There are many different variations and terms of cards in common use in the Pokémon Trading Card Gamesomething that can be intimidating for newcomers. Alongside the intricacies of TCG terminology are several key card variations that are crucial to understanding the game’s current meta. However, while all of these details may seem difficult to learn collectively, when considered individually they are much easier to understand.
Building a powerful deck for the Pokémon TCG requires a strong understanding of current popular strategies and a constant awareness of how new cards and mechanics can interact with older ones. Of course, many people simply focus more on collecting cards, and the beautiful art and powerful mechanics of recent sets make the same cards appealing to everyone regardless. In any case, it is often crucial to understand all Pokémon TCGwhen discussing their products and therefore the most important terms and card variations are explained here.
Rare special art and illustration variations
The TCG features many cards with alternate art
Among the most collectible Pokémon TCG Cards are those with alternative art. There are a whole host of rarities used exclusively to denote these beautiful cardswhich do not offer any additional gameplay value over less visually impressive versions. The way the Pokémon TCG Full Art cards’ treatment has changed between eras, which introduces some complications, but the basic terminology in use remains easily understood.
In the current Scarlet and Violet era of the TCG, these Full Art card variants are secret cards, existing beyond the standard card numbering of a set. In ascending order of rarity, they, it can normally be of Ultra Rare, Rare Illustration, Special Rare Illustration or Hyper Rare rarity. However, it is important to note that the year 2024 Paldean Destinations The expansion also introduced Shiny Rare and Shiny Ultra Rare cards, reprints of cards featuring shiny Pokémon, although only the latter group are also Full Art cards.
Ultra Rare cards are Full Art versions of Pokémon ex and Supporter cards, while Illustration Rare cards give regular Pokémon cards similar treatment. Special Rare illustrations again offer new art for Pokémon exes and supporters, but are considerably rarer than the Ultra Rare versions. Finally, Hyper Rare cards are extremely few and far between and give the gold treatment to a small number of cards in almost any category except Supporter cards.
V, VMAX and VSTAR boards explained
Pokémon variant cards from the previous era still have influence
Pokémon V cards and their variations were the characteristic gimmick of the previous game Sword and Shield Series of expansion sets, and some even play in a competitive format. Essentially, the rules behind Pokémon V, VMAX, and VSTAR reflect variations on a central theme: a single card with incredible power, balanced by a Knock Out that rewards opponents with multiple prize cards. Each variation has its own particular niche within this broader framework that makes it distinct in gameplay, though the set rotations ultimately make all Pokémon V illegal in competitive environments anyway.
The original Pokémon V are all basic Pokémon cards with much higher HP than normal Pokémonwhich is complemented by potentially devastating attacks. This makes any Pokémon V a significant threat, and this strength only increases with the addition of Pokémon VMAX and VSTAR, which evolve from Pokémon V. In terms of flavor, the former is the TCG’s representation of Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon, while the latter are Pokémon that received power from Arceus. Notably, Each Pokémon VSTAR card has a VSTAR power, an incredibly powerful attack or ability which can be used once per game.
When a card’s text refers to Pokémon V, VMAX, and VSTAR, those cards are also included in this (unless the text specifically references a Basic V Pokémon). Additionally, Knock Out in both Pokémon V and Pokémon VSTAR reward a player with two prize cards, while Pokémon VMAX rewards three prizes. It is also important to note that there is a fourth variant of Pokémon V, V-UNION, which is formed by placing four cards together. However, they are much rarer, to the point that they are only presented as promotional cards.
Ex, Tera and other card variations
Recent Pokémon card variants adapt terastalization
The current era of Pokémon TCG focused heavily on the return of the former Pokémon. THE Pokémon TCG previously featured nearly identically named variants, Pokémon-ex and Pokémon-EX, but regardless, the modern Pokémon ex and its own variations are the only cards relevant to the current meta. In many ways, Pokémon ex are simply updated versions of Pokémon Vbeing stronger than average cards that reward two prize cards when knocked out, although evolved Pokémon species are treated as such rather than all ex Pokémon being Basic Pokémon.
Adapting the Terastal Phenomenon of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games, Some ex-Pokémon cards can also represent Terastalized Pokémon. Tera Pokémon ex, as indicated in a rules box at the top of each card, operates under the Tera Rule, which states that while they are in play and on the Bench, they cannot take damage. Additionally, Former Tera type-changing Pokémon have different types than the featured Pokémon they would normally havewith associated resistances and weaknesses, but its attacks still use energy appropriate to the Pokémon’s normal type.
The most recent and arguably strongest Pokémon ex variant is Stellar Tera Pokémon ex. These cards adapt the Stellar Tera type introduced along with Terapagos in the games and add an additional twist to the Tera Pokémon ex. While the Tera Rule remains the same and is in effect for these cards, The former Stellar Tera Pokémon also have access to an attack that costs three separate types of energy.which can easily change the course of a match. Interestingly, the concept behind Star Pokémon cards isn’t entirely new to the TCG, but their power is still undeniable.
Promotional cards and holofoils have inherent appeal to collectors
Black Star Promos are the current range of promotional cards released alongside new expansionswith its name coming from its rarity symbol: a black star with “PROMO” written on it. However, they are not part of any expansion’s set list and instead follow their own independent numbering system. Collectors can expect to find these promotional cards in various Pokémon TCG products such as Elite Trainer Boxes (although not the 6-pack Booster Bundles released for each expansion), and are also distributed at events such as tournaments.
Black Star Promo cards are as cool to play as any other Pokémon TCG card, as long as they have an appropriate regulatory mark.
Holographic Foil cards, also known as Holofoils, Holos and Foils, are treated with a special reflective layer to give an additional visual effect to your illustrations. Holofoils are naturally rarer than most cards, but all modern Rare cards have a Holofoil effect. Notably, most modern boosters include a Rare card and two equally collectible Reverse Holofoils (unless one is replaced with a card of higher rarity). Reverse holofoils invert the usual holofoil style, with foil treatment for everything but the illustrationand every card in a set’s regular listing has a Reverse Holo variant.
There are many aspects Pokémon TCGbut none are complex enough to be truly incomprehensible, even to beginners. As with any complex topic, individually breaking down the various card variations and the game’s unique terminology makes all of this information much easier to consume. Furthermore, by learning just a few key topics relating to the game, not only does further learning become easier, but also engagement with the game becomes easier. Pokémon Trading Card Game community in general.
Source: Pokémon Asia/YouTube