Pokémon TCG: All Card Variations & Terms Explained

screenrant.com:

There are many different card variations and terms in common usage within the , something which can be intimidating to newcomers. Alongside the complexities of the TCG’s terminology are several key card variations that are crucial to understanding the current meta of the game. However, while all these details may collectively seem daunting to learn, when taken individually they are far easier to get to grips with.

Building a powerful deck for the requires a strong understanding of current popular strategies and a constant awareness of how new cards and mechanics can interact with older ones. Of course, many people simply focus more on collecting cards instead, and the beautiful art and powerful mechanics of recent sets make the same cards appealing to everybody regardless. In any case, it is often crucial to understand all of the’s aspects when discussing its products, and therefore, the most important terms and card variations are all explained here.

Among the most collectible cards are those with alternative artwork. There is an entire series of rarities exclusively used to denote these beautiful cards, which offer no additional gameplay value over less visually impressive counterparts. The way that the treats Full Art cards has changed between its eras, which does introduce some complications, but the basic terminology in use remains easily understood.

In the current era of the TCG, these Full Art card variants are Secret Cards, existing beyond a set’s standard card numbering. In ascending order of rarity, they can typically be of Ultra Rare, Illustration Rare, Special Illustration Rare or Hyper Rare rarity. However, it is worth noting that the 2024 expansion also introduced Shiny Rare and Shiny Ultra Rare cards, reprints of cards featuring shiny Pokémon, although only the latter group are also Full Art cards.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game continues to feature robust special sets more frequently, and it’s having an adverse effect on the game’s health.

Ultra Rare