulation features the following:
- ・The card pool is limited, ensuring that deck building and gameplay difficulty remain consistent.
- ・Players can battle in a refined, up-to-date environment.
We believe this will provide an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Regarding the cards that can be used, for example, in tournaments from April 2026 to March 2027, cards ② to ⑤ will be allowed, while cards ① will not be allowed.
In tournaments from April 2027 to March 2028, cards ③ to ⑥ will be allowed, while cards ① to ② will not be allowed.
Additionally, for certain numbered cards, we plan to update the Block Numbers depending on user environment conditions.
For example, OP01-016 Nami will initially have Block Number ①, but we plan to reprint it with Block Number ⑤.
For cards with updated Block Numbers, all past illustrations will become available. Of course, cards marked with Block Number ① will also remain usable.
EXTRA REGULATION
In the Extra Regulation, you can build your decks using cards from Block Number ① to the most recent cards.
Therefore, this regulation features the following:
- ・You can play with your favorite cards from previous sets.
- ・You can refer to the entire past card pool and engage in battles with highly flexible deck composition.
We believe this will provide an enjoyable experience for everyone.
To offer a different kind of enjoyment compared to the Standard Regulation, we are preparing additional regulation details. Please stay tuned for further updates.
Regarding the cards that can be used, for example, in tournaments from April 2026 to March 2027, all cards from ① to ⑤ will be allowed, and in tournaments from April 2027 to March 2028, all cards from ① to ⑥ will be allowed.
Additionally, we are working on providing a unique and enjoyable experience in the Extra Regulation, which offers a wider card pool. We are considering various options to enhance this experience.
Details on this will also be prepared, so please stay tuned for the announcement.
In Conclusion
As stated, our intent in implementing this system is to prevent the game from becoming overly complex in the future—without it, the pool of cards available for deck building would include four years' worth of cards by 2026, and ten years' worth of cards by 2032. We also want to ensure that card text remains easy to understand and accessible for all players.
Our development team sincerely wishes to maintain simple and enjoyable card text for everyone.
We apologize for any concerns that this announcement may cause among players, but we remain committed to developing the ONE PIECE CARD GAME as a card game that will last for decades to come. We hope that you continue to enjoy the game as it evolves.
BANDAI Card Games Division