Hour of Decisive Battle (OP-16) — Release Date, Chase Cards, and Global Buying Guide

Image source: https://www.onepiece-cardgame.com/products/op16.html

In 2026, the One Piece Card Game returns to its most legendary stage. Releasing on May 30, 2026, the Hour of Decisive Battle [OP-16] booster pack is a monumental set themed after the fan-favorite “Marineford Paramount War” arc.

The Whitebeard Pirates, the Marine Headquarters, and the infamous fugitives of Impel Down gather once again with devastating new abilities. Whether you’re looking for the latest meta-shaking leaders or the ultimate grail for your collection, this guide covers the set details, projected card prices, and how to safely secure Japanese boxes from overseas.

Quick Overview: Hour of Decisive Battle (OP-16)

Image source: https://www.onepiece-cardgame.com/products/op16.html

Planning your pre-orders? Here are the essential specs for the Japanese release.

Category | Details
Set Name | Booster Pack: Hour of Decisive Battle
Set Code | OP-16
Release Date | Saturday, May 30, 2026（JST）
MSRP | ¥5,280 (incl. tax) per Box
Contents | 6 cards per pack / 24 packs per box
Key Themes | Paramount War (Whitebeard Pirates, Navy, Impel Down)

The set title is a direct homage to the anime’s Episode 459, “The Hour of the Decisive Battle Approaches!”—perfectly capturing the tension of the race to rescue Ace.

Why OP-16 “Hour of Decisive Battle” is a Game-Changer

Image source: ONE PIECEカードゲーム チャンピオンシップ 25-26 ワールドファイナル – YouTube

The hype for OP-16 is reaching a fever pitch among players and investors alike for three major reasons:

The Return of the Admirals (Super Parallel): The legendary Navy Admirals—Kuzan, Borsalino, and Sakazuki—are featured as jaw-dropping Super Parallel (Manga Rare) cards. Their artwork is designed to be displayed together, forming the “Ultimate Navy Defense.”

Whitebeard & Impel Down Buffs: Expect powerful new Leader cards for Portgas.D.Ace and Edward Newgate. The “Impel Down” archetype, in particular, is rumored to introduce new mechanics that could completely shift the 2026 competitive meta.

The Triple Manga Rare Rumor: Early buzz suggests this set may feature more Manga Rares than previous expansions, potentially making the “price per box” value the highest in the game’s history.

Given that the Paramount War is the most iconic arc in One Piece, OP-16 is destined to be a “God Tier” set.

Top Chase Cards & Price Predictions of “Hour of Decisive Battle”

Image source: ONE PIECEカードゲーム チャンピオンシップ 25-26 ワールドファイナル – YouTube

Here is the projected market value for the “Top Rares” that global buyers are hunting.

※Note: These are estimates based on pre-release hype and historical trends for Paramount War characters.

Kuzan / Sakazuki / Borsalino (Super Parallel / Manga Rare)

Projected Price: ¥100,000 – ¥150,000 ($650 – $1,000 USD) each.

The Hype: Collecting all three Manga Rares is the ultimate challenge. If you pull one, you’re looking at a massive payday or a legendary center-piece for your slab collection.

Portgas.D.Ace (Leader Alt-Art)

Projected Price: ¥15,000 – ¥25,000 ($100 – $165 USD)

Edward Newgate (SR Alt-Art)

Projected Price: ¥10,000 – ¥18,000 ($65 – $120 USD)

Impel Down Prisoners (Treasure Rare)

Projected Price: ¥20,000 – ¥35,000 ($130 – $230 USD)

The “Admiral” Manga Rares are already the most talked-about cards of the year. Due to their extreme rarity and the massive popularity of the Marineford arc, market experts expect these cards to hit record-breaking secondary market prices immediately upon release.

Securing OP-16 “Hour of Decisive Battle” in Japan

Demand for Hour of Decisive Battle is unprecedented, and supply in Japan will be tight.

Lottery-Based Sales: Major retailers like the Pokémon Center (which often stocks OP cards), Mugiwara Stores, and electronics giants use a lottery system starting a month before release.

Strict Purchase Limits: Even on release day, physical stores usually limit customers to 10 packs or a single box.

Restock Outlook: While restocks usually happen within 1–2 months, demand is expected to far outstrip supply for the foreseeable future.

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How to buy Hour of Decisive Battle from overseas?
Use Buyee’s overseas ordering cart for a quick & easy checkout!

For collectors outside of Japan, joining the physical “war” for boxes is impossible. Your best bet is to secure your pre-orders through trusted Japanese EC stores that specialize in international shipping.

To help you skip the middleman markups and avoid “resealed” scams, we’ve curated a list of the best hobby shops that offer guaranteed authentic products and international shipping. If you’re planning to pre-order or buy Hour of Decisive Battle (OP-16), make sure to check out our vetted list below to ensure you’re getting 100% authentic, unsearched products.

For more One Piece Card Game updates, product spotlights, and expert tips on shopping in Japan, don’t forget to follow @buyee.unbox.picks on Instagram to stay connected with the community!