The OP16: The Time of Battle expansion takes players back to one of the most iconic arcs in One Piece history—Marineford. Featuring six brand-new Leader cards inspired by the Paramount War, this set introduces a diverse range of playstyles that are sure to appeal to both competitive and casual players.
From aggressive rush strategies to powerful control decks, each Leader offers something unique. In this guide, we’ll take a look at every new OP16 Leader, what they do, and who they’re best suited for.
Monkey D. Luffy (Blue/Green)
MONKEY D. LUFFY
Monkey D. Luffy makes his return as a Blue/Green Leader, combining efficient board development with flexible tempo plays.
This Leader rewards careful sequencing by allowing players to build a wide board while maintaining pressure throughout the game. Blue provides card advantage and utility, while Green offers resting effects and powerful character interactions.
Perfect for players who enjoy:
- Midrange strategies
- Board control
- Flexible decision making
- Consistent gameplay
Luffy looks set to become one of the most versatile Leaders released in recent sets.
Portgas D. Ace (Red)
PORTGAS D. ACE
As expected, Portgas D. Ace is an aggressive Red Leader built around applying constant pressure.
His Leader effect encourages attacking early and often, helping Red decks maintain momentum from the opening turns while enabling powerful Rush-focused strategies.
If you enjoy ending games quickly and forcing opponents onto the defensive, Ace is an excellent choice.
Ideal for players who like:
- Aggressive decks
- Rush characters
- Fast-paced games
- High-pressure turns
Ace has already become one of the most talked-about Leaders from OP16 thanks to his explosive potential.
Buggy (Blue)
BUGGY
True to the character, Buggy focuses on generating value through clever resource management and maintaining card advantage throughout the game.
Rather than overwhelming opponents with raw power, Buggy rewards patient gameplay and careful planning.
Best suited for players who enjoy:
- Control strategies
- Resource management
- Longer games
- Outsmarting opponents
Sengoku (Purple)
SENGOKU
Representing the Marines, Sengoku arrives as a Purple Leader focused on DON!! manipulation.
Purple strategies traditionally revolve around sacrificing DON!! to unlock stronger effects before recovering those resources later in the game, and Sengoku continues that identity while introducing new Marine synergies.
Players who enjoy explosive turns and planning several turns ahead will feel right at home.
Sengoku excels at:
- DON!! acceleration
- Powerful combo turns
- Marine support
- Late-game scaling
Yamato (Black)
YAMATO
Yamato joins OP16 as a Black Leader, bringing removal-focused gameplay and efficient board control.
Black decks specialise in reducing character costs before removing opposing threats, making Yamato an excellent option for players who prefer dismantling opposing boards rather than racing for damage.
As more support cards are explored, Yamato has plenty of room to evolve.
Perfect for players who prefer:
- Removal effects
- Control gameplay
- Methodical strategies
- Winning through board advantage
Marshall D. Teach (Black/Yellow)
MARSHALL D. TEACH
Marshall D. Teach, better known as Blackbeard, is the only dual-colour Leader in OP16.
Combining Black’s removal tools with Yellow’s life manipulation creates a unique strategy capable of disrupting opponents while remaining surprisingly resilient.
Teach rewards experienced players who enjoy adapting their game plan depending on the matchup.
Strengths include:
- Flexible gameplay
- Strong defensive options
- Excellent disruption
- Powerful late-game value
Many players expect Teach to become one of the defining Leaders of the OP16 format thanks to his unique colour combination.
Which OP16 Leader Should You Choose?
Every Leader in OP16 offers a different playstyle, making this one of the most varied sets released for the One Piece Card Game.
If you’re looking for fast games, Portgas D. Ace is the obvious choice. Players who enjoy methodical control strategies may prefer Yamato or Marshall D. Teach, while Monkey D. Luffy provides an excellent all-round option for those who like adaptable gameplay.
Whether you’re collecting your favourite characters or building your next competitive deck, OP16 has something for every type of player.
Final Thoughts
The six Leaders introduced in OP16: The Time of Battle perfectly capture the excitement of the Marineford arc while bringing fresh mechanics to the One Piece Card Game. With aggressive, control and midrange options all represented, players have more choice than ever when deciding which Leader to build around.
As more tournaments are played and deck lists continue to evolve, it’ll be exciting to see which of these Leaders rises to the top. Until then, OP16 offers plenty of new strategies to explore and experiment with.
