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The One Piece Card Game community is buzzing after Bandai's announcement of the 'Block Numbers System,' set to introduce card rotation in April 2026. This move, while sparking diverse reactions, is definitely a major step for the game. Many seasoned players are excited about the potential for a healthier, long-lasting game, while others are understandably concerned about losing access to cherished leaders and cards in the standard format.
We at OnePiece.GG will help you navigate this upcoming change. We cover you, regardless of if you feel positive or have reservations about the rotation.
We'll be publishing a series of articles that break down exactly which relevant cards are rotating out for each color, and how those changes will affect the leaders that remain. Think of us as your guide to understanding and preparing for the new era of the One Piece Card Game!
To kick off this series, we're diving into Block 1 Red cards, where you'll find a number of key tools and staples for popular decks are facing rotation from the standard format.
Rotation-Proof Cards
It's not all doom and gloom! Bandai has confirmed that some cards from Block 1 will remain playable in the standard format post-rotation. Bandai can do this in a couple of ways: either by reprinting cards to update their block numbers, or by outright exempting them from rotation.
For example, OP01-016-nami-900 is the first card we know will be reprinted in 2026, effectively updating its block number. (And good news: you can use both the original and the reprinted versions!)
Additionally, cards like the manga-style OP01-120-shanks-296 and OP02-013-portgasdace-101 are likely to be exempted entirely. This means your most valuable manga cards are probably safe, and should retain their value over time.
Block 1 Notable Red Leaders
OP01-001-roronoa-zoro-924, a true meta staple in the game's early days, might have taken a backseat in recent formats, but it's gearing up for a potential comeback in OP11. It's looking like a strong, aggressive counter-option against the current format's heavy hitters, OP11-040-monkeydluffy-620 and EB02-010-monkeydluffy-761.
Similarly, OP01-002-trafalgar-law-269 remains a fan favorite, with dedicated players constantly exploring its potential as an off-meta aggressive strategy.
Unfortunately, unless they receive reprints, both of these leaders will be rotating out of the standard format. But don't worry! With rotation still a year away, you've got plenty of time to build and enjoy these decks before they say goodbye.
Block 1 Red Staples and Tech Cards
OP01-006-otama-965 and OP01-013-sanji-657 are essential 2k counter cards in Red decks. Their versatility makes them staples across various Red strategies. For example, OP01-006-otama-965 often combines with OP09-009-bennbeckman-999 or ST15-002-edwardnewgate-672 for effective unit removal, while OP01-013-sanji-657 provides crucial emergency draw power.
The rotation of these cards will significantly impact Block 2+ meta leaders like OP09-001-shanks-233 and OP10-001-smoker-112.
Aggressive strategies reliant on cards like OP01-025-roronoa-zoro-586, ST01-012-monkeydluffy-938, and OP02-015-makino-472 will also need adjustments.
Furthermore, premium event counters OP01-029-radical-beam and OP04-016-bad-manners-kick-course, used for life protection in nearly all Red decks, will be missed, especially by leaders like ST10-002-monkeydluffy and OP09-001-shanks-233 for late-game defense.
OP02-004-edwardnewgate-879, a key defensive tech for late-game decks such as ST10-002-monkeydluffy and OP08-002-marco-552, will also be removed, thus weakening their defensive options in the late game.
And OP03-013-marco, a versatile anti-removal and low-power KO character, used in OP09-001-shanks-233 and essential in OP08-002-marco-552 decks, will be another significant loss.
With these staple Red cards rotating out, Block 2+ leaders will need to adapt and find suitable replacements to maintain their competitive edge.
Block 1 Archetype-Specific Red Cards
Red Leaders with the Straw Hat Pirates typing (ST10-002-monkeydluffy, ST21-001-monkeydluffy-541, PRB01-001-sanji) will see a reduction in their searchable characters and events. However, given the Straw Hat Pirates' central role in the One Piece universe, it's highly probable that Bandai will introduce new cards to fill these gaps post-rotation.
Similarly, OP08-002-marco-552 and future Red Whitebeard Pirates leaders may experience a decrease in Whitebeard Pirates support cards. However, the upcoming Ace and Whitebeard Starter Decks show that Bandai is already providing fresh support options for this archetype.
Rotation will also affect few niche tech cards used in Block 2+ leaders. Examples include OP01-026-gum-gum-fire-fist-pistol-red-hawk in OP09-001-shanks-233 for defense and removal, OP02-007-thatch and ST01-013-roronoa-zoro in PRB01-001-sanji as large bodies for Rush, and OP04-010-tony-tonychopper in animal-focused leaders like OP08-001-tony-tonychopper-611.
While these cards aren't necessarily meta-defining, it's reasonable to expect players will find viable replacements as Bandai continues to release new cards.
Block 1 Off Meta Red Leaders
Finally, we must acknowledge the Block 1 off-meta leaders facing rotation in 2026: OP01-003-monkeydluffy-134, OP02-001-edwardnewgate-851, OP03-001-portgasdace-624, OP04-001-nefeltari-vivi-802, and ST01-001-monkeydluffy. While their removal may not shake up the meta, dedicated fans will undoubtedly feel a pang of sadness as they bid farewell to these favorites. Personally, I'll certainly miss playing OP04-001-nefeltari-vivi-802, as she was one of the first leaders I used when I started the One Piece Card Game.
However, there's always the possibility that Bandai will reprint these leaders, updating their block numbers and keeping them playable for years to come. Plus, I'm confident that new leaders will emerge to fill the void for those who feel the loss of these rotated leaders.
Conclusion
The upcoming card rotation will undoubtedly bring significant changes to the Red archetype in the One Piece Card Game. While the loss of key staples and beloved leaders may initially seem daunting, it also opens up exciting opportunities for innovation and adaptation.
Remember, this is just the beginning of our series! In the articles to come, we'll be diving deep into the impact of rotation on the remaining colors, providing you with a comprehensive guide to navigating this new era. Stay tuned as we continue to explore the evolving landscape of the One Piece Card Game!
