Pokémon Vstar cards are an exciting new mechanic introduced in 2022 for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). As the latest evolution of Pokémon V cards, Vstar cards provide powerful new strategies and abilities to give players an edge in battle. But what exactly are they and how can you utilize them effectively? This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about collecting and playing with Pokémon Vstar cards.
A New Generation of Pokémon V Cards
Pokémon V and VMAX cards were first introduced in 2019‘s Sword & Shield base set as special upgraded versions of Pokémon. Vstar cards take this further as the next stage of evolution above VMAX. Just like VMAX cards, Vstar cards have higher HP, attacks, and abilities compared to standard Pokémon V.
But each Vstar also comes with a unique Vstar Power – a special one-time use attack or ability that can turn the tide of battle. Expert players carefully plan when to unleash their Vstar Power for maximum impact.
Here‘s a quick comparison of Vstar cards versus other card types:
| Card Type | Prize Cards | HP | Attacks | Special Powers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon V | 1 | Moderate | Strong | No |
| Pokémon VMAX | 3 | Very High | Very Strong | No |
| Pokémon Vstar | 2 | High | Very Strong | 1 Vstar Power per game |
By giving up 2 prize cards instead of 1 when knocked out, Vstar cards are balanced for their versatility and strength. Their key advantage comes from the Vstar Power bringing a new element of strategy.
So far over 30 different Pokémon have received Vstar cards, including fan favorites like Charizard, Mewtwo, and Arceus. But with care taken not to make them overpowered, Vstar Pokémon stand apart from previous EX, GX, and VMAX cards by not just having bigger stats. Their unique powers add excitement and surprise to matches.
When Were Pokémon Vstar Cards Introduced?
While they debuted in early 2022, the origins of Vstar cards trace back further to special promo releases in 2021. Here is a brief timeline:
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August 2021 – Leafeon and Glaceon Vstar released as SWSH Black Star promos in VSTAR Premium Collections
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December 2021 – Origin Forme Dialga and Palkia Vstar in VSTAR Universe Japanese set
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February 2022 – Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars officially introduces Vstar cards to the Pokémon TCG
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May 2022 – 12 more Vstar cards added in Astral Radiance
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September 2022 – VSTAR Universe Japanese set reprints many Vstar cards with new alternate arts
So Vstar cards are still in their first year, but have quickly become a popular new tool for collectors and competitive players alike. Their introductory Brilliant Stars set focused heavily on Vstar cards as a main draw. And that was only the beginning, with future sets continuing to expand the Vstar roster.
How Pokémon Vstar Cards Work In Gameplay
Vstar cards have special mechanics governing their use in the Pokémon TCG. Learning these rules is key to utilizing them effectively in your decks and matches.
Evolving Vstar Pokémon
In your deck, you must first have the base form Pokémon V card to be able to evolve into its Vstar version. For example, Charizard Vstar can only be evolved from Charizard V – not straight from Charmeleon or other Charizards. This gives players flexibility in choosing when to evolve their V Pokémon into a Vstar.
Evolving into Vstar counts as your one Pokémon VMAX evolution for the turn. You cannot evolve another Pokémon V into VMAX on the same turn as playing a Vstar.
Using Your Vstar Power
The key advantage of Vstar cards is their one-time use Vstar Power attack or ability. But you must follow certain rules:
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Only one Vstar Power can be used per player over the entire match. So choose wisely when to unleash your trump card.
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When you use your Vstar Power, place the matching Vstar Marker card onto your Pokémon. This designates you have used up your Vstar Power for the game.
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Pokémon with Vstar Powers tend to have lower HP than VMAX to compensate for their versatility.
Example Vstar Powers:
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Charizard Vstar – Explosive Fire (Attack): If Charizard Vstar has any damage counters on it, discard all energy from it and do 300 damage to your opponent‘s active Pokémon V.
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Leafeon Vstar – Leaf Guardian (Ability): Prevents all effects of your opponent‘s Pokémon VMAX‘s attacks done to your Benched Pokémon V.
