User:4iamking/Sword & Shield Era (TCG)
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The Sword & Shield Era (Japanese: ポケモンカードゲーム ソード&シールド Pokémon Card Game Sword & Shield) is series of Pokémon Trading Card Game sets and products released by The Pokémon Company (TPC), Pokémon Korea and Pokémon Shanghai in asian markets. It is the Era where Thai, Indonesian and Traditional Chinese have caught up to and started mimicking Japanese releases. As these markets in additional to theSimplified Chinese were behind, they often received different releases as the Japanese and Korean releases in an effort to catch up to those markets.
Series chronology
The Sword & Shield Era kicked off with the Japanese and Korean launch of Sword and Shield and introduces the Trading Card game to Generation VIII. In the S set release cycle, The first Pair of expansions features the box legendaries of Zacian and Zamazenta. It Brought the TCG up to regulation 
and saw the rotation of remaining XY cards shortly thereafter. With this initial pairing of base expansions, Fairy and Dragon types were excluded from the set, being assigned to Psychic and Colorless types respectively. Poison-type Pokémon were were made Darkness type cards to balance out these type changes. Several Pokémon also got reassigned resistances with resistance now usually negating 30 damage, an additional damage counter from prior expansions. The base expansions also saw the introduction of Pokémon V and Pokémon VMAX that replace the Pokémon-GX, and Tag Team Pokémon-GX from the Sun & Moon Era. a new RRR rarity is also introduced and used by Pokémon VMAX. The First Subset, VMAX Rising focused heavily on the Generation VIII First partner Pokémon with the final evolutions Rillaboom, Cinderace and Inteleon each featuring prominently on the pack artwork and getting Pokémon V cards with RR and SR prints and associated Pokémon VMAX cards with RRR, HR rarity prints.
In the second Main Series set release, the Rebellion Crash expansion continued the proliferation of Pokémon V and Pokémon VMAX, and their associated Gigantamax forms, particularly Toxtricity who's Gigantamax form featured prominently on the pack art and its associated RRR and HR rarity card. Toxtricity's Amped form was also prominently featured on a RR & SR rarity card. Rebellion Crash also saw the return of type-specific Special Energy cards last seen in the XY Era with Speed 
Energy and Horror 
Energy being introduced in this set, with Special energy types for other typing being subsequently released in the following 2 expansions. In other Asian markets, Sword & Shield was subsequently released in Traditional Chinese, Indonesian and Thai, and was a catch up set that consisted of cards from the first 2 expansions as well as the VMAX Rising subset. As with other Asian catch-up expansions, this set was released as 2 separate sets denoted as SET A and SET B, with SET A featuring the box legendaries of Zacian and Zamazenta and consisting of Lightning, Psychic, Fighting and Metal type cards, while SET B featured the final evolutions of the Generation VIII First partner Pokémon Rillaboom, Cinderace and Inteleon and contained Grass, Fire, Water, and Darkness type cards. In the second subset, Explosive Walker, the proliferation of Pokémon V and Pokémon VMAX from Rebellion Crash continued, this time featuring Gigantamax Centiskorch prominently on the pack artwork with RRR and HR Pokémon VMAX prints of the card.
The third Main Series expansion release, Infinity Zone introduced the Gigantic Pokémon Eternatus who appeared prominently in its Eternamax form on the pack artwork as well as in a RRR and HR Pokémon VMAX card. This was followed by the 3rd Subset Legendary Heartbeat featuring the mythical Rogue Monkey Pokémon Zarude along with numerous other legendary and mythical Pokémon introduced as Amazing Pokémon. These holo Pokémon cards feature attacks with "Amazing" in their name that typically require several types of energy, including energy types that might not be associated with that Pokémon. In Taiwan & Hong Kong, the Traditional Chinese exclusive expansion Infinite Power was also subsequently released as the final localised catch-up expansion, before Traditional Chinese adopted the main series release structure followed by the Japanese and Korean Game. Infinite Power consisted of cards from the Infinity Zone expansion as well as the Explosive Walker and Legendary Heartbeat subsets. As with other Asian catch-up expansions, this set was released as 2 separate sets denoted as SET A and SET B, with SET A featuring Eternamax Eternatus and consisting of Grass, Water, Psychic and Darkness type cards, while SET B featured Gigantamax Charizard and contained Fire, Lightning, Fighting, and Metal type cards.
