As of December 2025, the Pokémon Trading Card Game’s Sword & Shield—Brilliant Stars expansion remains one of the most sought-after modern sets for collectors and players alike, primarily driven by its incredible lineup of Alternate Art cards and the introduction of the powerful VSTAR mechanic. Released on February 25, 2022, this set is a collector's dream, featuring 186 cards plus a significant number of secret rares and the highly celebrated Trainer Gallery subset.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the complete set list's most valuable hits, giving you the definitive checklist of the rarest and most expensive cards to pull. The set’s enduring popularity means that specific cards, especially the iconic Alternate Arts, have maintained or even increased their value, making them prime targets for serious Pokémon TCG enthusiasts.

The Ultimate Brilliant Stars Chase Card List (Top 15 Most Valuable Hits)

The Brilliant Stars set is defined by its high-value "chase cards," which include the ultra-rare Alternate Art Pokémon V cards, the new Pokémon VSTAR cards, and the beautiful full-art cards from the Trainer Gallery subset. These cards are the main drivers of booster box prices and collector excitement. The values below are based on current market trends for near-mint, ungraded copies.

1. Charizard V (Alternate Full Art) #154/172: This is unequivocally the most valuable card in the entire set. Its stunning artwork features Charizard squaring off against an opponent, capturing an intense battle moment that collectors adore. The combination of the iconic Pokémon and the rare Alt Art treatment makes this the ultimate pull.
2. Arceus VSTAR (Rainbow Rare) #184/172: As the face of the VSTAR mechanic introduction, the Rainbow Rare version of Arceus VSTAR is a major hit. Its unique prismatic texture and high rarity ensure it commands a premium price.
3. Arceus V (Alternate Full Art) #166/172: Featuring the majestic Alpha Pokémon in a serene, landscape-style illustration, this Alternate Art is a close second to the Charizard V in desirability. It is a powerful card in the TCG and a centerpiece for any collection.
4. Umbreon VMAX (Trainer Gallery) #TG23/TG30: The Trainer Gallery subset is a 30-card collection of special art cards, and the Umbreon VMAX is arguably the most coveted. It features the popular Eeveelution alongside the fan-favorite Trainer, Karen, in a gorgeous, full-art scene.
5. Mimikyu VMAX (Trainer Gallery) #TG17/TG30: This card is a visual masterpiece, showcasing the Disguise Pokémon with the Trainer Acerola. The vibrant colors and the popularity of both characters make this a highly valuable and sought-after card from the TG subset.
6. Sylveon VMAX (Trainer Gallery) #TG15/TG30: Another top-tier Eeveelution, this card features Sylveon with the Trainer Valerie. The dynamic art style and the inclusion of a beloved Fairy-type Pokémon make it a significant chase card.
7. Lumineon V (Alternate Full Art) #156/172: Known for its beautiful, ethereal artwork, the Lumineon V Alt Art shows the Pokémon swimming through a stunning underwater light display. It's a prime example of the incredible art direction in the Sword & Shield series.
8. Marnie's Pride (Full Art Trainer) #171/172: Full Art Trainer cards are consistently valuable, and Marnie is one of the most popular characters in the entire franchise. This card features a dynamic pose and is a must-have for any Marnie collector.
9. Galarian Moltres V (Secret Rare) #177/172: This Secret Rare version of the Legendary Bird is a stunning addition, featuring a gold border and a unique, full-art design that separates it from the standard V card.
10. Ultra Ball (Secret Rare) #186/172: As one of the most playable and iconic cards in the TCG, the Secret Rare version of Ultra Ball is highly valuable for both collectors and competitive players. Its gold coloration signifies the highest rarity in the main set.
11. Shaymin VSTAR (Rainbow Rare) #173/172: Another key VSTAR from the set, the Rainbow Rare Shaymin VSTAR is a beautiful and rare pull that showcases the new card type.
12. Sylveon V (Trainer Gallery) #TG14/TG30: The V-form of Sylveon from the Trainer Gallery, featuring the Pokémon with Valerie. This card is often collected alongside its VMAX counterpart.
13. Mimikyu V (Trainer Gallery) #TG16/TG30: The V-form of Mimikyu with Acerola is another highly popular card due to its charming and playful artwork.
14. Galarian Zapdos V (Secret Rare) #178/172: Completing the trio of Galarian Birds, the Secret Rare Zapdos is a powerful card with a striking gold design.
15. Boltund V (Trainer Gallery) #TG10/TG30: This card features Boltund V with the Trainer Raihan, a popular Gym Leader. The full-art depiction of the two makes it a desirable piece of the TG subset.

