Each Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion introduces a bounty of new cards featuring amazing depictions of Pokémon. Especially notable are the impressive illustration rare cards that show off the world of Pokémon with truly beautiful full-card artwork that will stand out in anyone’s Pokémon TCG collection. Join us for a look at some of these masterpieces from the recent Scarlet & Violet—Paldea Evolved expansion.

Sprigatito, Floragato, and Meowscarada ex

• Illustrator: Kouki Saitou

It’s always fun when a single illustrator gives us their depiction of a Pokémon evolutionary line within a Pokémon TCG expansion, and all three Paldea first partner Pokémon get that treatment in Scarlet & Violet—Paldea Evolved. Kouki Saitou brings us a trio of cards featuring Sprigatito, Floragato, and Meowscarada ex chilling out in a garden of flowers and trees. These lush illustrations paint a peaceful scene that makes us want to head outside and soak up some sunlight and bask in the greenery.

Fuecoco, Crocalor, and Skeledirge ex

• Illustrator: kantaro

This set of cards gives us a slice-of-life look at a Trainer and their partner Pokémon as they go about the task of grocery shopping. Little Fuecoco appears to enjoy this trip as it sits in the shopping cart, secure in its Trainer’s backpack. Crocalor, however, is clearly a bit more rambunctious: the hungry Pokémon has taken to stuffing the backpack with as much food as can fit. The Trainer is probably relieved that Skeledirge ex has mellowed out a bit and is happily helping to carry the groceries through town on its back. What a helpful Pokémon friend!

Quaxly, Quaxwell, and Quaquaval ex

• Illustrator: Souichirou Gunjima

The three cards showing Quaxly’s progression into Quaxwell and then Quaquaval ex also do a tremendous job in showing off the Pokémon’s personality. As seen in a reflection in a restroom mirror, Quaxly looks extremely cheerful and happy to be playing in the sink. On Quaxwell’s card, more styling products have suddenly appeared, and the Pokémon seems quite proud as it tends to its feathery coif. That attitude continues as we see Quaquaval ex admiring itself on its card. Yeah, Quaquaval ex knows it looks good.

Magikarp

• Illustrator: Shinji Kanda

When Shinji Kanda illustrates a Pokémon TCG card, you can expect to see something wild. This Magikarp card with harsh blacks, bold bursts of color, and sketch-like linework is certainly no exception. Magikarp may not be the most effective Pokémon in battle (some have even dared to call it “pathetic”), but it is known to be a skilled jumper. It looks like this savant of Splash is on a mission to leap up this giant waterfall—we have no doubt that it will achieve its lofty goal!

Frigibax

• Illustrator: Tomokazu Komiya

Magikarp’s not the only Pokémon that enjoys splashing around in water: Frigibax has decided to cool off by taking a dive into a flowing stream. That wide smile on its face is a clear indicator that Frigibax is having a terrific time. We just hope that it takes care as it plays—that stream looks awfully narrow! Potential threat of a Pokémon bonking its noggin on the bank aside, we’re fascinated by the wavy rainbow reflections on the water’s surface.

Sandygast

• Illustrator: Teeziro

A fun thing to do with Pokémon TCG illustrations is to come up with your own stories based on the scene being depicted. Take this lovely Sandygast card, for example. Has this Pokémon wandered onto this empty playground for a chance to enjoy a romp in the sandbox? Or perhaps the playground was teeming with children who were frightened away when the Pokémon emerged from the sand, its startling appearance heightened by the shadows cast by the setting sun. Either way, we hope this Sandygast is having fun.

Sudowoodo

• Illustrator: Narumi Sato

It seems strange to have a Pokémon card bearing an illustration that doesn’t actually feature a Pokémon. Sure, the card’s name tells us that this is a Sudowoodo card, but for the life of us, we can’t seem to locate the Imitation Pokémon anywhere on this tree-lined sidewalk. How odd.

Maushold

• Illustrator: Mizue

According to the Pokédex, it’s currently unknown if the Pokémon that comprise Maushold should be considered a family. When we see groups of them interacting like on this card, however, it sure feels like they are. Just look at these little cuties! Whether they’re chomping down on a Liechi Berry, helping each other carry (comparatively) giant mushrooms, or curling up together for a snooze, these Pokémon sure seem like they share a special bond. Maybe a Pokémon Professor can solve the mystery someday.

Iono

• Illustrator: kirisAki

Iono, Levincia’s Gym Leader, is also a popular influencer and streamer. It looks like this card has captured her in the middle of creating content for her fans—she’s surrounded herself with enough Pokémon-themed treats to light up any social media channel. And do these desserts ever look positively scrumptious! Pancakes? Sundaes? Parfaits? Yes, we’ll have one of each, please. Look at that grin—Iono knows that there’s no way to resist this collection of colorful confections.

Saguaro

• Illustrator: Sanosuke Sakuma

Saguaro works as the home economics teacher at Naranja Academy and Uva Academy, and we’re quite impressed with the cleanliness of his kitchen. Even his Pokémon assistants are learning that proper hygiene is a must when preparing food! Delibird and Skwovet are being very attentive observers as Saguaro teaches Jigglypuff how to wash its hands. Don’t worry, Jigglypuff. You’re doing great!

Can you believe that these are just a few of the gorgeous illustration rare cards you can discover in the Scarlet & Violet—Paldea Evolved expansion? Keep your eyes open for these intricately illustrated cards, and see what other ones you can find.