Sword & Shield sets marked a transformative chapter in the Pokémon TCG, introducing game-changing mechanics like Pokémon V, VMAX, and later VSTAR—directly inspired by Dynamax from the video games. This era pushed competitive play into new territory with powerful cards and elevated artwork, including the debut of alt-arts and the beloved Trainer Gallery.
Sets like Evolving Skies and Crown Zenith became collector cornerstones, while fan-favorite cards like Umbreon VMAX and Giratina V reached iconic status. Despite a few stumbles, Sword & Shield delivered unmatched variety and visual depth. Here are all 17 Sword & Shield sets ranked from the least to the best.
17. Pokémon GO
While a fun concept that integrated in-game elements (like peel-off Ditto cards), Pokémon GO was more novelty than substance. Radiant Pokémon added some excitement, but overall the card strength was low. The set had charm and theme, but not depth. Pull rates weren’t great, and it faded fast. A collector curiosity at best.
16. Sword & Shield – Rebel Clash
Often considered one of the weakest Sword & Shield sets, Rebel Clash failed to deliver compelling art or strong gameplay mechanics. Boss’s Orders (Lysandre) was the set’s saving grace. Outside of that, the set’s design and content felt undercooked. Few cards had long-term relevance. It’s largely forgotten in competitive and collector circles.
15. Sword & Shield – Darkness Ablaze
Primarily remembered for Charizard VMAX, Darkness Ablaze had few other standout cards. While it added Eternatus VMAX, competitive players found the set underwhelming overall. Pull rates were fair, but the set lacked variety and impact. Its value relies heavily on Charizard’s popularity. A one-hit wonder of sorts.
14. Champion’s Path
A mini-set with only a couple chase cards—namely Charizard V and Charizard VMAX—this one rode the hype wave but didn’t live up to it. Pull rates were extremely harsh, and the card pool was shallow. Collectors who didn’t pull Charizard were left with disappointment. It had little to offer competitive players. A high-risk, low-reward experience.
13. Sword & Shield – Battle Styles
This set brought Single Strike and Rapid Strike mechanics, a new twist on deck archetypes. Cards like Urshifu VMAX briefly became dominant in tournament play. It also features underappreciated alt-arts like Tyranitar V. However, many cards in the set were underpowered or poorly balanced. A landmark conceptually, but flawed in execution.
12. Sword & Shield – Vivid Voltage
Vivid Voltage introduced the vibrant Amazing Rare cards, which had a unique shine and design never seen before. It also brought us Pikachu VMAX, a chunky and highly desired chase card. While not the most meta-shifting set, it was a visual delight and featured some versatile support cards like Jirachi. Collectors enjoyed its bold theme and energy. A high-value experience for casual and competitive fans alike.
11. Celebrations
As a 25th Anniversary set, Celebrations was heavy on nostalgia but light on actual gameplay depth. It reprinted iconic cards like Base Set Charizard and offered a very small pool of new cards. The chase cards were easy to find, reducing long-term value. Great for a quick dopamine hit, but not for competitive or collecting longevity. It’s more of a commemorative piece than a true expansion.
10. Sword & Shield (Base Set)
The foundation of the era, introducing Pokémon V/VMAX and fan-favorites like Zacian V, which dominated early formats. While essential historically, it lacked the wow factor and diversity of later expansions. The art and chase cards were modest by today’s standards. Still, it’s respected for setting the tone. A solid but simple start.
9. Sword & Shield – Silver Tempest
Best known for Lugia V alternate art, Silver Tempest had an immediate impact among collectors. It also offered competitive tools like Regidrago VSTAR and a strong supporting Trainer Gallery. Though slightly overshadowed by other late-era sets, it had a clean, powerful design and some of the most vivid artwork. Radiant Pokémon like Alakazam added further shine. A solid close to the core series sets.
8. Sword & Shield – Astral Radiance
Astral Radiance was the first to bring Hisuian Pokémon into the game, with unique designs and powerful new variants. The set featured fan-favorite cards like Machamp V (alt-art), which quickly gained iconic status for both value and art. The Trainer Gallery expanded here with more heartfelt, painterly cards. Though not as flashy as others, it excelled in gameplay variety and collector satisfaction. It’s aged gracefully into a beloved mid-late era set.
7. Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars
This set introduced the VSTAR mechanic with a bang, featuring Charizard and Arceus VSTAR as standout centerpieces. It also debuted the Trainer Gallery, a subset with alternate-art Trainer + Pokémon cards that quickly became a fan-favorite idea. Brilliant Stars brought both competitive relevance and beautiful card design. It reshaped the game’s standard format and had one of the best reception among players and collectors alike. A top-tier set that marked a turning point for the TCG.
6. Shining Fates
A spiritual successor to Hidden Fates, Shining Fates featured over 100 Shiny Pokémon, including the prized Shiny Charizard VMAX. The pull rates were generous and satisfying, making it a popular set for casual collectors. Though it lacked competitive impact, it was fun to open and visually rewarding. The inclusion of shiny vault cards made it a must-have for completionists. It’s a collector-focused highlight of the era.
5. Sword & Shield – Fusion Strike
As the largest Pokémon TCG set ever, Fusion Strike introduced a new battle mechanic and supported powerful decks like Mew VMAX and Genesect V. Despite its massive card count, it maintained focus with strategic Fusion Strike synergy. Pull rates for alt-art cards like Gengar and Espeon VMAX were harsh, but the rewards were worth it. Its scale and competitive relevance justify its strong mid-tier standing. A deep and enduring set.
4. Sword & Shield – Chilling Reign
Though nicknamed “Chilling Pain” due to tough pull rates, this set is filled with alt-art gems like Galarian Moltres V and Ice Rider Calyrex VMAX. It introduced the Legendary Rider Pokémon from the Crown Tundra DLC and made waves with Trainer staples like Path to the Peak. The snowy, eerie vibe gave the set a distinct identity. While harder to collect, it had lasting competitive value. It’s respected by serious players and collectors alike.
3. Sword & Shield – Lost Origin
With its return of Lost Zone mechanics, Lost Origin refreshed the meta by introducing complex, combo-heavy decks around Comfey and Giratina VSTAR. The alt-art Giratina V is among the most valuable and striking cards of the generation. The Trainer Gallery continued to impress, while Radiant Pokémon added tactical flair. This set stood out for both its visual atmosphere and deck-building depth. It’s a fan-favorite among advanced players.
2. Crown Zenith
The final Sword & Shield set, Crown Zenith delivered an epic sendoff with its rich Galarian Gallery—a set within a set packed with breathtaking alternate arts. Pull rates were generous, and cards like Radiant Charizard and Mewtwo VSTAR alt-art kept collectors engaged. It lacked new mechanics but repurposed the best of Sword & Shield’s innovations. Thematically, it served as a “greatest hits” of the generation. Fun to open, great for display, and beloved across the board.
1. Sword & Shield – Evolving Skies
Unquestionably the crown jewel of Sword & Shield, Evolving Skies boasts some of the most desired alternate art cards in Pokémon TCG history—especially the elusive Umbreon VMAX and Rayquaza VMAX. It focuses heavily on Eeveelutions and Dragons, appealing to collectors and nostalgic fans alike. While the pull rates are brutal, the high ceiling for value and aesthetics makes it a consistent favorite. Sealed products from this set have only increased in value. Even years after its release, its mystique hasn’t faded.
All 17 Pokémon TCG Sword & Shield Series
*Listed based on the release date.
| No. | Set Name | Release Date | Set Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sword & Shield | February 7, 2020 | Standard |
| 2 | Rebel Clash | May 1, 2020 | Standard |
| 3 | Darkness Ablaze | August 14, 2020 | Standard |
| 4 | Champion’s Path | September 25, 2020 | Special |
| 5 | Vivid Voltage | November 13, 2020 | Standard |
| 6 | Shining Fates | February 19, 2021 | Special |
| 7 | Battle Styles | March 19, 2021 | Standard |
| 8 | Chilling Reign | June 18, 2021 | Standard |
| 9 | Evolving Skies | August 27, 2021 | Standard |
| 10 | Celebrations | October 8, 2021 | Mini |
| 11 | Fusion Strike | November 12, 2021 | Standard |
| 12 | Brilliant Stars | February 25, 2022 | Standard |
| 13 | Astral Radiance | May 27, 2022 | Standard |
| 14 | Pokémon GO | July 1, 2022 | Special |
| 15 | Lost Origin | September 9, 2022 | Standard |
| 16 | Silver Tempest | November 11, 2022 | Standard |
| 17 | Crown Zenith | January 20, 2023 | Special |
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