Pokémon TCG Brilliant Stars adds VSTAR cards, but what exactly is that?

Every once in a while, The Pokémon Company adds something new to the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Whether it's V-Union, VMAX or GX, you can expect a major shakeup in gameplay every time something is added. This is also the case in the February 25 set, Brilliant Stars. This set consists of more than 170 cards, including several VSTAR cards. But what exactly does this mean?

This set adds four different cards of this type: Whimsicott, Shaymin Sky Forme, Charizard, and Arceus (and their rainbow variants). Leafeon and Glaceon are also available in special bundles. To some extent, the cards work the same as VMAX cards. You will first need to have a V version of the Pokémon on your field before you can “evolve” into a VSTAR variant. So it's not very easy to be able to play one, but when you play them, you can expect a big boost in power. Not only do they have higher HP than a V card, they also have a special power.

As shown in these two examples, they have a VSTAR Power. You can use this power once per game and can be both an attack and an ability. Both can have enormous tactical effects. Charizard's attack does enough damage to wipe out the strongest opponents, including even a VSTAR card, in one go. However, Arceus can help you by allowing you to take that one trainer card or Pokémon from your deck. Each option is therefore extremely strong and this also means that it can only be used once per game.

An extra nice effect of VSTAR is that when they are defeated, your opponent can only take two prize cards. With VMAX it is three and with both you evolve the Pokémon from a V card. So it makes more sense to use a VSTAR instead of a VMAX when you have a choice.

Expanded Format

In addition to the standard format, Pokémon TCG also has an expanded format. More sets are legal here, including Sun & Moon with the GX cards. Furthermore, it appears that GX cards (also these can only be used once per game) can be used together with VSTAR cards with their special abilities. This could again be a tactical consideration for deck building. For this we will have to wait for the official rulebook which will be released after launch. If this is not the case, we will update this article.