Get An Early Look At Pokemon TCG Astral Radiance, The Arceus-Inspired Expansion

We're just weeks away from the release of the next Pokemon Trading Card Game expansion set. Astral Radiance arrives in stores on May 27, and we had the chance to take an early look at the new cards joining the game. Though technically a Sword & Shield expansion, Astral Radiance is inspired by Pokemon Legends: Arceus. It features Hisuian versions of select Pokemon as well as background art that Arceus players will surely recognize.

Astral Radiance follows the formula of other recent Pokemon TCG expansions by containing VMAX, VSTAR, and V Pokemon. I pulled one of the two VMAX cards in Astral Radiance, a fierce and hypnotic-looking Machamp that is an absolute unit. Machamp's G Max Chi Strike ability deals a whopping 240 damage. The two VMAX cards are joined by eight VSTAR and 21 V cards.

Just like the Brilliant Stars expansion that released earlier this year, there's a subset of Trainer's Gallery cards with unique artwork. The Trainer's Gallery features 30 unique cards that are numbered outside of main 189-card expansion. I pulled a Rapid Strike Falinks that features multiple of the adorable little caterpillar dudes.

Astral Radiance also introduces a new Pokemon card type into the fold: Radiant Pokemon. There are only three Radiant Pokemon in the expansion. Unfortunately, I didn't pull one to show here, but they sound quite cool. The trio are Shiny Pokemon with "etched artwork."

If you've spent time roaming Pokemon Legends: Arceus' world, you will undoubtedly recognize the geography surrounding the Pokemon in Astral Radiance. The volcano that looms over Hisui on Firespit Island can be found in the backdrop of a bunch of the Pokemon. All of the regions in Hisui are represented here, from the vast plains of Obsidian Fieldlands to the frigid tundra of Alabaster Icelands. Regular Trainer cards call back to Arceus, too. I pulled Jublife Village as well as a holographic Adaman.

Check out the slideshow below to get a peek at dozens of new cards in the Astral Radiance expansion. It's worth noting that Astral Radiance includes Togepi sitting on a fence, which made me think of Humpty Dumpty--which in turn made me worry that Togepi would have a big fall and crack its shell into even more jagged pieces.

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Preorder Pokemon TCG Astral Radiance cards

Astral Radiance Elite Trainer Box

$40

As always, there's an Elite Trainer Box up for grabs to coincide with the new expansion. Preorders are available now for $40 at GameStop. The Elite Trainer Box is the ideal pick for those who want all of items needed to play the game. It comes with eight booster packs as well as the following goodies:

• 45 Energy cards
• 65 card sleeves with Darkrai on the back
• 6 damage counter dice
• 2 acrylic condition markers
• 1 acrylic VSTAR marker
• Coin-flip dice
• Pokemon TCG rulebook
• Player's Guide with card info/checklist

See at GameStop

10 Astral Radiance Booster Packs

$40

If you just want some booster packs, GameStop is selling a 10 pack bundle (sleeved packs) for $40.

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Astral Radiance Booster Pack Blister

$13

Multiple Eevee-themed Booster Pack Blisters are available to order. You get three packs as well as a foil promo card and an Eevee coin. If you order online, you'll get a random foil card, so you'll have to find one in stores if you have a preference on which Eevee family member you want.

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