Amazing Volt Tackle was the fourth Main Series expansion release and the first to also be released in Traditional Chinese, in addition to the regular Japanese and Korean expansion releases.
This expansion's pack art featured Leon's Charizard swooping in to battle a Gigantamax Pikachu, which was available as a RRR and HR print Pokémon VMAX card. The fourth Subset Shiny Star V was also the first High Class expansion of the Sword and Shield era, and like the GX Ultra Shiny High Class expansion from the Sun & Moon Era, it does not feature rarities on cards more common than the RR rarity and features shiny artworks of Pokémon from previous expansions in the Era. It (Along with Shiny VMAX Collection) is the only expansion in the Sword & Shield Era to feature the 
and 
rarities that are associated with Shiny Pokémon cards. Shiny Star V also features Kyogre, Reshiram and Yveltal as the final Amazing Pokémon to be released. In Indonesia and Thailand, the Indonesian and Thai exclusive Shiny VMAX Collection was subsequently released as the 3rd of 3 Asian Catch-up expansions of the Sword & Shield era, and represents the final localised catch-up expansion, before Indonesian and Thai releases adopted the main series release structure followed by the Japanese, Korean and Traditional Chinese Game. Shiny VMAX Collection consisted of cards from the Infinity Zone and Amazing Volt Tackle expansions as well as the Explosive Walker, Legendary Heartbeat and Shiny Star V subsets. Similar to the Shiny Star V subset, this expansion did not display rarity icons for cards with a rarity more common than R. As with other Asian catch-up expansions, this set was released as 2 separate sets denoted as SET A and SET B, with SET A featuring Fire, Water, Lightning and Fighting type cards, while SET B contained Grass, Psychic, Darkness, and Metal type cards.
Simplified Chinese Series chronology
Set characteristics
In marketing the sets, The Pokémon Company oversees Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Indonesian and Thai releases, Pokémon Korea oversees Korean releases, and Pokémon Shanghai oversees Simplified Chinese releases. Each of these companies often changes the set numbering of the cards in their releases, or may even tweak some aesthetic features within the individual cards themselves, but broadly all companies feature the same set of cards within the same product releases.
In markets that have caught up to Japanese set releases, Main Series expansions are released roughly every 3rd month with an Enhanced or High Class subset usually being released 1-2 months between Main Series set releases. A typical expansion consists of between 70-80 cards topped off by 25-30 secret cards with card numbers that exceed the set count. In Japanese, Traditional Chinese and Korean markets, these expansion releases are supplemented with deck releases, special sets and trainer box products that help players complete their collection and generate a viable game deck to play with against other players. In the Indonesian and Thai markets, such supplementary releases are rarer. Cards developed for these releases are instead often distributed through other means as promotional cards, or contained within Starter decks exclusively released in these markets.
Before catching up to the Japanese releases, the Traditional Chinese, Indonesian and Thai TCG each started the Sword and Shield Era with 2 Catch-up set releases. These sets combine multiple Japanese releases and are released as 2 sets, labelled SET A and SET B, with each set typically focusing on 4 of the 8 typings in the TCG. These sets typically have similar booster pack compositions as Japanese sets.
Simplified Chinese releases consist of similar catch-up released in roughly three month intervals, however unlike other catch up sets, the sets within each release are often named according to the set theme. Chinese sets are also released with 2 varieties of booster packs, which each expansion releasing in 5 card and 25 card packs. 25 card packs furthermore guarantee a Pokémon V or better within the pack. Simplified Chinese expansions are supplemented with subsets that are released roughly a month after the expansion. These sets feature roughly 60 to 70 cards + secret rares and are sold in 6 card packs.
Card design and layout
As with the two series that preceded it, the Sword & Shield Era sees a redesign in the card aesthetics. Pokémon-GX and Tag Team Pokémon-GX as well as Ultra Beasts are phased out and replaced with Pokémon V and Pokémon VMAX. The Fairy-type is also phased out, leading to some type changes. Poison-type Pokémon are now classified as Darkness-type while Fairy-type Pokémon are now classified as Psychic-type in the TCG.
