Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Battle Styles expansion announced, introduces new Battle Styles mechanic
The Pokémon Company International has announced the fifth expansion in the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield series, Sword & Shield—Battle Styles. This expansion includes a variety of new Pokémon V, such as Mimikyu V, Tyranitar V, and Empoleon V, and new Pokémon VMAX, including Gigantamax Urshifu in both Single Strike and Rapid Strike styles.
Urshifu is not the only Pokémon in the set featuring Single Strike and Rapid Strike, though. Single Strike and Rapid Strike are also being introduced as new mechanics in the game, under the overarching mechanic Battle Styles. Single Strike cards focus on heavy-hitting attacks, while Rapid Strike cards focus on more complex strategies. Any type of card can have a Battle Style, not just Pokémon – even Trainer and Energy cards.
The Sword & Shield—Battle Styles expansion releases March 19, 2021, including booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, and special collection boxes. The following is a summary of what’s included in the set:
- Over 160 cards in total
- 60 Battle Style cards
- 12 Pokémon V and 16 full-art Pokémon V
- Six Pokémon VMAX
- 19 Trainer cards and six full-art Supporter cards
- Two new Special Energy cards
