OP-17 and OP-18 Split the Celebration

The anniversary is continuing into OP-18.

That makes this year’s celebration different from what many collectors initially expected. Instead of concentrating the anniversary into a single booster release, Bandai is effectively stretching the celebration across two consecutive main sets: OP-17 and OP-18.

And for collectors, that means the chase isn’t over yet.

OP-17 Started the Celebration

OP-17: The World’s Strongest Warriors arrived in August as the official fourth-anniversary booster, and Bandai packed a lot into it.

The set introduced 131 card types plus four DON!! cards and featured Elbaf-era Straw Hats alongside characters including the Four Emperors and Rocks Pirates. (Energise Hazlemere)

More importantly for collectors, OP-17 brought several premium treatments into the anniversary celebration, including Super Leader Parallel, Super Parallel and Conqueror’s Haki Special cards. (Beckett)

There were also multiple Manga Rares, anniversary-themed cards and special promotional products surrounding the release.

In other words, OP-17 already felt like a massive anniversary set.

But it turns out it was only part one.

OP-18 Continues the 4th Anniversary

The newly revealed OP-18 packaging carries 4th Anniversary branding as well, signaling that Bandai is treating the upcoming booster as a continuation of the celebration rather than simply moving on after OP-17.

OP-18 is currently scheduled for November 20, 2026, roughly three months after OP-17. (One Piece Player)

That gives One Piece collectors something we haven't traditionally seen from the game: an anniversary celebration spanning multiple major booster releases.

Rather than one massive checklist carrying everything, Bandai now has room to spread major characters, artwork and premium chase cards across two sets.

Why Splitting the Anniversary Matters

From a collector perspective, this could actually make a lot of sense.

One Piece has an enormous universe.

Trying to represent the Straw Hats, Emperors, major villains, fan-favorite characters and four years of the card game within a single release creates limitations.

Two sets give Bandai considerably more room.

OP-17 was already loaded with major characters and new premium treatments. OP-18 can now continue that momentum without forcing everything into one checklist.

And based on the early OP-18 reveals, Bandai isn't treating the second half like an afterthought.

OP-18 Is Already Bringing Serious Heat

We've already seen several major OP-18 reveals, including new Leader cards and premium artwork.

That includes Franky finally receiving his own Leader, alongside new treatments for characters like Nico Robin, Saint Gunko and others.

The set is also continuing One Piece's emphasis on high-end artwork—the same strategy that has helped Manga Rares, alternate-art Leaders and special parallels become some of the most recognizable modern TCG chase cards.

So while OP-17 kicked off the anniversary, OP-18 gives Bandai another opportunity to deliver cards collectors weren't able to get in the first half.

What This Means for Collectors

The biggest takeaway is simple:

Don't think of OP-17 as the end of the fourth-anniversary release cycle.

Think of OP-17 + OP-18 as two chapters of the same celebration.

OP-17 gave us The World’s Strongest Warriors, Elbaf, the Emperors, Rocks Pirates and an enormous lineup of premium cards.

OP-18 now gets the opportunity to build on that foundation with another wave of characters, artwork and anniversary chases.

For sealed collectors, that also makes the relationship between the two sets worth watching. If Bandai continues connecting the releases through anniversary branding and premium treatments, collectors may eventually view OP-17 and OP-18 as companion products rather than completely independent sets.

Two Sets. One Anniversary.

Four years into the One Piece Card Game, Bandai could have celebrated with one oversized release and moved on.

Instead, they're giving the anniversary more room.

OP-17 started it. OP-18 continues it.

And if the early OP-18 reveals are any indication, Bandai saved plenty for part two.

For One Piece collectors, the fourth anniversary isn't over.

We're only halfway through.