We recently got a sneak peek at Pokémon VSTAR, a new gameplay mechanic that’s coming to the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Now we have more details about Pokémon VSTAR and other cards that will debut in the Sword & Shield—Brilliant Stars expansion, which releases on February 25, 2022.

What Are Pokémon VSTAR?

Pokémon VSTAR evolve from Pokémon V. Each Pokémon VSTAR has a potent VSTAR Power, and each player can use only 1 VSTAR Power per game. VSTAR Powers come in two varieties, Abilities and attacks, and both can drastically alter the course of a battle. As you might expect, Pokémon VSTAR also have high HP and high-damage attacks to back up their VSTAR Powers. And like Pokémon V, you’re rewarded with 2 Prize cards when they’re Knocked Out. Let’s take a closer look at a couple Pokémon VSTAR you can find in the Sword & Shield—Brilliant Stars expansion.

Arceus VSTAR

The Mythical Pokémon Arceus appears as a Pokémon VSTAR with the Starbirth VSTAR Power. This Ability lets you search your deck for up to 2 cards to bring into your hand. With this Ability at your disposal, you’ll be able to snag the cards you need no matter the situation. Arceus VSTAR also has the Trinity Nova attack, which does 200 damage and allows you to search your deck for up to 3 basic Energy cards and attach them to your Pokémon V in any way you like.

Charizard VSTAR

Charizard VSTAR has the Star Blaze VSTAR Power, an attack that hits for a massive 320 damage. You have to discard 2 Energy from Charizard VSTAR when you use the attack, but it’s sure to prove useful against even the strongest opponent. For its other attack, it can use Explosive Fire to do 230 damage if there are any damage counters on it already. Your opponent should definitely get nervous when you bring Charizard VSTAR into play!

Cards to Watch For

In addition to incredible Pokémon VSTAR, Sword & Shield—Brilliant Stars has plenty of other great cards, many of which work well in decks that feature Pokémon VSTAR. Here are some other cards you should keep an eye on.

Arceus V

As mentioned above, Pokémon VSTAR can’t come into play unless you evolve them from Pokémon V. And like Arceus VSTAR, Arceus V is useful for building up a sturdy foundation. Its Trinity Charge attack lets you search your deck for up to 3 basic Energy cards and attach them to your Pokémon V in any way you like. It’s a great way to prepare your team to unleash a lot of punishment.

Charizard V

Charizard V can evolve into Charizard VSTAR, of course, but don’t overlook its own impressive attacks. Not only will Incinerate do 90 damage, but it also discards all Pokémon Tools from your opponent’s Active Pokémon. The Heat Blast attack can also be used to do a whopping 180 damage.

Other Useful Cards

As always, the new expansion features plenty of Trainer cards and Special Energy cards to boost the effectiveness of your deck. Double Turbo Energy, for example, has good synergy with Arceus VSTAR. It provides two Colorless Energy, but the attacks of the Pokémon it’s attached to will do 20 less damage. The upside is you’re able to use attacks with a high Energy cost quicker.

Cheren’s Care allows you to put 1 of your Colorless-type Pokémon that has any damage counters on it (along with any attached cards) back into your hand. It’s perfect for any Pokémon that’s on the verge of being Knocked Out.

Kindler lets you look at the top 7 cards of your deck and put up to 2 of them into your hand. You’ll have to discard a Fire Energy card from your hand to use it, but it can help you get a card you need into play.

Speaking of discarded Fire Energy, the Magma Basin Stadium card allows you to attach a Fire Energy from your discard pile to 1 of your Benched Fire-type Pokémon once during your turn. If you do, however, you must place 2 damage counters on that Pokémon. Even so, remember that Charizard VSTAR’s Explosive Fire attack benefits from having damage counters on that Pokémon.

It may not be a Trainer card, but Moltres also works well with Magma Basin. Its Inferno Wings attack does a total of 90 damage if there are any damage counters on it. Since Inferno Wings requires only one Fire Energy to use, you’ll be able to use this attack right away.

In addition to the Sword & Shield—Brilliant Stars expansion, 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 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, a VSTAR marker, and Pokémon TCG booster packs.

Pokémon VSTAR deliver an exciting new twist to the Pokémon TCG that will change the way you play. Add some of these powerful new cards to your deck when the Sword & Shield—Brilliant Stars expansion launches on February 25.