Secret Rare cards from the upcoming JapanesePokémon Trading Card Gameset,Heat Wave Arena,are appearing online, giving fans their first look at what will soon be some much-sought-after chase cards. Later this month, The Pokémon Company will releaseHeat Wave Arena, a newPokémon TCGset containingTrainer’s Pokémoncards. The set will be republished internationally as part of the leakedDestined Rivalsset, with several fan-favorite trainers set to get a focus in the set.
Over the past day or so, cards fromHeat Wave Arenahave started to leak on various social media sites.PokeBeachis collecting the leaks in one place, with a surprising focus on one trainer.Ethan, the male protagonist fromPokémon Gold & Silver, has the most Secret Rare cards of any trainer appearing in the set.Ethan’s Ho-Oh and Typhlosion both receive Secret Rare cards, along with alternate art versions of Ethan’s Adventure. Ethan’s Ho-Oh also receives a Gold Rare card, one of only two Pokémon to receive the treatment alongside Cynthia’s Garchomp.
What Are The Secret Rare Highlights From Pokémon Heat Wave Arena?
Ethan Gets A Focus, As Does Cynthia and Misty
In addition to Ethan getting a focus, Misty (fromPokémon Red and Blue) also receives two Trainers' Pokémon cards with alternate art.Both Psyduckand Lapras receive the alternate art treatment.Cynthia’s Garchomp and Roserade also receive alternate art cards,as do Arven’s Mabosstiff and Greedent. In terms of non-Trainer’s Pokémon receiving alternate art treatments, one standout Pokémon is Electrike, who appears to be standing at attention in the grass…or popping a very strange squat. Rapidash and Hydrapple also receive excellent alternate art treatments.
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Heat Wave Arenawill be combined with cards from pre-constructed Marnie and Steven Stone decks andThe Glory of Team Rocketsets to formDestined Rivals. We’ll note that some cards, especially alternate art cards, could be held back to be used as promo cards in variousPokémonproducts.The final lineup forDestined Rivalswon’t be known until closer to the set’s full release.
Our Take: Heat Wave Arena Sets A High Bar
Lots Of Fantastic Alternate Art Cards To Choose From If You Can Find The Cards
While I’m somewhat disappointed that cards like Ethan’s Pichu and Misty’s Gyarados didn’t receive an alternate art treatment, I’m very much a fan of what I’ve seen ofHeat Wave Arenaso far. In terms of hot collector’s cards, I’m guessing that Cynthia’s Garchomp and Ethan’s Ho-Oh will both jump in price once the set releases in the US as Destined Rivals. As I’ve mentioned before, I am worriedthat scalperswill sully the release of these cards, but ultimately, that’s a problem for thePokémon Trading Card Gameto solve.
