Darkness Ablaze (Sword & Shield—Darkness Ablaze) released in English on August 14, 2020 with 189 cards plus 12 secret rares. In Japan those cards came out earlier as Explosive Walker, Infinity Zone — set codes S2a, S3. This page maps the English set to its Japanese source sets, links the complete Japanese card lists (all 188 catalogued entries), and shows current sealed-box pricing from our Tokyo stock.
- Darkness Ablaze = Explosive Walker, Infinity Zone in Japan (S2a, S3).
- English release August 14, 2020; Japanese releases April 24, 2020 (S2a); June 5, 2020 (S3).
- 188 Japanese entries catalogued across the source sets vs 189 cards plus 12 secret rares in English.
- Sealed S2a box currently listed at ¥44,100 (August 28, 2026).
The Japanese Sets Behind Darkness Ablaze
Darkness Ablaze combines the Japanese Enhanced Expansion Pack Explosive Walker (S2a) with the expansion Infinity Zone (S3), plus cards from the Charizard VMAX and Grimmsnarl VMAX starter sets. (Composition as reported by Bulbapedia summary via search / Pokellector.) Entry counts below come from the Limitless TCG Japanese catalogue, which lists every numbered card including secret rares.
| Code | Japanese set | Type | JP release | Catalogued entries | Secret Rares | Full JP card list | Sealed box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S2a | Explosive Walker | Enhanced Expansion Pack | April 24, 2020 | 78 | 8 | S2a card list | ¥44,100 (~$277) |
| S3 | Infinity Zone | Expansion Pack | June 5, 2020 | 110 | 10 | S3 card list | ¥50,400 (~$317) |
Japanese Set-by-Set Breakdown
S2a Explosive Walker — Enhanced Expansion Pack, JP release April 24, 2020
Limitless TCG catalogues 78 entries for S2a: 8 Secret Rare, 9 Double Rare, 8 Rare, 23 Uncommon, 30 Common. The Secret Rare run goes from Butterfree V (S2a 71) to Pokémon Breeder’s Nurturing (S2a 78). Browse every card by number and rarity on our S2a Explosive Walker card list.
S3 Infinity Zone — Expansion Pack, JP release June 5, 2020
Limitless TCG catalogues 110 entries for S3: 10 Secret Rare, 12 Double Rare, 10 Rare, 34 Uncommon, 44 Common. The Secret Rare run goes from Houndoom V (S3 101) to Rose (S3 110). Browse every card by number and rarity on our S3 Infinity Zone card list.
Top-Rarity Japanese Cards in Pictures
Where to Buy the Japanese Darkness Ablaze Sets from Tokyo
Want the Japanese cards behind Darkness Ablaze? Sealed Japanese boxes for the source sets are listed above; browse the full range in our Japanese Pokémon booster box collection. For singles or graded copies of a specific card, request a quote via Quick Order with the Japanese set code and number.
Darkness Ablaze Japanese Card List FAQ
What Japanese set is Darkness Ablaze in?
Darkness Ablaze combines the Japanese Enhanced Expansion Pack Explosive Walker (S2a) with the expansion Infinity Zone (S3), plus cards from the Charizard VMAX and Grimmsnarl VMAX starter sets. Set codes: S2a, S3.
When did Darkness Ablaze release in English and in Japan?
English: August 14, 2020. Japanese source sets: Explosive Walker (S2a) on April 24, 2020; Infinity Zone (S3) on June 5, 2020.
How many cards are in Darkness Ablaze compared with the Japanese sets?
The English set lists 189 cards plus 12 secret rares. The Japanese catalogue lists 188 entries across 2 source sets, counted from Limitless TCG’s Japanese database (secret rares included).
Can I buy the Japanese Darkness Ablaze sets from Japan?
Yes — sealed Japanese boxes for Explosive Walker, Infinity Zone ship from Tokyo with tracking when listed; prices in this guide are our listings as of August 28, 2026. Singles and graded copies can be requested via Quick Order.
Are Japanese Darkness Ablaze cards the same as the English ones?
They share Pokémon and artwork for the cards that were carried over, but the Japanese prints use their own set codes (S2a, S3) and numbering, and some Japanese cards were not included in the English release.
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