Released in June 2021, Chilling Reign expanded the Sword & Shield era with a deep focus on the Crown Tundra’s legendary Pokémon. The set included over 190 cards and introduced alternate art designs that pushed the boundaries of what collectors could expect from modern Pokémon cards.
With stunning full arts, powerful VMAX forms, and iconic Legendary Birds, Chilling Reign quickly became one of the most collectible sets in recent memory. From competitive standouts to jaw-dropping artworks, these are the 15 best cards from Chilling Reign every player, collector, and investor should know.
15. Karen’s Conviction #193 (Full Art)
Karen, one of Johto’s Elite Four, made a stylish comeback with this full-art card. The design captures her confident attitude and classic pose, framed in vivid purples and gold. Its use in Rapid Strike decks also made it a desirable pull early on, blending nostalgia with gameplay utility.
14. Klara #194 (Full Art)
Klara’s full-art features soft pastel tones that perfectly match her mischievous personality from the Crown Tundra DLC. As a Trainer card, it supports recovery plays by bringing Pokémon and Energy cards back to hand, a mechanic that found its way into several meta decks. Collectors love its charming, anime-like illustration that captures her sass and flair.
13. Caitlin #189 (Full Art)
Caitlin’s regal artwork, illustrated by kirisAki, presents one of the most elegant Trainer cards in Chilling Reign. The color palette and calm pose make it stand out among other full-art supporters. It became a collector favorite for fans of Unova-era characters, maintaining strong value in both raw and graded forms.
12. Tornadus V #185 (Alternate Full Art)
This card showcases Tornadus in motion, swirling through a storm with dynamic wind effects and a cinematic angle. Alternate art cards from Chilling Reign marked a turning point in TCG artistry, and this one exemplifies that shift. It’s a powerful-looking piece that collectors appreciate for its composition and color balance.
11. Blissey V #183 (Alternate Full Art)
The alternate Blissey V art depicts a peaceful domestic scene, with Blissey surrounded by cozy details like laundry and Pokémon plushes. The relaxed vibe and storytelling make it a standout among modern alternate arts. Despite not being a meta powerhouse, its charm made it one of the most beloved artworks in the set.
10. Ice Rider Calyrex VMAX #203 (Alternate Art Secret)
Calyrex and its icy steed Gallop gracefully through a snowstorm in this detailed alternate art. The composition captures motion and power, with layers of snow and shimmering blue tones that feel almost cinematic. Ice Rider Calyrex also dominated competitive play, giving this card both aesthetic and functional appeal.
9. Galarian Zapdos V #174 (Alternate Full Art)
This reimagined Zapdos sprints up a rocky cliff, embodying its Roadrunner-like form from Galar. The motion lines, dusty terrain, and focused expression perfectly illustrate the new regional design. The art’s energy and uniqueness made it an instant chase card for collectors.
8. Galarian Rapidash V #168 (Alternate Full Art)
Few Pokémon have the visual allure of Galarian Rapidash. Its pastel background and fantasy-like setting evoke a dreamlike quality that fans immediately adored. The art feels painterly and soft, with Rapidash’s mane flowing elegantly across the frame, making it one of the most beautiful cards of the Sword & Shield era.
7. Zeraora V #166 (Alternate Full Art)
Zeraora leaps across a stormy battlefield, electricity bursting from its claws in this dynamic alternate art. The composition’s perspective adds depth, while the glowing light effects emphasize its power. For collectors, it’s among the best action-focused illustrations in the set.
6. Galarian Slowking V #179 (Alternate Full Art)
This eerie and detailed artwork showcases Slowking in a dark, mystical setting, with eerie energy surrounding its crown. The design highlights the Galarian variant’s unsettling intelligence, making it one of the most memorable dark-type artworks of the generation. Its unique aesthetic sets it apart from traditional Pokémon card art.
5. Shadow Rider Calyrex VMAX #205 (Alternate Art Secret)
Shadow Rider Calyrex VMAX gallops through a haunting spectral landscape, glowing in violet and indigo light. Beyond its stunning art, this card became a defining force in the competitive scene, powering Psychic-type decks for months. Its combination of meta relevance and visual appeal secured it as one of Chilling Reign’s signature pulls.
4. Galarian Articuno V #170 (Alternate Full Art)
This alternate art card uses vivid purples and cool tones to capture Galarian Articuno’s psychic grace. The bird hovers with ethereal composure, exuding mystery and elegance. Its refined palette and striking composition made it a must-have for anyone completing the Legendary Bird trio.
3. Snorlax (Secret) #224
The shiny golden Snorlax stands as one of the rarest and most valuable cards in Chilling Reign. The metallic gold finish and playful expression give it immense collector appeal. Its scarcity, combined with the universal popularity of Snorlax, has kept this card consistently in demand since release.
2. Galarian Moltres V #177 (Alternate Full Art)
Perhaps the most visually powerful card in the set, Galarian Moltres V burns across a blood-red sky with a stylized aesthetic inspired by Japanese ink paintings. The black and crimson palette makes it instantly recognizable. Its artwork and rarity have made it a long-term collector favorite and a central card of Chilling Reign.
1. Blaziken VMAX #201 (Alternate Art Secret)
At the top sits Blaziken VMAX, the set’s most iconic card. The chaotic, vertical artwork features Blaziken mid-kick with multiple Pokémon—like Inteleon—training in the background. Its dynamic layout, anime-like perspective, and vivid color palette give it unmatched energy. This card became a defining piece of modern alternate art design, cementing Chilling Reign as a landmark set for collectors.
Chilling Reign remains one of the strongest Sword & Shield expansions, celebrated for its mix of nostalgia, artistry, and competitive value. The alternate arts of the Legendary Birds and Calyrex forms helped establish a new golden age for Pokémon card illustration.
Disclaimer: eBay links on this page use a referral system that helps support the content—at no extra cost to you.
