2026 TCG Release Calendar: All Sets

Published: February 15, 2026

⏱️ 19 min read

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Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

  • 2026 features over 50 major TCG releases across six major games, with Pokemon’s 30th anniversary driving unprecedented product volume
  • Pokemon TCG leads with 5+ confirmed sets including Mega Evolution: Ascended Heroes (February 20) and Mega Evolution: Perfect Order (March 20)
  • Disney Lorcana introduces first Pixar characters in Wilds Unknown set while Magic: The Gathering debuts Marvel Universes Beyond
  • Q1 2026 is the busiest quarter with 15+ releases from January through March, requiring strategic budget allocation
  • Using a collection management app like Hall of Cards helps track new releases and monitor your portfolio value as 2026 sets hit the market

2026 TCG Release Calendar by Month

Here’s your quick-reference month-by-month breakdown of all major TCG release dates 2026:

January 2026:

  • January 30: Pokemon Day 2026 Collection
  • January 31: One Piece Card Game EB04 Egghead Crisis

February 2026:

  • February 1: Disney Lorcana Official Collector’s Guides
  • February 20: Pokemon TCG Mega Evolution: Ascended Heroes
  • February TBA: Magic: The Gathering Q1 Standard Set
  • February TBA: Yu-Gi-Oh Quarter Century Bonanza

March 2026:

  • March 20: Pokemon TCG Mega Evolution: Perfect Order
  • March 30: Pokemon First Partner Illustration Collections
  • March TBA: Magic: The Gathering Commander Release
  • March TBA: Yu-Gi-Oh Structure Deck

April 2026:

  • April TBA: Disney Lorcana Winterspell (Darkwing Duck, Lilo & Stitch)
  • April TBA: Magic: The Gathering Hobbit Universes Beyond
  • April TBA: Riftbound Spiritforged

May 2026:

  • May TBA: Pokemon TCG Spring Set
  • May TBA: One Piece Card Game Booster Pack 5
  • May TBA: Star Wars: Unlimited Expansion

June 2026:

  • June TBA: Magic: The Gathering Marvel Universes Beyond
  • June TBA: Yu-Gi-Oh Summer Core Booster
  • June TBA: Disney Lorcana Wilds Unknown (First Pixar Characters)

July-December 2026:

  • Additional Pokemon 30th anniversary releases expected
  • Magic: The Gathering Fall Standard Set and Commander products
  • Yu-Gi-Oh fall/winter core boosters and structure decks
  • One Piece Card Game continued booster releases
  • Riftbound three additional sets planned
  • Star Wars: Unlimited expansion schedule TBA

This pokemon tcg release schedule 2026 represents the most aggressive product calendar in hobby history, with major releases nearly every week during peak season.

Pokemon TCG 2026 Release Schedule

Pokemon’s 30th anniversary makes 2026 the most significant year for the game since its 1996 debut. The pokemon tcg release dates 2026 feature multiple mainline expansions, special anniversary products, and nostalgic callback collections.

Pokemon Day 2026 Collection – January 30, 2026

The annual Pokemon Day celebration launches 2026 with a special collection honoring three decades of Pokemon. While specific contents haven’t been fully revealed, expect premium cards featuring iconic Pokemon from every generation, exclusive promo cards, and collectible packaging. Historical Pokemon Day products have included alternate art versions of legendary Pokemon and special foil treatments.

Mega Evolution: Ascended Heroes – February 20, 2026

The first mainline expansion of 2026 brings Mega Evolution mechanics back to the modern TCG format. This set focuses on Mega Evolutions from Generations I-III, featuring Mega Charizard X, Mega Blastoise, Mega Venusaur, Mega Blaziken, and Mega Swampert among the headliners. The set introduces new mechanics that reward evolution strategies and features stunning special illustrations of Mega Pokemon in action.

Chase cards include:

  • Special illustration rare Mega Charizard X
  • Hyper rare gold Mega Blastoise
  • Full art trainer cards featuring classic Gym Leaders
  • Secret rare Mega Evolution energy cards

Mega Evolution: Perfect Order – March 20, 2026

The companion set to Ascended Heroes drops exactly one month later, completing the Mega Evolution block with Pokemon from Generations IV-VIII. Expect Mega Lucario, Mega Garchomp, Mega Gallade, and other fan-favorites to receive the special illustration rare treatment.

This two-set structure mirrors successful past blocks like Sword & Shield, allowing collectors to build complete evolution chains across both releases while maintaining set sizes that don’t overwhelm the market.

