The Sword & Shield Series introduced Generation VIII (Galar region) and new mechanics like Pokémon V, VMAX (inspired by Dynamax/Gigantamax), and VSTAR. It also introduced Amazing Rares and expanded alternate art treatments.
1) Sword & Shield Base Set
- Japanese release: December 2019
- English release: February 2020
- Highlights:
- Debut of Pokémon V and Pokémon VMAX
- Featured Zacian V and Zamazenta V
- Set symbol: stylized “SW” crest
2) Rebel Clash
- Japanese release: March 2020 (Rebellion Crash)
- English release: May 2020
- Highlights:
- Featured Dragapult VMAX, Rillaboom VMAX, Cinderace VMAX, Inteleon VMAX
- Expanded competitive Trainer pool (Boss’s Orders)
- Set symbol: double spear crest
3) Darkness Ablaze
- Japanese release: June 2020 (Infinity Zone)
- English release: August 2020
- Highlights:
- Iconic Charizard VMAX
- Featured Eternatus VMAX
- Set symbol: flaming crest
4) Champion’s Path (Special Set)
- Japanese release: September 2020 (Infinity Zone subset)
- English release: September 2020
- Highlights:
- Mini-set focused on Gym Leaders
- Chase cards: Charizard V (shiny), Charizard VMAX (rainbow)
- Set symbol: champion badge
5) Vivid Voltage
- Japanese release: September 2020 (Amazing Volt Tackle)
- English release: November 2020
- Highlights:
- Introduced Amazing Rare cards (multi-color background foils)
- Featured Pikachu VMAX (“Chonkachu”)
- Set symbol: lightning bolt crest
6) Shining Fates (Special Set)
- Japanese release: November 2020 (Shiny Star V)
- English release: February 2021
- Highlights:
- Shiny Vault subset with alternate color Pokémon
- Iconic Shiny Charizard VMAX
- Set symbol: shining star
7) Battle Styles
- Japanese release: January 2021 (Single Strike Master / Rapid Strike Master)
- English release: March 2021
- Highlights:
- Introduced Single Strike and Rapid Strike battle mechanics
- Featured Urshifu VMAX forms
- Set symbol: dual fist crest
8) Chilling Reign
- Japanese release: April 2021 (Silver Lance / Jet-Black Spirit)
- English release: June 2021
- Highlights:
- Featured Calyrex VMAX (Ice Rider, Shadow Rider)
- Expanded Galar Legendaries
- Set symbol: icy crown
9) Evolving Skies
- Japanese release: July 2021 (Skyscraping Perfection / Blue Sky Stream)
- English release: August 2021
- Highlights:
- Hugely popular for alternate art Eeveelutions and Rayquaza VMAX
- Included Dragon-type revival
- Set symbol: twin mountain peaks
10) Celebrations (25th Anniversary Special Set)
- Japanese release: October 2021 (25th Anniversary Collection)
- English release: October 2021
- Highlights:
- Mini-set celebrating 25 years of Pokémon TCG
- Classic Collection reprints (Base Set Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur)
- Set symbol: Pikachu’s 25th logo
11) Fusion Strike
- Japanese release: September 2021 (Fusion Arts)
- English release: November 2021
- Highlights:
- Introduced Fusion Strike battle mechanic
- Featured Mew VMAX, Gengar VMAX
- Largest English set at the time (over 260 cards)
- Set symbol: fusion swirl
12) Brilliant Stars
- Japanese release: December 2021 (Star Birth)
- English release: February 2022
- Highlights:
- Introduced Pokémon VSTAR mechanic (powerful once-per-game ability/attack)
- Featured Arceus VSTAR, Charizard VSTAR
- Debut of Trainer Gallery subset
- Set symbol: shooting star crest
13) Astral Radiance
- Japanese release: February 2022 (Time Gazer / Space Juggler)
- English release: May 2022
- Highlights:
- Hisui region Pokémon (from Legends: Arceus)
- Featured Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR, Palkia VSTAR
- Trainer Gallery subset continued
- Set symbol: astral flame crest
14) Pokémon GO (Special Set)
- Japanese release: June 2022 (Pokémon GO Collaboration Set)
- English release: July 2022
- Highlights:
- Themed around Pokémon GO mobile game
- Featured Mewtwo VSTAR, Radiant Charizard
- Set symbol: PokéStop icon
15) Lost Origin
- Japanese release: July 2022 (Lost Abyss)
- English release: September 2022
- Highlights:
- Reintroduced the Lost Zone mechanic (colorful aura borders)
- Featured Giratina VSTAR, Aerodactyl VSTAR
- Trainer Gallery subset continued
- Set symbol: swirling vortex
16) Silver Tempest
- Japanese release: September 2022 (Paradigm Trigger)
- English release: November 2022
- Highlights:
- Featured Lugia VSTAR, Alolan Vulpix VSTAR
- Final mainline Sword & Shield expansion
- Set symbol: silver snowflake
17) Crown Zenith (Finale Special Set)
- Japanese release: October 2022 (VSTAR Universe)
- English release: January 2023
- Highlights:
- Final Sword & Shield set
- Featured Galarian Gallery (alt arts of many fan-favorite Pokémon)
- Included Radiant Charizard and Legendary Pokémon VSTARs
- Set symbol: regal crown
Summary Timeline
- 2020 — Sword & Shield, Rebel Clash, Darkness Ablaze, Champion’s Path, Vivid Voltage
- 2021 — Shining Fates, Battle Styles, Chilling Reign, Evolving Skies, Celebrations, Fusion Strike
- 2022 — Brilliant Stars, Astral Radiance, Pokémon GO, Lost Origin, Silver Tempest
- 2023 — Crown Zenith
The Sword & Shield Series concluded with Crown Zenith, paving the way for the Scarlet & Violet Series, which introduced silver-bordered cards worldwide and revived the Pokémon-ex mechanic.