Sword & Shield
Set Details
The Sword & Shield Pokémon Set ushers in a bold new era for the TCG, introducing Generation VIII’s Galar region and its dynamic battling mechanics. First released in Japan on December 6, 2019 as the dual Sword and Shield expansions—and later arriving in English on February 7, 2020—this set laid the foundation for Pokémon V and Pokémon VMAX cards, reflecting the games’ Dynamax phenomenon. Along with fresh art showcasing Galar’s sprawling landscapes, the expansion debuted subtle template tweaks: arches denoting Stage 1 and Stage 2 evolutions and the relocation of copyright text to the bottom border.
At its core, the Sword & Shield Pokémon Set spotlights the legendary Zacian V and Zamazenta V, whose High Horsepower and Assault Tackle attacks set a fierce competitive standard. Supporting these legends are fan‑favorites like Corviknight V, Blaziken V, and a clutch of VMAX giants boasting colossal HP and powerhouse moves. Trainer cards such as Boss’s Orders and Professor’s Research also make their debut, reshaping hand‑refresh and bench‑targeting strategies that remain staples in today’s metagame.
Beyond gameplay, the Sword & Shield Pokémon Set hides plenty of collector’s delights. Early enthusiasts hunted down Japanese‐Kanji “first‑print” runs of Zacian V, whose unique holo patterns immediately became prized. A handful of miscut cards—where the characteristic arch extended into the artwork—surfaced in select packs, spawning a mini‑craze among error collectors. Secret Rare variants, like rainbow‑foil Eternatus VMAX and Charizard VMAX, turned every booster box into a high‑stakes chase, while discerning fans discovered tiny badge icons in Full Art Supporter backgrounds—a subtle homage to pivotal Gym Battles throughout the Galar saga.
Sword & Shield Set Cards