Trainer and Energy cards cards adopt a more layered aesthetic with rounder geometry. The pipe symbol divider in the header is replaced for a sliced curvature. On trainer cards the rulebox has a more rounded shape and is surrounded by a bigger border on all sides. The artwork is given a sleeker border with right angled corners.
Pokémon cards also feature some design changes, mostly matching the style of Trainer and Energy cards. None of the information contained on a Pokémon card is relocated, but many design aesthetics have been modified for the new Era. Weakness, Resistance and Retreat cost are now displayed on a more dynamic left curving bar. For Pokémon cards with an ability, the ability icon now has a more rounded shape with more distinct borders. On Stage 1 and Stage 2 Evolution Pokémon cards, the evolution window now has a leaf shaped design, and the strands in the header in the header indicating a stage 1 or stage 2 evolution are much more visible, now connecting to the top border of the card.
The Pokémon V cards introduced in this series that replace Pokémon-GX do have some artistic similarities to their predecessor. Both cards feature unimpeded artwork covering the entire surface of the card, that features the Pokémon prominently. They feature similar updated aesthetics to match the other cards of the Sword and Shield Era, but do not have any GX attack bar or any similar mechanic to replace it, as this mechanic was limited to Pokémon-GX and phased out in the Sword and Shield Era.
In Korean releases, all cards have yellow borders mirroring the standard set by TPCi, whereas all other markets maintain silver card borders. In Japanese releases, all cards have the card back that was first introduced Pokémon VS, other markets use the card design from Wizards of the Coast that has been in use since the bringing of the Trading Card Game.
Card rarities
As with every series that preceded it, cards contained within a Main Series expansion always, and within a subset usually carry a rarity marking. The Sword & Shield Era saw a shakeup in the card rarity structure that makes up an expansion set. Some rarities associated with the Sun & Moon era such as the 
rarity that was associated with Prism Star cards and the 
rarity associated with alternative artworks of trainer cards are phased out. In its place the Sword & Shield Era introduces the new 
rarity. Main Series expansions in the Sword & Shield Era feature the Following Rarities:
- The
(Common) rarity is the most common rarity, It is featured on mostly Basic and Stage 1 Pokémon, occasionally trainer cards are also given this rarity. Approximately 40-45% of the non-secret cards in any given expansion are given this rarity. - The
(Uncommon) rarity is the second most common rarity, most trainer and energy cards are given this rarity as are some Pokémon. Approximately 30-34% of the non-secret cards in any given expansion are given this rarity. - The
(Rare) the rarest rarity non-rulebox Pokémon cards can have in the Sword & Shield Era expansions This rarity is also occasionally given to Supporter cards. These cards always have holographic prints. Approximately 10-12% of the non-secret cards in any given expansion are given this rarity. - The
(Double Rare) rarity is the rarity thats given to Pokémon V. Expansions in the Sword & Shield Era typically feature 6-8 Pokémon V. - The
(Triple Rare) rarity is introduced in the Sword & Shield Era, This rarity Can be found on and is associated with Pokémon VMAX, Pokémon VSTAR, and Pokémon V-UNION. Expansions in the Sword & Shield Era typically feature between 2-4 such cards. - The
(Super Rare) rarity is given to full art versions of rarity chase cards such as Pokémon V and Supporter cards. From Single Strike Master and Rapid Strike Master onwards, alternative art prints of RR cards can also be afforded this rarity. Sword & Shield Era expansions typically feature 8-16 SR rarity cards as secret rares. - The
(Hyper Rare) rarity is given to rainbow art versions of rarity chase cards such as Pokémon VMAX and Pokémon VSTAR and Supporter cards. From Single Strike Master and Rapid Strike Master onwards, alternative art prints of cards can also be afforded this rarity. These cards also contain an additional layer of glitter foil. Sword & Shield Era expansions typically feature between 4-8 HR rarity cards as secret rares. - The
(Ultra Rare) rarity is the rarest rarity and features gold foil prints of Pokémon, Item, Stadium, or Energy cards. Sword & Shield Era expansions typically feature 3 such cards as secret rares.