Taking Out a Vstar Pokémon
When one of your Pokémon Knocks Out an opponent‘s Vstar Pokémon, you take 2 prize cards instead of 1. This balances out the strength of Vstar Powers.
However, losing your Vstar Pokémon isn‘t an automatic loss. You can still win once you take your 6 prize cards even if your Vstar is knocked out early. Proper use of the Vstar Power before it goes down can give you the edge you need.
The Most Popular and Valuable Vstar Cards
Part of the excitement of Vstar cards for collectors is chasing sought-after Pokémon or rare special printings. Which Vstar cards have commanded the highest prices on the secondary market so far?
Giratina Vstar (Galarian Gallery)
Market Price: $400+
The stunning full art Galarian Gallery print of Giratina Vstar is currently the most valuable Vstar card. This alternate art print features Giratina lurking in a creepy lost cemetery, perfectly capturing its ghostly lore. Only 5 prints of the Giratina Vstar Gallery card exist.
Arceus Vstar (Galarian Gallery)
Market Price: $300
Arceus has taken a prominent role recently in the Pokémon games, movies, and TCG. This has shot up interest in the Galarian Gallery Arceus Vstar full art card, which depicts Arceus majestically on its throne. Its holy typing also perfectly fits the church-like Galarian Gallery art style.
Mewtwo Vstar (Secret Rare)
Market Price: $200
As one of the most popular Pokémon ever, Mewtwo‘s cards always command a premium. The alternate art Mewtwo Vstar with Mewtwo gazing up in isolation sells for around $200 in PSA 10 gem mint condition. Even the regular secret rare Vstar Mewtwo sells for $55+.
Charizard Vstar (Secret Rare)
Market Price: $100
It‘s no surprise collectible king Charizard makes the list. While cheaper than some vintage Charizards, the etched foil secret rare Vstar version has special appeal. The rainbow Charizard Vstar sells for $50-100 depending on condition.
Gold Arceus Vstar
Market Price: $80
The shiny gold ultra rare Arceus Vstar really makes the powerful Pokémon shine and dazzle. It was a hot pull from the Japanese VSTAR Universe set. Gold cards are always popular with collectors.
Beyond these top cards, the value of a Vstar depends heavily on popularity of the Pokémon, special art treatments, and print run rarity. Unique collector appeal and play viability also influence prices.
How To Use Vstar Markers Effectively
Special black and white Vstar Marker cards are included alongside Vstar Pokémon in sets like Brilliant Stars. But what are these exactly for in gameplay?
The Vstar Marker cards serve as a counter to keep track of when a player has used their one allowed Vstar Power for the game. This helps avoid cheating or confusion around Vstar Powers.
Here is how to use Vstar Markers properly:
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When you play a Vstar Pokémon from your hand, immediately place its matching Vstar Marker card on top of it. This indicates your Vstar Power is still available.
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After you use your Vstar Pokémon‘s powerful Vstar Power attack/ability, turn the Marker sideways or put a damage counter on it to show its power is now used up.
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Only one Vstar Power is allowed per player throughout the entire match. The Marker helps you remember you already used it.
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Vstar Marker cards replace the basic Energy card in set booster packs. They are not actual Vstar Pokémon.
Correctly using Vstar Marker cards is an important piece of Vstar strategy. They help balance the strength of Vstar Powers by allowing just one use per match. Placing them as soon as your Vstar hits the field prevents any confusion mid-game.
Crafting an Effective Vstar Deck
While cool looking, Vstar cards need to fit cohesively into your deck strategy to maximize their impact. What should you consider when building a deck using these powerful new cards?
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Have a clear win condition – Your Vstar Pokémon should fill a key offensive or defensive role to set up your main plan. Don‘t just throw one in for novelty.
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Maximize your Vstar Power – Build your deck to utilize your chosen Vstar‘s unique Power at the ideal moment to swing a match.
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Synergy with support Pokémon – Surround your Vstar with Pokémon V, trainers, and energies that accentuate its strengths.
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Multiple Vstar options – Having 2-3 different Vstar Pokémon provides flexibility to use whatever Power suits the matchup. But focus on synergy over raw power.