First Partner Illustration Collections – March 30, 2026

Following the success of previous First Partner packs featuring starter Pokemon, this 30th anniversary edition compiles every starter Pokemon from Bulbasaur to the latest generation in special illustration format. Each three-card pack focuses on one generation’s starter trio with unique artwork celebrating the partnership theme that defines Pokemon.

These make excellent entry points for new collectors and nostalgia purchases for returning fans who started with specific generations.

Additional 2026 Pokemon Releases

Pokemon International has confirmed additional sets throughout 2026 without announcing exact dates:

  • Summer expansion (likely June/July timeframe)
  • Fall expansion celebrating 30th anniversary (September/October)
  • Holiday-themed November/December release
  • Special 30th Anniversary Premium Collections throughout the year
  • Possible reprint sets bringing classic cards back into rotation

The pokemon tcg release schedule 2026 represents the most ambitious product calendar in the game’s history, with The Pokemon Company International committing to keeping all products well-stocked to meet collector demand after the supply shortages of 2020-2022.

Magic: The Gathering 2026 Releases

Magic: The Gathering celebrates its 33rd year with a bold 2026 schedule that fully embraces the Universes Beyond concept while maintaining core Standard and Commander releases.

Q1 2026 Standard Set – February

While Wizards of the Coast hasn’t announced the specific name, their typical release cadence puts a new Standard-legal set in early February. This set will likely continue the modern Magic storyline following the events of 2025’s final expansion. Expect approximately 250-280 cards with new mechanics designed for competitive Standard play.

Hobbit Universes Beyond – April 2026

Following the success of Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, Magic returns to J.R.R. Tolkien’s world with a Hobbit-focused set. This full expansion brings Bilbo’s journey to life with mechanically unique cards legal in Eternal formats. Expect iconic moments like riddles in the dark with Gollum, the Battle of Five Armies, and encounters with Smaug.

The set design team has confirmed this will not be Standard-legal but will feature cards designed specifically for Commander play, with legendary creature cards for every major Hobbit character.

Marvel Universes Beyond – June 2026

The biggest Universes Beyond release ever brings Marvel superheroes and villains to Magic. This massive set features characters from across the Marvel universe, with special showcase treatments for Avengers, X-Men, Spider-Man variants, and cosmic entities.

Early previews suggest mechanics that synergize with the “hero” and “villain” theme, potentially including team-up mechanics and character-specific abilities that mirror superhero powers. This set releases alongside Secret Lair drops featuring individual Marvel heroes in special art treatments.

Commander Releases Throughout 2026

Magic’s most popular format receives regular support:

  • March: Commander Masters follow-up or themed Commander decks
  • July: Commander pre-constructed decks tied to Summer Standard set
  • October: Commander Legends-style draftable Commander set
  • November: Holiday-themed Commander release

Additional Magic 2026 Products

  • Secret Lair drops monthly featuring artist collaborations and special themes
  • Modern Horizons 3 expected in Q3 2026
  • Possible Pioneer Masters or format-specific reprint set
  • Magic 30 continued anniversary products

The 2026 Magic release calendar balances innovation through Universes Beyond with support for core formats, giving players multiple entry points regardless of their preferred play style.

Yu-Gi-Oh TCG 2026 Release Dates

Yu-Gi-Oh enters 2026 with momentum from Quarter Century celebrations and a release structure that maintains the game’s three-month core booster cadence.

Quarter Century Bonanza – February 2026

Following the 25th anniversary celebrations of 2024-2025, this special set continues commemorative releases with reprints of tournament staples and classic cards with updated rarities. Quarter Century secret rares feature special silver foil treatment, making this a high-value set for competitive players and collectors alike.

Expect reprints of chase cards from recent years alongside nostalgic throwbacks to early Yu-Gi-Oh sets, all with updated card text for modern gameplay compatibility.

Spring Core Booster – March 2026

The first mainline booster of 2026 introduces new archetypes while supporting existing competitive strategies. Yu-Gi-Oh’s core boosters typically feature 100+ cards with new themes centered around specific monster types or attributes.

Recent trends suggest this set will include support for anime-featured archetypes alongside competitively viable tournament-level cards.

Structure Decks Q1-Q2 2026

Yu-Gi-Oh releases three structure decks annually, with 2026’s first releases expected in March and May. These pre-constructed decks offer complete strategies out of the box and typically include exclusive cards later reprinted in core boosters.

Summer Core Booster – June 2026

Mid-year core boosters historically introduce the summer tournament season’s defining strategies. This set will shape competitive play for World Championship qualifiers and major events through August and September.