Subsets contain the same rarities as are contained within the Main Series expansions, however some subsets, particularly High Class subsets may omit the C, U, & R rarities, when this happens these cards are usually printed without any rarity associated with them. In addition to these rarities, the following rarities can also be found in select Subsets:
- The
(Amazing) rarity is a rarity given to Amazing Pokémon in the Legendary Heartbeat and Shiny Star V subsets, as well as in the Shiny VMAX Collection catchup set. In total 9 such cards across both subsets were given this rarity. - The
(Shiny) rarity is given to alternative art prints featuring shiny Pokémon in the Shiny Star V High Class subset, as well as in the Shiny VMAX Collection catchup set. In total 104 such cards were given this rarity. - The
(Shiny Super Rare) rarity is given to alternative art prints of Pokémon V and Pokémon VMAX featuring shiny Pokémon in the Shiny Star V High Class subset, as well as in the Shiny VMAX Collection catchup set. In total 23 such cards were given this rarity. - The
(Character Rare) rarity returns from the Sun & Moon Era and can be found in select subsets starting from VMAX Climax. These cards feature full art artwork of regular Basic, Stage 1 or Stage 2 Pokémon, and feature artwork depicting the Pokémon alongside a human trainer or companion. In total 46 such cards across both subsets were given this rarity. - The
(Character Super Rare) rarity returns from the Sun & Moon Era and can be found in select subsets starting from VMAX Climax. These cards feature full art artwork of Pokémon V, Pokémon VMAX, Pokémon VSTAR or Pokémon V-UNION, and feature artwork depicting the Pokémon alongside a human trainer or companion. In total 48 such cards across both subsets were given this rarity. - The
(Kagayaku) rarity is a rarity given to Radiant Pokémon which can be found in subsets beginning with Battle Region. In total 16 such cards were given this rarity. - The
(Art Rare) rarity is a rarity given to Illustration rare Pokémon in the VSTAR Universe High Class subset. These cards are similar to Character Rare cards but instead put more emphasis on featuring the Pokémon in its natural environment rather than with a human. In total 37 such cards were given this rarity. - The
(Special Art Rare) rarity is a rarity given to Illustration rare prints of chase Pokémon in the VSTAR Universe High Class subset. These cards are similar to Character Super Rare cards but instead put more emphasis on featuring the Pokémon in its natural environment rather than with a human. In total 35 such cards were given this rarity.
Gameplay and card mechanic changes
As with any series of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the Sword & Shield Era introduced a number of new card types, and changes to existing card types which introduce new mechanics into the game. This section will go over all the new types of cards introduced in the Sword & Shield Era. All cards from the Sword & Shield Era have and can be distinguished by a regulation mark of , 
, or 
.
Type ChangesThe Sword and Shield Era represents the first time that a basic energy card was phased out, this namely occurring with the Fairy-type. Pokémon that were previously associated with the Fairy-type were instead reallocated to the Psychic-type within the TCG, though still kept their weakness to the Metal-type. To support Fairy type cards from the previous Sun & Moon Era in standard play until their gradual phasing out, early products of the Sword & Shield Era such as the Sword & Shield Premium Trainer Box would include an updated Basic Fairy Energy Sword & Shield print. This would be the final print of Basic Fairy Energy as the card was rotated out of standard play with the rotation of Regulation To balance out the influx of new Psychic-type cards due to the retirement of the Fairy type, Poison-type Pokémon were also reassigned from being represented as Psychic-type cards in the Sun & Moon Era to being represented as Darkness-type cards in the Sword & Shield Era.
