Japanese - Pokémon TCG: VSTAR Universe (s12a)
VSTAR Universe (s12a) is a premier Japanese "High Class Pack" set released in December 2022, serving as the finale to the Sword & Shield era and the basis for the English Crown Zenith set. It is renowned for high-pull rates, introducing Art Rare (AR) and Special Art Rare (SAR) cards, and featuring 10-card booster packs with guaranteed VSTAR/VMAX cards.
Set Highlights & Structure
- Release Date: December 2, 2022.
- Contents: 10 packs per box, 10 cards per pack.
- Total Cards: 172 cards in the main set + numerous Secret Rares (totaling over 260+ including AR and SAR).
- Rarity Types: Includes V, VMAX, VSTAR, Radiant Pokémon, and new Art Rares (AR) and Special Art Rares (SAR) featuring unique full-art illustrations.
Pull Rates & Key Features
- "God Packs": A rare occurrence where a whole pack consists of AR or SAR cards.
- Guaranteed Hits: Every box typically guarantees a combination of SR/SAR/UR cards, with VSTAR/VMAX cards in nearly every pack.
- Design: Features silver borders, unlike the yellow borders of the English equivalent, Crown Zenith.
- Popular Cards: High-value chase cards include SAR Mewtwo VSTAR, Charizard VSTAR, and various Galarian Gallery cards.
Collecting & Market
- Set Identity: It is a heavy reprint set designed for competitive players and collectors to acquire cards from the Sword & Shield series easily.
- Value: Generally considered a very high-value set due to the high density of desirable, full-art cards.
