On November 3rd, The Pokémon Company International revealed the next installment for the Pokemon Trading Card Game including the name of the expansion, cards and mechanics and also mentioned a first quarter 2022 release worldwide. All we can say is it looks awesome!

Introducing the new VSTAR gameplay mechanic in this set, Pokemon VSTAR evolve from Pokemon V and will play an important roll in the Pokemon TCG metagame. VSTAR Power comes in the form of an ability or an attack, each VSTAR pokemon has either ability and is extremely powerful, so much so they say it can detrmine the outcome of the battle.

VSTAR powers are limited to one use per game, meaning that players are going to have to decide when the right time to use it will be, and of course have all the correct items / cards in play to use it. Once used the player has to flip over a VSTAR marker during the battle.

Think that’s everything, think again! In addition to the all new VSTAR Pokemon powers, VSTAR Pokemon come with high HP and high-damage attacks as well as giving up two prize cards when knocked out. That’s insane!

Here’s the item list that Pokemon have released of the items and cards included with this release:

Trainers can look forward to seeing Arceus VSTAR, Charizard VSTAR, Shaymin VSTAR and Whimsicott VSTAR in Sword & Shield—Brilliant Stars. The expansion will also include a special Trainer Gallery subset of 30 cards with artwork featuring fan-favorite Trainers and Pokémon.

– 20 Pokémon V and 15 full-art Pokémon V
– Four new Pokémon VSTAR
– Three new Pokémon VMAX
– 22 Trainer cards and six full-art Supporter cards
– One new Special Energy card

 Available in booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes and special collections, Sword & Shield—Brilliant Stars will include the following:

In addition, Trainers can find Pokémon VSTAR in the Pokémon TCG: Leafeon VSTAR Special Collection and Pokémon TCG: Glaceon VSTAR Special Collection when they become available in the first quarter of 2022. Each of these VSTAR Special Collections includes a promo card featuring Leafeon V or Glaceon V, an etched promo card and etched oversize card featuring Leafeon VSTAR or Glaceon VSTAR, an acrylic VSTAR marker and five Pokémon TCG booster packs.

The Pokémon Company International – Pokemon VSTAR Release Article