Pokémon VMAXIntroduced in Sword, Shield, Sword & Shield or Dynamax Clash, Pokémon VMAX evolve from its respective Pokémon V and feature boosted HP and more powerful attacks. Like Tag Team Pokémon from the Sun & Moon Era, these features are compensated by the Pokémon giving up 3 Prize cards when defeated through it's Rule box. While being first stage evolutions from Pokémon V, Pokémon VMAX are not considered to be a stage 1 card when considering interactions with other cards. Instead, all Pokémon VMAX have the VMAX evolutionary stage, which also makes them susceptible to card interactions affecting Pokémon V. Pokémon VMAX can be identified by the
Single Strike styleIntroduced in Single Strike Master, and found in sets through to VMAX Climax, the Fusion Strike style mixes the strengths of the Single Strike and Rapid Strike styles, strengthening their own Pokémon while weakening the opponent's. These cards often synergise and have direct interactions with each other and can be seen as a counter balance to both the Single Strike style and the Rapid Strike style. Single Strike style cards can be identified by a localised red
Fusion Strike styleFound in Fusion Arts and VMAX Climax, these cards revolve around Urshifu's Single Strike Style and focus on powerful, hard-hitting attacks that can Knock Out an opponent in a single blow. Single Strike style cards often synergise with each other and can be seen as a counterpart to the Rapid Strike style. Fusion Strike style cards can be identified by a localised pink and purple
Pokémon VSTARIntroduced in Star Birth, Pokémon VSTAR evolve from its respective Pokémon V and feature boosted HP and more powerful attacks. Unlike Pokémon VMAX or V-UNION, they still hold the same Rule box as Pokémon V giving up 2 prize cards when defeated. Pokémon VSTAR additionally have a VSTAR Power, an effect that can be compared to the GX Attack that Pokémon-GX had in the Sun & Moon Era. VSTAR Powers are attacks or abilities that Pokémon VSTAR hold with game-defining effects, the catch being that players may only use 1 VSTAR power per game, meaning that once a VSTAR Power used, the player may not use another VSTAR Power in the game, even if it comes from a different Pokémon. While being first stage evolutions from Pokémon V, Pokémon VSTAR are not considered to be a stage 1 card when considering interactions with other cards. Instead, all Pokémon VMAX have the VSTAR evolutionary stage, which also makes them susceptible to card interactions affecting Pokémon V. Pokémon VSTAR can be identified by the
Seal StoneFound in Paradigm Trigger and VSTAR Universe, Seal Stone cards are Pokémon Tool cards that can be attached to a Pokémon V, VMAX, V-UNION or VSTAR to give the Pokémon access to the VSTAR Power described on the card. Using the VSTAR power provided by a Seal Stone has the same effect as using a VSTAR Power provided by a Pokémon V and prevents the player from using another VSTAR Power for the rest of the game.
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Pokémon VIntroduced in Sword, Shield, Sword & Shield or Dynamax Clash, Pokémon V can be seen as the Sword & Shield Era counterpart of Pokémon-GX. Unlike Pokémon-GX these Pokémon do not have a move that can only be used once per game, nor can they be evolution Pokémon. Like Pokémon-GX these Pokémon cards are only available as full art prints and are Rule box Pokémon giving up two prize cards when defeated to compensate for their high health pool and strong attacks. Pokémon V can be identified by the
Amazing PokémonFound in Legendary Heartbeat, Infinite Power, Shiny Star V, and the Shiny VMAX Collection, Amazing Pokémon cards show illustrations on a multi-colored background that breaches beyond the frame. They feature Legendary or Mythical Pokémon with attacks with "Amazing" in their name that cost multiple types of Energy, often not matching the Pokémon's types from the core series. Amazing Pokémon have no labels or different names and as such count as regular Pokémon. Amazing Pokémon can be identified by the
Rapid Strike styleIntroduced in Rapid Strike Master, and found in sets through to VMAX Climax, these cards revolve around Urshifu's Rapid Strike Style and focus on sneaky and technical attacks. Rapid Strike style cards often synergise with each other and can be seen as a counterpart to the Single Strike style. Rapid Strike style cards can be identified by a localised blue
