From Pokémon to indie decks, here’s what card collectors and players shouldn’t miss this year.
2025 has already been huge for trading card games — and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. The back half of the year is loaded with expansions, reprints, and brand-new sets across major franchises. Whether you’re here to crack packs or stash sealed boxes, now’s the time to mark your calendar.
Here’s a breakdown of the biggest upcoming TCG releases you should be watching in the final months of 2025.
Pokémon TCG: “Ancient Horizons” – August 9, 2025
The Pokémon Company is sending off the Sword & Shield era in style with Ancient Horizons, a thematic set blending ancient ruins, fossil Pokémon, and Legendary beasts. It’s the final expansion before Gen 10 hits in 2026, making it a collector’s dream.
What we know so far:
- Full-art reprints of past Trainer favorites like Cynthia and Professor Sycamore.
- A new Ancient Mechanic that boosts Fossil and Rock-type synergy.
- A rumored Shiny Charizard EX card already lighting up speculation threads.
Expect scalper bots, YouTube pack openings, and record-fast pre-orders on Pokémon Center.
Yu-Gi-Oh! “Phantom Duelists” Core Set – September 13, 2025
Konami’s latest brings back legacy decks that duelists have been begging for. Phantom Duelists is rich with support for older archetypes like:
- Blackwing
- Six Samurai
- Destiny HERO
This wave feels like a love letter to the 5D’s and GX generations — with competitive new boss monsters and combo-friendly spells. And with recent bans shaking up the meta, older decks may be poised to rise again.
Collectors, keep an eye out for Ghost Rare variants, which have returned in select booster boxes.
Magic: The Gathering – “Return to Kamigawa: Legends Reborn” – October 4, 2025
Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty brought cyber-samurai cool back into Magic. Now, Wizards of the Coast is doubling down with Legends Reborn, a powerful, lore-heavy follow-up that explores untold sagas in Kamigawa’s high-tech world.
Leaked previews show:
- A new cycle of Legendary Ninjas with multiverse travel effects.
- Cyber-augmented spirits and vehicles.
- Collectible Neon Foil full-art lands (yes, they glow).
Commander players are salivating. This one’s going to fly off shelves.
Disney Lorcana – “Starlight Rifts” – October 25, 2025
If you thought Lorcana was a flash in the pan, think again. Starlight Rifts is pulling from the Disney vault and introducing characters from Atlantis, Treasure Planet, and even The Black Cauldron.
New additions:
- “Forgotten Hero” mechanic that revives discarded cards.
- Stylized alt-art prints that resemble Disney concept art.
- Expanding competitive formats with a new rotating meta.
Lorcana’s combination of gorgeous art, nostalgic IP, and real tournament structure makes it a sleeper hit heading into the holiday season.
Dragon Ball Super Card Game – “War of Universes” – November 15, 2025
DBS is going all-in on the Tournament of Power theme. War of Universes will be loaded with cards that spotlight fan-favorite characters from all 12 universes.
Big reveals so far:
- Ultra Instinct Goku with a triple-strike alternate art.
- Jiren and Hit leader cards with exclusive foil treatment.
- Universe 6 archetype support that finally gives Kale and Caulifla some meta weight.
Expect Bandai to bundle this set with collectors tins and promo packs — and yes, the card sleeves look sick.
Genius Invokation TCG (Genshin Impact) – Monthly Expansions (Ongoing)
While not a traditional release, Genius Invokation continues to evolve through in-game updates and real-world promos. Late 2025 will introduce new cards tied to the Fontaine region and Fatui Harbingers, including:
- Water-themed elemental reactions.
- Hybrid decks with Mondstadt & Fontaine synergies.
- Alternate art Genshin characters for collectors.
The community remains niche but dedicated. Some of the regional promo cards are already becoming high-value targets on eBay and TCGPlayer.
Indie Watch – Hidden Heat:
Three under-the-radar sets that deserve attention:
- MetaZoo: “Ethereal Encounters” – Nov 2
Ghost-type cryptids and Halloween vibes dominate this spooky, seasonal set. - Grand Archive: “Spiritveil” – Oct 18
Clean anime-style art meets tight mechanics — this one’s a rising star for competitive players. - One Piece Card Game: “Reverie Saga” – Dec 7
Based on the Reverie arc of the anime, it features Marine leaders and royalty-based cards with game-breaking synergy.
If you want to get in before the boom, these sets are solid early grabs — especially sealed first editions.
🎯 Final Thoughts:
From powerhouse legacy sets to gorgeous indie gems, the end of 2025 is stacked with cardboard gold. Whether you’re building your meta deck or collecting for the shelf, there’s never been a better time to be into TCGs.
Keep your wishlist ready, watch for pre-orders, and remember: sealed product ages like wine — if you don’t rip it first.
