An Introduction To VSTAR Pokémon Cards

Pokémon VSTAR cards are one of Pokémon’s TCG unique style of cards. Since its inception, the Pokémon Company has always been dedicated to improving the dynamics of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

The company has introduced new mechanics and features in every generation of the TCG to keep it fresh and exciting for players, collectors, and fans alike.

In this article, we will explore one of such ways in which The Pokémon Company improved the dynamics of the TCG: Pokémon VSTAR cards.

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Overview of Pokémon VSTAR cards

Two years after the Pokemon company introduced Pokémon V cards, they announced the introduction of VSTAR cards on 19 October 2021.

Pokémon VSTAR cards are very powerful cards with special attacks and abilities called VSTAR power. The first VSTAR Pokémon cards arrived in February 2022 with the Arceus and Charizard-themed Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars expansion.

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VSTAR cards were the icing on a set many TCG players consider the best set in the Sword and Shield era. Pokémon VSTAR cards are ultra-rare cards with unique abilities. VSTAR cards evolve from Pokémon V cards, each with a unique VSTAR Power. These VSTAR Powers are incredibly powerful moves that players can use once per game.

Recognizing Pokémon VSTAR cards

Pokémon VSTAR cards can be easily recognized by looking at the title of the Pokémon. Just like all special editions of Pokémon cards such as Pokémon GX, or Pokémon V, VSTAR cards will display the word “VSTAR” after the Pokémon’s name.

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Using Pokémon VSTAR in Pokémon TCG gameplay

Pokémon VSTAR cards are powerful game changers in the TCG and can turn the tide of battle. While VSTAR cards lack the brute strength of VMAX Pokemon cards, they come with impressive HP, high-damage attacks, and lower cost when your opponent knocks your VSTAR card out.

What really makes them game changers is their one-off VSTAR Powers ability. VSTAR Powers come in two varieties: attacks and abilities. Both types of VSTAR Powers can completely alter the course of a battle.

VSTAR Powers are so game-changing that TCG players are limited to a single VSTAR Power use per game. This doesn’t mean each VSTAR card can use its power once per game. A player can use only one VSTAR Power in an entire game, even with multiple VSTAR cards. You must choose one of the VSTAR Powers that would best benefit you.

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However, VSTAR cards aren’t invincible. The VSTAR Rule states that your opponent takes 2 Prize cards once they Knock Out your VSTAR card. While this is 1 card less than the penalty of having a VMAX card Knocked Out, it’s still quite a risk.

VSTAR powers

The Pokémon TCG offers a wide range of VSTAR Powers across its two varieties. A VSTAR Power might be able to Knock Out a VMAX card with one attack or let you bring back items from your discard pile. Here are some Pokémon VSTAR cards and their VSTAR Powers.

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Shaymin VSTAR	VSTAR Power – During your turn, you may heal 120 damage from each of your Benched Grass Pokémon
Charizard VSTAR	VSTAR Power – 3x Fire Energy, 1x Colorless Energy – 320 Damage – Discard 2 Energy from this Pokémon
Whimsicott VSTAR	VSTAR Power – This attack does 60 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Pokémon for each Energy attached to this Pokémon. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon)
Arceus VSTAR	VSTAR Power – During your turn, you may search your deck for up to 2 cards and put them into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.
Lucario VSTAR	VSTAR Power – The Aura Star VSTAR Power deals 70 damage for each Energy attached to all your opponent’s Pokémon.
Mewtwo VSTAR	VSTAR Power – Exclusively attacks other V cards. Dealing 120 damage to each of your opponent’s V cards. This damage isn’t affected by Weakness or Resistance.
Hisuian Lilligant VSTAR	VSTAR Power – During your turn, you may search your deck for up to 5 in any combination of  Pokémon and  Energy cards, reveal them, and put them into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.
Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR	VSTAR Power – During your turn, you may attach up to 3  Energy from your discard pile to your  Pokémon any way you like.
Hisuian Typhlosion VSTAR	VSTAR Power – If your opponent’s Active Pokémon has exactly four damage counters, that Pokémon is Knocked Out.
Hisuian Decidueye VSTAR	VSTAR Power – During your turn, you may draw cards until you have eight cards in hand
Darkrai VSTAR	VSTAR Power – During your turn, you may put up to 2 Item cards from your discard pile into your hand.
Hisuian Samurott VSTAR	VSTAR Power – During your turn, you may put four damage counters on 1 of your opponent’s Pokémon.
Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR	VSTAR Power – Take another turn after this one
Kleavor VSTAR	This attack does 30 damage for each Pokémon in your discard pile.
Dragonite VSTAR	Look at the top 12 cards of your deck and attach any number of cards you find there to your Pokémon in any way you like. Shuffle the other cards back into your deck.
Magnezone VSTAR	This attack does 90 damage to 2 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon)
Aerodactyl VSTAR	Until this Pokémon leaves play, it gains an Ability that has the effect “Your opponent’s Pokémon V in play, except any Aerodactyl VSTAR, have no Abilities.”
Drapion VSTAR	During your turn, you may make your opponent’s Active Pokémon Paralyzed and Poisoned. During Pokémon Checkup, put three damage counters on that Pokémon instead of 1.
Giratina VSTAR	You may only use this attack if you have ten cards or more in the Lost Zone. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Knocked Out.
Hisuian Goodra VSTAR	During your turn, you may heal all damage from this Pokémon.
Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR	During your turn, you may discard your hand and draw seven cards.
Serperior VSTAR	This attack does 60 damage for each Energy attached to this Pokémon. Switch this Pokémon with 1 of your Benched Pokémon.
Alolan Vulpix VSTAR	This attack does 70 damage for each of your opponent’s Pokémon V in play. This damage isn’t affected by Weakness or Resistance.
Unown VSTAR	Until this Pokémon leaves play, it gains an Ability that has the effect\u201cThe Weakness of each of your opponent’s Pokémon in play is now. (The amount of Weakness doesn’t change.)
Mawile VSTAR	During your turn, if this Pokémon is on your Bench, you may switch it with your Active Pokémon. If you do, switch 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon with their Active Pokémon.
Regidrago VSTAR	During your turn, you may discard the top 7 cards of your deck. Then, put up to 2 cards from your discard pile into your hand.
Lugia VSTAR	During your turn, you may put up to 2  Pokémon that don’t have a Rule Box from your discard pile onto your Bench. (Pokémon V, Pokémon-GX, etc., have Rule Boxes.)
Leafeon VSTAR	During your turn, you may switch 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon with their Active Pokémon.
Simisear VSTAR	This attack does 30 damage for each Energy card in your discard pile.
Rotom VSTAR	During your turn, you may use this ability. Discard any number of cards from your hand. Then, draw that many cards.
Zeraora VSTAR	Choose 1 of your opponent’s Pokémon 4 times. (You can choose the same Pokémon more than once.) For each time you choose a Pokémon, do 60 damage to it. This damage isn’t affected by Weakness or Resistance.
Zacian VSTAR	Deals 310 damage. This Pokémon also does 30 damage to itself.
Zamazenta VSTAR	During your turn, you may use this ability. During your opponent’s next turn, all of your Pokémon take 100 less damage from attacks from your opponent’s Pokémon (after applying Weakness and Resistance). (This includes Pokémon that come into play during this turn or during your opponent’s next turn).
Regigigas VSTAR	During your turn, if your opponent has exactly 1 Prize card remaining, you may choose 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon. They discard that Pokémon and all attached cards.
Glaceon VSTAR	During your opponent’s next turn, prevent all damage from and effects of attacks done to this Pokémon.
Deoxys VSTAR	This attack does 60 damage for each Energy attached to both Active Pokémon.

