New Pokemon Chinese Set – Arcane Truth Releases November 7th with Exclusive Cards

Stew @ PokéPortal
1 day ago
2 min read

China’s Pokémon TCG scene continues to evolve rapidly, and fans now have a new set to look forward to: New Pokemon Chinese Set – Arcane Truth. Launching on 7th November, this upcoming expansion will mark the next chapter in China’s Scarlet & Violet series and bring with it a mix of international favourites and exciting local exclusives.

What’s Included in the New Pokemon Chinese Set - Arcane Truth?

The Arcane Truth set will feature cards drawn from the Obsidian Flames and Paradox Rift sets, originally released in 2023 for global markets. However, this isn't just a reprint collection—China is adding its own unique flair, continuing a recent trend of exclusive content.

Among the standout additions is a new Special Illustration Rare for Iron Hands ex, alongside a gold version of Pal Pad. Like other recent Chinese exclusives, these versions are expected to remain China-only, as the base versions of these cards appeared in older global sets and are unlikely to be re-released elsewhere.

Continued Trend of Exclusive Rares

Over the past year, China’s Pokémon TCG expansions have consistently included exclusive Special Illustration Rares and gold Hyper Rares, offering collectors and players something fresh and unique. This strategy not only helps bridge the gap with other markets but also adds local appeal for Simplified Chinese card collectors.

Promo Pack Launch Also on 7th November

In addition to the release of the New Pokemon Chinese Set – Arcane Truth, China will also begin bundling a 2-card promo pack with select boxed products starting on the same date. This promotional item is designed to celebrate the Scarlet & Violet series and will include reprints of notable cards.

Most notably, the promo pack will feature the Special Illustration Rare Greninja ex, which was previously exclusive to English and Traditional Chinese releases. This card never saw a Japanese release, making its inclusion a major highlight for collectors.

China’s Strategy: Compilation Sets with a Twist

Since 2022, China has adopted a strategy of compilation sets, blending cards from multiple international releases to help align its offerings with global content. These sets occasionally include new illustrations or alternate art, keeping the sets both familiar and fresh. The trend began with the Sun & Moon series and has continued into Scarlet & Violet.

It’s also worth noting that Simplified Chinese cards are exclusive to mainland China, while Traditional Chinese cards are printed for players and collectors in Taiwan and Hong Kong. These parallel printings allow different regions to enjoy the game in their preferred written form, even as the card content diverges slightly.

Final Thoughts

The New Pokemon Chinese Set – Arcane Truth exemplifies China’s unique approach to the Pokémon TCG: blending international favourites with exclusive content to create something new for their player base. With special cards like Iron Hands ex SIR and a gold Pal Pad, plus the return of Greninja ex in a commemorative promo, Chinese collectors have a lot to be excited about this November.

Whether you’re a local player or an international collector keeping tabs on global releases, Arcane Truth is shaping up to be a notable entry in the evolving landscape of Pokémon TCG in China.