Choose your style. Battle Styles released on March 19, 2021 and split many of its Pokémon and Trainers into two fighting styles, Single Strike and Rapid Strike, led by the two forms of Urshifu VMAX. It's also the set where the Sword & Shield era's famous alternate art cards began. Here's the collector's guide: the dates, the mechanics, the chase cards and what came in every box.
Battle Styles at a Glance
- Release date: March 19, 2021
- Set code: SWSH05
- Set size: 163 cards plus secret rares
- Headliners: Single Strike Urshifu VMAX and Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX
- New mechanics: Single Strike and Rapid Strike Pokémon, Trainers and Energy
Single Strike vs. Rapid Strike
Single Strike cards hit hard with big, focused attacks, while Rapid Strike cards spread damage and move fast. Each style comes with its own support Trainers and special Energy, and both styles carried on through the rest of the Sword & Shield era.
The Chase Cards
Alternate art Pokémon V. Battle Styles introduced alt arts to English sets: full-scene illustrations of Pokémon V in their habitats. The Tyranitar V alt art is the set's most famous card.
Urshifu VMAX. Rainbow and gold versions of both Urshifu forms.
Full Art Trainers. Rainbow and full art Supporters from the Isle of Armor.
The Product Lineup
| Product | What's inside |
|---|---|
| Booster Pack | 10 cards plus a basic Energy, in one of four pack artworks |
| Sleeved Booster Pack | 1 booster pack in cardboard sleeve packaging |
| 3 Pack Blister | 3 packs plus a foil promo (Eevee or Jolteon versions) |
| Build and Battle Box | 4 packs and a 23-card Evolution pack with 1 of 4 promos |
| Elite Trainer Box | 8 packs and accessories, in a red Single Strike or blue Rapid Strike version |
| Booster Box | 36 packs |
Our take: Collectors love having both Elite Trainer Boxes side by side. If you're chasing the first alt arts, the Booster Box is the way to go.
Tips for Collectors
- Know your alt arts. Alt art cards share a number range with regular full arts, so double-check the artwork before you buy or sell.
- Check sold listings. Tyranitar V alt art prices are condition-sensitive, so compare recent eBay sold listings.
- Pair the ETBs. Matching red and blue boxes make a great display.
Keep Collecting With Booster Pack Cards
Browse our Pokémon TCG Booster Boxes, Elite Trainer Boxes and Booster Packs, or shop the full Pokémon TCG collection. Next up: alt arts take over in our Chilling Reign collector's guide.
