If you’re just diving to collect some of the best One Piece cards, Romance Dawn is a natural place to start. Not only is it the very first set of the game (Released in December 2022), but it also contains some of the most iconic characters and alternate artworks that continue to define the visual identity of the TCG.
This list isn’t based solely on market value—though many of these cards are highly sought after. Instead, these picks highlight cards that combine playability, visual design, character popularity, and collector appeal. Whether you’re building your first deck or looking to start your collection with impact, these cards represent the best Romance Dawn has to offer.
10. Monkey.D.Luffy (024) (Parallel) – Romance Dawn (OP01)
This alternate art of Luffy features him mid-attack, surrounded by a burst of red flames that evoke his fiery fighting spirit. It’s one of the most dynamic illustrations in the set, perfectly capturing his personality. In gameplay, this card fits well into aggressive red decks that rely on speed and pressure. It’s also one of the first alt-arts new players encounter, making it a memorable and exciting pull.
9. Yamato (Parallel) – Romance Dawn (OP01)
Yamato’s alt-art is a favorite among collectors thanks to its soft glow and icy-blue aesthetic. The illustration leans into her serene but powerful energy, showing her as both graceful and formidable. From a gameplay perspective, Yamato’s Double Attack and Banish keywords make her a scary threat on board. As a Secret Rare, she’s also one of the most valuable and visually distinct cards in the entire set.
8. Eustass”Captain”Kid (Parallel) – Romance Dawn (OP01)
This alternate art of Kid is bursting with mechanical detail, from the swirling metallic textures to his intimidating stance. It’s a fantastic representation of his punk, heavy-metal theme in the series. In gameplay, Kid is a cornerstone of green control decks with his powerful restand ability, making him a card that teaches good board presence. For new players, he introduces the idea of control-based tempo in an exciting way.
7. Monkey.D.Luffy (003) (Parallel) – Romance Dawn (OP01)
Luffy’s alt-art leader card presents him in his classic arms-crossed pose, filled with bold lines and manga-style shading. It’s a simple yet iconic image that defines the red deck’s identity—fast, fearless, and fun. This is one of the most beginner-friendly leaders due to its straightforward effect and powerful synergy with red staples. For collectors, it’s one of the best-looking leader cards in the game’s history.
6. Donquixote Doflamingo (060) (Parallel) – Romance Dawn (OP01)
The Donquixote Doflamingo [OP01-060] card from the Romance Dawn set is a blue Leader card in the One Piece Card Game. It has a power of 5000 and a life of 5, with subtypes “Donquixote Pirates” and “The Seven Warlords of the Sea.” Its unique ability activates by resting 2 DON!! cards when attacking, allowing you to reveal the top card of your deck and play it rested if it’s a Warlord-type character with a cost of 4 or less. This effect enables efficient board development and synergy with low-cost Warlords. As a Leader card with strong utility and strategic deck-thinning potential, it’s a staple for Warlord-themed decks.
5. Sanji (Parallel) – Romance Dawn (OP01)
Sanji’s alt-art shows him mid-kick, surrounded by flames and momentum, emphasizing his combat flair and charisma. The colors are rich and vivid, with motion lines that make the art feel alive. While he’s not a high-tier meta card, he fits well in Straw Hat decks and represents a fan-favorite character. For new players, pulling this card feels rewarding—it’s flashy, recognizable, and undeniably cool.
4. Boa Hancock (Parallel) – Romance Dawn (OP01)
Boa Hancock’s alternate art is arguably one of the most beautiful in the set. Her elegant stance and confident expression are complemented by sparkling hearts backdrop, blending mystery and allure. In terms of gameplay, she’s a blocker that lets you draw a card—an ideal effect for blue control strategies. This card shows how defensive cards can be both functional and aesthetically captivating.
3. Roronoa Zoro (025) (Parallel) – Romance Dawn (OP01)
This Zoro card isn’t an alternate art, but it’s one of the most impactful cards for red decks. Its low cost and 5,000 power make it a fast, aggressive attacker that can quickly overwhelm opponents. It’s a beginner-friendly card that teaches tempo and pressure tactics right away. Zoro’s fierce expression and battle stance also make this a favorite among anime fans and players alike.
2. Nami (Parallel) – Romance Dawn (OP01)
Nami’s alternate art showcases her standing confidently against a soft, radiant background, making her one of the most visually appealing cards in the set. In gameplay, she’s essential for Straw Hat decks as she searches for events and characters, adding crucial consistency. The combination of utility and collector demand makes this card highly valued. Her alt-art represents how form and function can come together beautifully in TCG design.
1. Shanks (Parallel Manga Alternate Art) – Romance Dawn (OP01)
The manga alt-art Shanks is the ultimate prize of Romance Dawn. Featuring a black-and-white manga panel with only Shanks’ red hair in color, this card is a masterpiece of minimalist contrast. As a Secret Rare, it’s incredibly hard to pull and extremely valuable, but beyond the price, it captures the legacy of One Piece in a single image. For collectors and fans alike, it stands as the crown jewel of the set—and a dream pull for any beginner who dares to open a box.
Romance Dawn launched the One Piece card game with a strong roster of impactful characters and abilities. These top cards bring the spirit of the anime to life and offer great value for both new and experienced players.
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