Fall and Winter Releases

  • September: Fall core booster (set name TBA)
  • October: Mega Pack compilation reprint set
  • November: Structure deck and holiday gift products
  • December: Year-end special set (possible battle pack format)

Collector Products Throughout 2026

  • Maximum Gold-style premium compilations
  • Speed Duel releases for alternate format support
  • Tournament packs for organized play
  • Legendary Duelist sets featuring anime character themes

Yu-Gi-Oh maintains the most consistent release schedule among major TCGs, with predictable quarterly boosters allowing competitive players to plan deck investments around known meta shifts.

Disney Lorcana 2026 Schedule

Disney Lorcana enters its second full year with aggressive expansion plans that broaden the game’s Disney and Pixar character roster while refining gameplay mechanics introduced in 2024’s launch.

Official Collector’s Guides – February 1, 2026

The first official hardcover collector’s guides for Lorcana release in early February, providing comprehensive coverage of sets 1-6 with card values, rarity guides, and collecting strategies. These books serve as essential references for serious Lorcana collectors and include exclusive insights from the design team.

Winterspell – April 2026

The spring Lorcana release brings winter-themed Disney characters to the game, with confirmed inclusions of Darkwing Duck (his Lorcana debut) and characters from Lilo & Stitch. This 200+ card set continues Lorcana’s tradition of mixing classic Disney animation with modern properties.

Early previews show enhanced foil treatments on rare and legendary cards, with enchanted (full-art) versions of marquee characters. The set’s mechanics reportedly focus on location cards and character abilities that reference Disney movie plots.

Wilds Unknown – June 2026

The biggest news for Lorcana collectors: Wilds Unknown introduces the first Pixar characters to the game. While Ravensburger hasn’t confirmed specific characters, collector speculation focuses on Toy Story, Monsters Inc., The Incredibles, and Finding Nemo as likely debut properties.

This expansion represents a major milestone for Lorcana, effectively doubling the available Disney IP for the game and opening up decades of beloved Pixar storytelling. Expect first-appearance Pixar cards to command premium prices, similar to how first edition cards from Set 1 appreciated rapidly.

Fall 2026 Lorcana Set

An unnamed fall release is confirmed for September or October 2026, though details remain scarce. Ravensburger’s roadmap suggests continued Pixar integration alongside classic Disney properties, possibly with seasonal theming for Halloween or fall holidays.

Gift Sets and Special Products

Throughout 2026, expect:

  • Illumineer’s Trove collector boxes (quarterly)
  • Two-player starter sets with exclusive cards
  • Character-specific deck boxes and accessories
  • Special edition enchanted card releases
  • Possible first anniversary premium collection

Lorcana’s rapid growth makes the 2026 release calendar critical for collectors establishing position in what many consider the decade’s most successful new TCG launch.

One Piece Card Game 2026 Releases

The One Piece Card Game’s explosive global growth continues into 2026 with regular booster sets and expansion packs that follow the anime and manga storyline.

Egghead Crisis EB04 – January 31, 2026

Kicking off the 2026 release schedule, Egghead Crisis covers the Egghead Island arc with new Vegapunk variations, Kizaru, and updated Straw Hat crew cards. This expansion booster introduces leader cards and support for multiple playstyles, with particular focus on Science-themed decks.

Collectors should note that expansion boosters have historically produced some of the game’s most valuable alternate art cards, making EB04 a priority for long-term investment.

Booster Pack 5 – May 2026

The fifth mainline booster pack continues the game’s three-to-four-month release cadence. While specific arc coverage hasn’t been announced, the timeline suggests coverage of post-Wano storyline developments with new character introductions from recent manga chapters.

Expect 120+ cards with new leader cards for fan-favorite characters and continued support for established deck archetypes like Red Aggro, Blue Control, and Green Ramp strategies.

Summer 2026 Releases

Bandai’s typical schedule puts another expansion booster or special compilation set in summer months (July/August), likely timed with anime milestone episodes or manga volume releases.

Fall Booster Pack 6 – September/October 2026

The fall mainline expansion continues One Piece Card Game’s momentum with new mechanics and possibly the first cards from upcoming anime arcs. Tournament players should monitor this release for potential meta-defining cards ahead of year-end championship events.

Special Products Throughout 2026

  • Starter Decks featuring new characters (quarterly)
  • Memorial Collection sets with premium reprints
  • Tournament participation packs and promos
  • Character-specific premium collections
  • Anniversary products (game launched 2022)

One Piece Card Game’s international distribution has improved significantly from 2024’s shortage issues, with Bandai committing to meeting demand for all 2026 releases. Pre-orders remain recommended for special products and popular booster sets.

