Pokémon TCG: “Heat Wave Arena” Expansion Brings New Trainer’s Pokémon!

The Pokémon Trading Card Game is heating up with the release of the “Heat Wave Arena” enhanced expansion pack for the Scarlet & Violet series! Arriving on March 14, 2025, this set introduces powerful Trainer’s Pokémon, new strategies, and a special campaign for Pokémon Center Japan purchases.

Hibiki’s Pokémon: Fire and Fury!

The Johto-region Trainer Hibiki (Ethan) takes center stage with a fire-focused lineup, including his signature Pokémon Ho-Oh ex!

Hibiki’s Ho-Oh ex has the ability “Flash of Fire,” which lets you attach two basic Fire Energy from your hand to one of your benched Hibiki Pokémon. Its attack, “Shining Feather,” deals 160 damage and heals 50 HP for each Pokémon you have in play. It’s a must-have for fire-based decks.

Supporting Fire-Type Pokémon include Hibiki’s Typhlosion, whose “Buddy Blast” attack gains power based on how many Hibiki’s Adventure cards are in your discard pile, reaching up to 280 damage. Hibiki’s Quilava and Cyndaquil assist in building your deck’s synergy, while Hibiki’s Magcargo has the “Yogan Burst” attack, which lets you discard up to five Fire Energy for 70 damage per Energy. Hibiki’s Pichu offers a unique draw engine with “Biriri Draw,” dealing 30 damage and drawing a card with no Energy cost.

Hibiki’s Adventure is a crucial trainer card that lets you search your deck for up to three Hibiki’s Pokémon and Basic Fire Energy, putting them into your hand for better setup and synergy.

Misty’s Pokémon: The Power of Water!

Misty, the Cerulean City Gym Leader, returns with a water-themed arsenal, featuring Misty’s Gyarados.

Misty’s Gyarados has the attack “Zabu-Zabu Panic,” which discards the top seven cards of your deck. For every Misty Pokémon discarded, it deals 70 damage, maxing out at 490 damage.

Supporting Misty Pokémon include Misty’s Magikarp, whose “Super Dig” ability prevents it from taking damage while on the bench. Misty’s Psyduck has the ability “Slap Jump,” which allows this Pokémon to cycle back into your deck, setting up massive damage for Misty’s Gyarados.

The trainer card Holy Fire returns up to five Pokémon from your discard pile to your deck, increasing the odds of powering up Misty’s Gyarados for huge damage.

Shield Battle Format – A New Way to Play!

This set is optimized for Shield Battles, a format where players use only booster packs from a set to construct their decks. This allows for fun, fast-paced battles with limited deckbuilding.

Pokémon Center Japan Campaign – Exclusive Promo Packs!

As part of a special campaign, players who purchase a full booster box at Pokémon Center Japan will receive a free promo booster pack featuring exclusive Illustration Rare 2024 cards.

What’s Next?

This expansion is expected to be part of the May English release, alongside Steven’s Metagross ex, Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex, and Rocket’s Mewtwo ex from The Glory of Team Rocket. Cynthia’s Garchomp ex and Arven’s Mabosstiff are also featured in the set.

Are you excited for the Heat Wave Arena expansion? Which Trainer’s Pokémon are you most looking forward to? Let us know!