The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) surprised players with a reveal of the upcoming Heat Wave Arena expansion set. This is not a complete and comprehensive list of the set's contents, but enough was shown to whet any a player or collector’s appetite.
Starting off the reveal is the set’s artwork. Featuring Ethan, Arven, and Cynthia, we can see the continuing trend of Trainer’s (Owner’s) Pokémon being pushed, something we've seen from recent Pokémon TCG sets. So far, we have been given a glimpse of Ethan’s Pokémon, from his Typhlosion line to his Ho-oh Ex.
Surprisingly, given that she was not featured on the set's artwork, Misty’s Pokémon do appear in Hot Wind Arena. From her Psyduck to her signature Gyarados, fans of the water-type gym leader have lots to collect in this set. That said, Cynthia and her Garchomp seem to be the set's stars. There are many players who are eager to see them realized in this expansion.
As a side note, a set of special illustration cards will be included with the purchase of a booster pack from the set. The Pokémon featured are a Feraligatr, a Pikachu, and a Toxtricity. Each one of these Pokémon cards will spotlight artwork from the winners of the TCG Illustration Contest held last year. Out in the west, these cards will be available for Pokémon Day on February 27th for select Pokémon Leagues.
The Hot Wind Arena set is scheduled to be released in Japan come March 14, 2025. There has been no announcement yet for a western release, but we will be sure to keep an eye out for any further news or development.