Other TCG Releases 2026

Beyond the big five TCGs, several growing games have confirmed 2026 releases worth tracking.

Riftbound 2026 Schedule

The fantasy TCG Riftbound plans four releases for 2026:

  • Spiritforged (April) – The spring expansion introduces spirit-bonding mechanics with 200+ new cards
  • Q2 expansion (June/July TBA)
  • Q3 expansion (September TBA)
  • Q4 expansion (November/December TBA)

Riftbound’s strategic gameplay and high-quality fantasy art have built a dedicated competitive scene, with 2026 releases supporting organized play growth and potential World Championship announcement.

Star Wars: Unlimited 2026

Fantasy Flight Games continues supporting their 2024-launched Star Wars TCG with regular expansions:

  • Q1 expansion (February/March) – Continues base game storylines
  • Q2 expansion (May/June) – Possibly covers sequel trilogy content
  • Q3 expansion (August/September)
  • Holiday release (November/December)

Star Wars: Unlimited has gained traction among competitive players seeking alternatives to Magic and Yu-Gi-Oh, with fast gameplay and character-driven deck construction appealing to both Star Wars fans and TCG veterans.

MetaZoo, Flesh and Blood, and Other TCGs

While specific 2026 dates aren’t confirmed, these TCGs typically maintain regular release schedules:

  • Flesh and Blood: Quarterly booster sets with seasonal themes
  • Digimon Card Game: Three to four main boosters plus expansion sets
  • Weiss Schwarz: Licensed character sets from anime and gaming properties
  • Battle Spirits Saga: Quarterly releases building competitive scene

Collectors tracking these secondary TCGs should monitor official social media channels for specific 2026 release date announcements throughout Q1.

How to Plan Your TCG Collecting Budget for 2026

With 50+ major releases confirmed across six TCGs, strategic budget planning prevents overspending while ensuring you don’t miss priority sets.

Priority Ranking Your TCG Interests

Start by identifying which games you actively collect versus casually enjoy. Allocate 60-70% of your annual TCG budget to your primary game, with remaining funds divided among secondary interests.

For example, if you’re primarily a Pokemon collector who casually plays Lorcana:

  • 70% Pokemon (all major releases)
  • 20% Lorcana (only main sets, skip gift products)
  • 10% One Piece (one or two booster boxes as investment)

Pre-Order Strategy for 2026 Releases

Pre-ordering typically saves 10-20% versus release-day prices while guaranteeing allocation for high-demand sets:

  • Pre-order Pokemon 30th anniversary products immediately when available
  • Secure Marvel Universes Beyond and Hobbit sets early (expect high demand)
  • Pre-order Lorcana Wilds Unknown (first Pixar set will be extremely popular)
  • Consider group buys for cases to reduce per-box cost

Monthly Budget Allocation

Based on the release calendar, these months require above-average TCG budgets:

  • January: Light month, Pokemon Day Collection only
  • February: Heavy month with Pokemon Mega Evolution + Yu-Gi-Oh + Magic
  • March: Very heavy with two Pokemon releases + support products
  • April: Moderate with Lorcana Winterspell and Magic Hobbit
  • May-June: Heavy with multiple summer releases across all games
  • July-December: Steady monthly releases requiring consistent allocation

Singles vs. Sealed Product

The 2026 release calendar’s density makes strategic singles purchases more economical than attempting to buy sealed product for every release:

  • Buy sealed product for your primary TCG’s major releases
  • Purchase singles for secondary TCG interests
  • Prioritize sealed product with long-term appreciation potential (Pokemon 30th anniversary, Marvel Universes Beyond)
  • Buy singles for competitive play needs from other releases

Investment Holds for 2026

If building a TCG investment portfolio, prioritize sealed product from:

  • Pokemon Mega Evolution sets (Mega Pokemon historically appreciate well)
  • Pokemon 30th anniversary limited products
  • Disney Lorcana Wilds Unknown (first Pixar characters)
  • Magic Marvel Universes Beyond (crossover appeal beyond TCG market)
  • One Piece early expansion boosters (game still in high-growth phase)

Hold periods of 3-5 years typically required for meaningful appreciation on modern sealed TCG products.

Tracking Your Collection Value

As you acquire 2026 releases, use collection management software to monitor your portfolio’s value. Apps like Hall of Cards provide real-time valuations as new sets release and individual card prices fluctuate with tournament meta shifts and collector demand.

This visibility helps inform future buying decisions, showing which products appreciate and which lose value post-release.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest TCG release of 2026?

