The latest Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion, Scarlet & Violet, is here, and with it comes a lot of new cards to admire as you tear open your booster packs. Join us as we look at just a fraction of the beautiful pieces of art you can find here, including a look at illustrations by artist Haru Akasaka, some Paldea region locations, and more.

Art by Haru Akasaka

The cards illustrated by Haru Akasaka immediately stand out thanks to their bright colors and bold use of dark outlines. Take a close look at the Florges and Muk artwork, and you’ll notice an interesting design choice—each patch of color is surrounded by a black outline. This gives a distinct separation between every bit of shading on the subject Pokémon, every shadowy leaf, and every rippled reflection in water. The viewer is forced to notice the individual segments of color on the card, resulting in pieces that look busy but endlessly fascinating. This isn’t the first time Akasaka has used this technique. The Zamazenta V card from the recent Pokémon TCG: Crown Zenith expansion uses the same method to great effect.

Starting Your Paldea Journey

Given that this is the first Pokémon TCG expansion to explore the Paldea region, it only makes sense that it contains cards featuring locations from around the land we originally saw in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. Those who have already journeyed through those video games are sure to recognize many memorable locations, and what better place to start than with the first steps of your adventure through Paldea? The games begin in the small town of Cabo Poco, and on Cacnea’s card, we see the Cactus Pokémon relaxing outside the player’s house. Just down the road is Nemona’s house, where a cheerful Grimer is playing. Hopefully Nemona isn’t bothered by the Pokémon’s Super Poison Breath. One of the other towns you’re likely to visit early in your Paldean quest is Cortondo, home of Katy, the Gym Leader who specializes in Bug-type Pokémon. Here, we see Growlithe taking a stroll through the town while Scatterbug guards the steps leading up to the elevated battle arena where you face Katy.

Visit Beautiful Mesagoza

Of the many locations to discover in Paldea, few are as impressive as Mesagoza, the largest city in the region, home to Naranja Academy or Uva Academy. Not surprisingly, there are multiple cards that use this sprawling city as their backdrop. Ralts looks a bit nervous standing outside Naranja Academy’s main entrance. Such a big school can seem overwhelming! Greedent, however, is content to stroll through the city’s streets gathering whatever berries it can find. Cards like Skiddo, Krokorok, and Staravia give even more perspectives on this massive burg. The city also gets a spotlight card of its own in the form of the Mesagoza Stadium card, which provides an incredible wide view of the city and the massive staircase leading up to the academy.

Lying Low

Don’t think that the Paldea region dominates the card artwork in this expansion, though—Pokémon are still the stars of the show, and there are some terrific Pokémon illustrations to discover. One theme that we noticed in this expansion is cards where the viewer is looking up at the Pokémon subject. Take, for example, this Magikarp card, which has us underwater right where one of the Pokémon has splashed down from an undoubtedly impressive jump. We’re at a similar low angle looking up at Magnemite, who’s flying around the windmills in Paldea’s West Province. The low angle has the added effect of making this normally small Pokémon look considerably larger. Similarly Dedenne, who is a mere eight inches tall, appears positively monstrous as it towers over a field thanks to our low vantage point.

Precipitation Parties

When a Pokémon needs to cool off, it’s hard to beat a frolic amid some refreshing precipitation. Just look how pleased Tropius is here, as it wades in a small pond while catching a stream of falling water on one of its wing-like leaves. Of course, when that precipitation occurs in a chilly environment, you’re gonna end up with snow! Poor Tarountula might look a bit out of its element as it balances on a thin branch during a snowfall. Still, it doesn’t appear uncomfortable—perhaps the ball of thread wrapped around its body is keeping it warm. We have no questions about Cetoddle’s mood, though. This Pokémon thrives in frigid environments, and it looks overjoyed to be stomping through a fresh blanket of powder.

The Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet expansion contains over 190 cards, so there are lots of other great illustrations to discover. Which one will be your favorite?