Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars Card List Overview
The Brilliant Stars expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, released in February 2022, is the ninth main expansion in the Sword & Shield series. It notably introduced the Pokémon VSTAR game mechanic.
Key Card Types & Features:
- Pokémon VSTAR: Debuting in this set, these powerful cards evolve from Pokémon V. Notable examples include Arceus VSTAR, Charizard VSTAR, Shaymin VSTAR, and Whimsicott VSTAR. Each possesses a potent, once-per-game VSTAR Power (either an Ability or an attack).
- Trainer Gallery (TG): A special subset of 30 cards (TG01/TG30 to TG30/TG30) featuring full-art character rares that depict Pokémon alongside their Trainers. Examples include Umbreon VMAX, Sylveon VMAX, and Acerola's Premonition.
- Pokémon V & Pokémon VMAX: The set includes numerous Pokémon V such as Charizard V and Arceus V, and several Pokémon VMAX cards.
- Full Art & Alternate Art: Collectors can find highly desirable full art Supporter cards (e.g., Cynthia's Ambition, Kindler) and sought-after alternate art versions of Pokémon V.
- Secret Rares: The set features various secret rare cards, including rainbow rare Pokémon VSTAR and VMAX, and gold secret rare Pokémon, Trainer, and Special Energy cards.
Set Size and Composition:
The main English Brilliant Stars set officially contains 172 cards before accounting for secret rares. When including the Trainer Gallery cards, secret rares, and other unnumbered variations, the master set size exceeds 216 unique cards. The set is primarily composed of cards from the Japanese S9 'Star Birth' expansion, along with cards from the S8b 'VMAX Climax' subset (which form the Trainer Gallery).
Prominent & Chase Cards:
- Charizard V (Alternate Full Art - 154/172)
- Arceus V (Alternate Full Art - 166/172)
- Charizard VSTAR (Rainbow Rare - 174/172)
- Arceus VSTAR (Gold Secret Rare - 184/172)
- Arceus VSTAR (Rainbow Rare - 176/172)
- Umbreon VMAX (Trainer Gallery - TG23/TG30)
- Marnie's Pride (Full Art Trainer - 171/172)
This set is recognized for its impactful new VSTAR Pokémon and the popular Trainer Gallery subset, making it a significant release for both Pokémon TCG players and collectors due to its gameplay impact and card collectibility.