Pokemon’s Mega Evolution: Ascended Heroes (February 20) and Magic: The Gathering’s Marvel Universes Beyond (June) compete for biggest release of 2026. Pokemon benefits from 30th anniversary momentum and collector nostalgia for Mega Evolutions from X/Y era, while Marvel’s massive crossover appeal brings new collectors to Magic. Both releases will likely see significant print runs and sustained demand through year-end. For investment purposes, Marvel Universes Beyond may offer better appreciation potential due to crossover collectors outside traditional TCG markets.

When does the Pokemon 30th anniversary set release?

Pokemon Day 2026 Collection releases January 30, but this represents just the first of multiple 30th anniversary products throughout 2026. The Mega Evolution sets (February 20 and March 20) serve as the mainline anniversary celebration, with additional commemorative products expected in fall 2026. The Pokemon Company hasn’t announced a single comprehensive “30th anniversary set” but rather a year-long celebration with special products, events, and releases honoring three decades of Pokemon TCG history. Watch for surprise announcements at major events like Worlds 2026 in August.

Which 2026 TCG releases are best for new collectors?

Pokemon First Partner Illustration Collections (March 30) offer the best entry point for new collectors with affordable price points and iconic starter Pokemon. Disney Lorcana starter decks and Winterspell set (April) provide another beginner-friendly option with simple mechanics and recognizable Disney characters. Magic: The Gathering’s Commander pre-constructed decks throughout 2026 deliver complete playable decks right out of the box. Avoid jumping into mid-year releases of established games like Yu-Gi-Oh without understanding deck-building fundamentals—these sets reward experienced players who can evaluate card synergies within existing meta decks.

Are TCG release dates 2026 final or subject to change?

Release dates shown for Q1-Q2 2026 (January through June) are confirmed by publishers and unlikely to shift barring manufacturing issues. Q3-Q4 dates remain tentative as publishers typically announce fall releases 4-6 months in advance. Pokemon International, Wizards of the Coast, and Ravensburger have strong track records meeting announced release dates, while smaller publishers sometimes experience delays. Supply chain improvements from 2024-2025 mean fewer COVID-era style delays, but always verify release dates within 30 days of expected launch on official publisher websites or with your local game store.

How many booster boxes should I buy from each 2026 release?

For personal collection and play, one booster box per major release provides sufficient card pool and chase card opportunities. Competitive players may need two boxes to secure playsets of tournament staples, especially for Yu-Gi-Oh and Magic releases where specific cards drive deck construction. Investment collectors should consider case purchases (6 boxes) for high-potential releases like Pokemon 30th anniversary sets and Marvel Universes Beyond, keeping boxes sealed for 3-5 year holds. Remember that buying singles for specific cards often costs less than opening sealed product hunting for particular pulls—allocate sealed product budget to sets with strong long-term appreciation potential rather than attempting comprehensive booster box purchases across all 2026 releases.

Will 2026 TCG releases be in stock or see shortages?

Supply conditions have improved dramatically from 2020-2022 shortage era, with Pokemon International, Wizards of the Coast, and other publishers significantly expanding print capacity. Pokemon has explicitly committed to keeping 30th anniversary products in stock throughout 2026 to meet collector demand. However, special limited products (Premium Collections, special boxes) may still sell out quickly at MSRP. Disney Lorcana experienced supply tightness in 2024-2025 but Ravensburger’s production scaling should handle 2026 demand. Pre-ordering remains the best strategy for guaranteeing allocation at MSRP pricing, especially for Disney Lorcana Wilds Unknown (first Pixar set) and Magic’s Marvel Universes Beyond which may exceed even expanded print runs.

Looking for more TCG collecting guidance? Check out these comprehensive guides:

Track Your 2026 TCG Collection with Hall of Cards

With 50+ major TCG releases hitting shelves throughout 2026, managing your collection and tracking card values becomes increasingly complex. Hall of Cards provides the comprehensive collection management tools you need to monitor your Pokemon, Magic, Yu-Gi-Oh, Lorcana, and One Piece cards as 2026’s releases impact market values.

The app’s real-time valuation engine updates your collection’s worth automatically as new sets release and individual card prices shift with tournament results and collector demand. Whether you’re tracking a complete Pokemon 30th anniversary collection or monitoring your sealed product investments, Hall of Cards gives you instant visibility into your TCG portfolio’s performance.

Download Hall of Cards today and take control of your TCG collection as 2026’s historic release calendar unfolds. Available for iOS and Android with cloud sync across all your devices.