Valuable Pokémon VSTAR Cards for collectors

Charizard VSTAR

Charizard is a Fire/Flying-type Pokémon from the first generation of the Pokémon series. It is one of the most recognizable Pokémon, known for its dragon-like appearance and powerful fiery attacks. Charizard is a fan favourite for its iconic design and strong combat abilities.

It is also one of the most valuable Pokémon cards. Charizard VSTAR is no exception. Charizard is so highly sought-after that its value has soared over the years. The value of the Charizard VSTAR card ranges from $200 to $500. The Charizard VSTAR 174 Secret Rainbow Rare sells for over $600.

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Giratina VSTAR

Giratina is a popular Pokémon among fans for its unique design, abilities, and lore. Its status as a Legendary Pokémon and guardian of the Distortion World has made it an iconic figure in the Pokémon universe. According to Price Charting, the value of the Girantina VSTAR card ranges from $120 for ungraded copies to $275 for PSA 10.

Arceus VSTAR #262

Arceus is a Mythical Pokémon from the fourth generation of the Pokémon series. It is known for its god-like appearance, the ability to change its type to any other Pokémon type, and its role as the creator of the Pokémon universe. Its unique abilities and importance in the Pokémon lore have made it a fan favorite among players.

While it’s no Charizard, its value reflects its immense popularity. The value of the Arceus VSTAR #262 ranges from $90 to $300. A BGS 10 BLACK LABEL Arceus VSTAR 262/172 Universe Gold recently sold for $990.

Original Forme Dialga VSTAR #260

Dialga is a Legendary Pokémon from the fourth generation of the Pokémon series. Dialga’s ability to manipulate time has made it an iconic Pokémon amongst fans. Its powerful attacks and abilities have made it popular amongst TCG players. The value of this card ranges from $53 to $200.

VSTAR Black and White Markers

Generally, the Pokémon company releases ample information prior to including a new card. However, this wasn’t the case with the introduction of VSTAR energy cards. For a while, there was confusion regarding the function of VSTAR marker cards in most Pokémon packs.

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Most people who pulled a VSTAR black card thought they’d pulled some rare or error card. However, while VSTAR black cards are rare, they have a purpose in the Pokémon TCG. They are meant to act as VSTAR Ability markers and can replace your usual energy card. When playing the TCG, your VSTAR black card can either face up or down, depending on if you’ve used your VSTAR Power.

Additionally, a VSTAR marker in your pack doesn’t affect your chances of pulling a VSTAR Pokémon card. For a while, the myth that having a VSTAR marker in your pack guaranteed a VSRAE card. However, this has been proven to be false. A text from The Pokémon Company reads:

“IF your pack comes with a VSTAR Pokémon, it will also have a VSTAR marker. However, they can also be inserted at random in packs that do not include VSTAR Pokémon. This would also serve to prevent the packs from being weighed by scammers.”

Bottomline of VSTAR Pokémon cards

Introducing Pokémon VSTAR cards delivered an exciting new twist to the Pokémon TCG. Their powerful attacks, unique VSTAR Power, and stunning artwork have made them favorites for TCG players and collectors. Their introduction has also added a new level of strategy to the game.

Players must carefully decide which VSTAR Power gives the best benefits, as you can use it once in a game. Collection-wise, Pokémon VSTAR cards are great additions to any Pokémon collection. Their artwork is captivating, and the cards hold their value exceptionally well. Pokémon VSTAR cards will continue to be a staple in the TCG community for years.

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