Pokémon V (TCG)
Pokémon V (Japanese: ポケモンV Pokémon V) are a type of Pokémon found in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. They were first introduced in the Sword & Shield expansion. Pokémon V have a stylized 
graphic on the card name.
In terms of gameplay, Pokémon V are similar to Pokémon-ex from the EX Series, Pokémon-EX from the Black & White and XY Series as well as Pokémon-GX from the Sun & Moon series; they typically have more Hit Points and stronger attacks than regular Pokémon. However, when a Pokémon V is Knocked Out, the opponent takes two Prize cards instead of one. All Pokémon V are Basic Pokémon.
Aesthetically, the artwork on Pokémon V covers most of the card, with the background illustration fading into the bottom-most area, while still having the Pokémon break the card's borders (following on previous Pokémon variant cards). As such, the card text presented across the artwork is outlined, resembling Full Art cards. Pokémon V cards feature a black border, black sections that highlight its HP and type, its Weakness, Resistance, and Retreat cost, its Rule Box, as well a symbol in the top left corner. Pokémon V included in main expansions and subsets are usually accompanied by embossed Full Art prints. Some have an alternate version of the Pokémon's artwork. While they typically feature 3D illustrations like the preceding Pokémon-GX, they feature less generic background patterns. Starting with the Battle Styles expansion, select Pokémon V also began to receive a Special Full Art print and, as with the comparable Tag Team Pokémon-GX introduced in Team Up, feature traditionally-drawn illustrations.
Pokémon VMAX
Also debuting in the Sword & Shield expansion were Pokémon VMAX, which represent the Dynamax, Gigantamax, and Eternamax mechanics of Pokémon Sword and Shield in the TCG. These cards are identified by a 
graphic on the card name. Pokémon VMAX evolve from its respective Pokémon V and feature boosted Hit Points (among the highest on legally playable cards) and more powerful attacks. When a VMAX Pokémon is Knocked Out, the opponent takes three Prize cards instead of one. Pokémon VMAX are still considered Pokémon V when interacting with certain card effects.
While keeping the same layout of Pokémon V, Pokémon VMAX cards are all printed in the etched Full Art style, often with a multi-colored background and multi-colored tinges to the graphics around it. Pokémon VMAX included in main expansions and subsets are typically accompanied by Secret Rainbow Rare (Hyper Rare in Japan) prints that utilize the same artwork. Select Pokémon VMAX also began to receive Special Full Art prints from the Battle Styles expansion.
Pokémon V-UNION
Introduced in the Sword & Shield Series as SWSH Black Star Promotional cards, Pokémon V-UNION are a new variant of Pokémon V. These cards are identified by a 
graphic on the card name, and 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, as well counting as a separate evolutionary stage. When a V-UNION Pokémon is Knocked Out, the opponent takes three Prize cards instead of one. Pokémon V-UNION are still considered Pokémon V when interacting with certain card effects, and all also feature the Union Gain attack.
While keeping the same layout of Pokémon V, Pokémon V-UNION cards 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. While not officially labeled as Full Art cards, the artwork covers the entire card in the same fashion as Pokémon VMAX cards, although only the collective border of the card is embossed to look like shattered stone.
Pokémon VSTAR
The fourth variant of Pokémon V is the Pokémon VSTAR, which debuted in the Brilliant Stars expanion. These cards are identified by a 
graphic on the card name. Pokémon VSTAR evolve from its respective Pokémon V and feature increased Hit Points and more powerful attacks, as well as an exclusive mechanic called VSTAR Power that can be either a powerful attack or Ability, but the player is limited to using one VSTAR Power per game. When a Pokémon VSTAR is Knocked Out, the opponent takes two Prize cards instead of one. Pokémon VSTAR are still considered Pokémon V when interacting with certain card effects.
Pokémon that have appeared as Pokémon V
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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. |