Understanding the Brilliant Stars Set Mechanics

The Brilliant Stars expansion introduced two major elements that completely changed the landscape of the Pokémon TCG and collecting: the VSTAR mechanic and the Trainer Gallery subset. Understanding these elements is crucial for anyone looking to complete the set or invest in its most valuable cards.

The Rise of Pokémon VSTAR Cards

Pokémon VSTAR cards are a new evolution of Pokémon V, offering a powerful alternative to the VMAX mechanic. They retain the high HP and attack power of Pokémon V but introduce a unique "VSTAR Power"—a once-per-game ability or attack that can completely turn the tide of a match. Key VSTAR cards in this set include Arceus VSTAR, Charizard VSTAR, Shaymin VSTAR, and Whimsicott VSTAR. The rarity of these cards, especially the Rainbow Rare and Gold Secret Rare versions, makes them essential chase cards for both players and collectors.

The Highly Collectible Trainer Gallery Subset (TG)

The Trainer Gallery (TG) is a special 30-card subset included within the Brilliant Stars expansion. These cards are Character Rares (CHR) and Character Super Rares (CSR) that feature a Pokémon alongside its Trainer, creating a beautiful, narrative-driven piece of artwork. Unlike standard cards, a Trainer Gallery card can be found in the reverse-holographic slot of a booster pack, meaning you can pull a rare card from the main set and a TG card in the same pack—a major factor in the set's enduring excitement. The most valuable TG cards are those featuring popular Pokémon like Umbreon, Sylveon, and Mimikyu, paired with beloved Trainers like Karen, Valerie, and Acerola.

Complete Brilliant Stars Set Entities and Key Collectibles

Beyond the top 15 most valuable cards, the Brilliant Stars set is rich with other collectibles and key entities that define the expansion. Collecting the full set requires tracking down all the standard V, VMAX, and the numerous Secret Rares.

• Charizard VSTAR: The standard Charizard VSTAR is a highly playable and collectible card, often paired with the Alt Art Charizard V for a complete collection.
• Whimsicott VSTAR: A unique VSTAR that is a key entity in the set, offering a different playstyle than the others.
• Entei V (Trainer Gallery): A popular TG card featuring the Legendary Beast with the Trainer May.
• Zekrom (Trainer Gallery): This card features Zekrom with the Trainer N, a fan-favorite character from the Pokémon Black and White games.
• Vaporeon (Trainer Gallery) & Jolteon (Trainer Gallery): The other Eeveelutions in the TG subset are also highly collected, often sought after as a complete set with Flareon, Umbreon, and Sylveon.
• Galarian Articuno V (Secret Rare): The final of the three Galarian Birds to appear as a gold Secret Rare in the set.
• Gold Secret Rare Energy Cards: The set includes a number of Gold Secret Rare Basic Energy cards, which are valuable for competitive players who want to "bling out" their decks.

To fully complete the master set, collectors must acquire all 186 cards of the main set, plus all the Secret Rares (which push the total card count beyond 215), and the 30 cards of the Trainer Gallery. The mix of powerful, playable cards and stunning, collectible artwork ensures that Brilliant Stars will remain a brilliant star in the Pokémon TCG universe for years to come.