Pokémon V-UNIONIntroduced in 25th Anniversary Collection after initially appearing in the V-UNION Special Card Sets, Pokémon V-Union consist of four cards with the same name. Pokémon V-UNION can only be played once per game, by assembling the four different cards from the discard pile into the Bench as a single Pokémon with all attacks and other attributes of each part. Pokémon V-UNION keep the same layout as Pokémon V but split their artwork and some attributes across each part; because of this, all attributes except card type, name, Pokémon type and stage (which are included in each part) do not exist while the Pokémon isn't in play for effects such as card search. When in play Pokémon V-UNION feature a greatly increased selection of powerful abilities and attacks as well as a boosted life total however like with Pokémon VMAX, these features are compensated by the Pokémon giving up 3 Prize cards when defeated through its Rule box. While not evolving from any other Pokémon, Pokémon V-UNION are not considered to be basic Pokémon when considering interactions with other cards. Instead, all Pokémon V-UNION have the V-UNION evolutionary stage, which also makes them susceptible to card interactions affecting Pokémon V. Pokémon V-UNION can be identified by the
Radiant PokémonIntroduced in Battle Region, Radiant Pokémon cards feature Shiny Pokémon and are identified by an exclusive foil in all of its cards. These Pokémon have powerful attacks and Abilities and are always Basic Pokémon. Radiant Pokémon have a Rule box prohibiting more than 1 Radiant Pokémon from being placed into a deck, however as these Pokémon have "Radiant" in their name, they do not share the same card name with other Pokémon cards of the same species. Radiant Pokémon can be identified by the
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Releases
Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Indonesian, Thai & Korean releases
This table contains a list of all releases in the Sword and Shield Era released in jurisdictions that have caught up to the Japanese set releases in the Sword & Shield Era.
Releases that were initially released in the Japanese Market by The Pokémon Company, all have release numbers that start with prefix "S" or "SP", while releases that were initially released in the Non-Japanese markets controlled by The Pokémon Company to catch up, and supplement Japanese releases that do not make it to these markets have release numbers that start with prefix "SC".
Simplified Chinese releases
These releases were all initially released in the Simplified Chinese market by Pokémon Shanghai in an effort to catch up to the Japanese sets. They combine cards from multiple Main Set "S" Series releases and all have release numbers that start with prefix "CS".
| Release Type | Release Name | Set Symbol | Set Code | Pokémon Shanghai |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simplified Chinese | ||||
| Promotional Cards | S-P Promotional cards | 
|
S-P | List |
| Main Series Expansion | Dynamax Clash: Thunder Dynamax Clash: Flame |
 
|
CS1a CS1b |
✔ |
| Vivid Portrayals: Obsidian Vivid Portrayals: Indigo |
 
|
CS2a CS2b |
✔ | |
| Subset Expansion | Dynamax Tactics | 
|
CS1.5 | ✔ |
| Expansion Deck | Dynamax Clash V Starter Deck | 
|
CS1D | ✔ |
| Minor Release | Dynamax Clash Deck Building Box | 
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CSA | ✔ |
Merchandise
- Main article: Sword & Shield TCG Era merchandise
Merchandise released during the Sword & Shield Era varied wildly between different markets, as the different companies distributing the TCG released vastly different products and accessories. Broadly speaking, In Japan, the Pokémon Center stores continued their longstanding tradition of releasing a set of Picture frames, deck boxes, card sleeves, playmats and other accessories on a near-monthly basis largely timing in with every main expansion and subset release. In the latter half of the Sword & Shield Era, these releases are broadly carried over to the Taiwan and Hong Kong markets after. Merchandise releases in other markets where TPC has distribution authority have been more limited.
In Korea, Pokémon Korea typically releases the same deck boxes and sleeves as are available in Japan, in addition to occasionally releasing their own merchandise not available in other markets. Trainer boxes are released more sporadically.
In Mainland China, Pokémon Shanghai typically releases a set of Deck boxes, sleeves, playmats and card binders with every main expansion release featuring artwork from the main expansion booster packs that is unique to this market. Most merchandise from other markets is not available in Mainland China.
Gallery
Logos
Japanese Series logo
Traditional Chinese Series logo
Indonesian Series logo
Thai Series logo
Simplified Chinese Series logo
Korean Series logo
In other languages
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Resources
- Japanese Trainers site
- Taiwanese Trainers site
- Indonesian Trainers site
- Thai Trainers site
- Simplified Chinese Trainers site
- Korean Trainers site
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This article is part of Project TCG, a Bulbapedia project that aims to report on every aspect of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. |