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Balance prizes – Too many low HP Pokémon will give up prizes too quickly. Aim for a mix of lower prizes cards like Pokémon V and higher prize Vstar/VMAX.
The pros carefully construct decks around their chosen Vstar rather than just throwing one in and hoping its Power wins games alone. Correctly timing the Vstar Power late game often decides matches, so the rest of the deck should build toward setting up that key turn.
Strong Vstar Deck Strategies
Here are some examples of competitive Vstar focused decks that have seen tournament success:
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Mewtwo Vstar – Use Genesect V‘s Ability to load up Psychic energy quickly. Use Scoop Up Net to reuse Mewtwo‘s Power.
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Glaceon Vstar – Lock down opponent‘s big hits with Glaceon Vstar‘s Ability while attacking fast with Ice Rider Calyrex VMAX.
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Arceus Vstar – Arceus Vstar‘s Power hits weaknesses to counter anything. Splash in Inteleon line to search out any type energy needed.
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Lugia Vstar – Lugia Vstar‘s Power eliminates all damage counters to reset the board state. Combine with self-damaging cards like Flareon VMAX for repeated use.
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Moltres Vstar – Moltres Vstar spreads damage while Hoopa spreads energy acceleration. Quickly take prizes.
The most competitive Vstar decks maximize the impact of the Vstar Power by accelerating its use and combining it with other attackers that benefit from its disruption or damage effects.
Investing in Pokémon Vstar Cards
The flashy Vstar cards have captured interest beyond just competitive play. Their unique abilities and Pokémon roster also appeal strongly to collectors and investors trying to complete high end sets.
Many experts believe Vstar cards represent a smart investment opportunity compared to other modern sets for these reasons:
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Low initial print runs – Vstar cards were produced in smaller quantities than sets like Chilling Reign or Fusion Strike, making them rarer.
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Strong nostalgia – Vstar Pokémon leverage nostalgia for the Diamond & Pearl era games when many current players got into Pokémon.
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Appeal to competitive players – Their abilities bring real gameplay value, driving interest beyond just collectors to use them.
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Unique mechanic – As the latest evolution of V cards, Vstar Powers make them more novel and engaging than just bigger stats.
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Alt arts and gold cards – Special treatments like Galarian Gallery full arts have small print runs that command huge premiums.
The Pokemon Company seems heavily invested in Vstar cards as a core game mechanic going forward. The strong start for cards like Giratina and Arceus Vstar points to big potential upside for the new card type. Their disruptive gameplay abilities also differentiate them from previous rare cards that mainly boasted bigger damage numbers.
The Future of Pokémon Vstar Cards
Vstar cards have already made a huge splash in 2022 despite still being less than a year old. What does the future hold for the mechanic?
We can expect Vstar focused sets like VSTAR Universe in Japan and early 2023‘s ‘Silver Tempest‘ set to further expand the Vstar roster. Popular Pokémon like Umbreon, Rayquaza, and Zacian seem likely Vstar candidates going forward.
Competitively, Vstar focused decks have already proven they can win major tournaments. As players refine strategies around timing Vstar Powers, they will cement themselves as a top meta choice rather than just a novelty.
For collectors, the flashy cards hit exactly the right balance of nostalgia, cool abilities, and appealing Pokémon to drive prices higher. The unique etched foil Vstar treatment also makes them stand out in a binder. If those key Pokémon continue receiving Vstar upgrades, values have plenty of room to run.
And as the next evolution of the exceedingly popular Pokémon V mechanic, Vstar cards should enjoy strong interest from casual and competitive fans alike. Their disruptive once-per-game abilities add a whole new element of strategy and surprise.
The Vstar mechanic still has enormous potential as an exciting new direction for the 25 year old Pokémon TCG. As the card pool expands in 2024, we can expect Vstar cards to shift the competitive meta while giving collectors flashy new Pokémon to chase after. Their novelty and power have already made Vstar cards one of the most engaging TCG mechanics in years. This is only the beginning for Pokémon Vstar cards.
