Battle Styles: Everything We Know So Far

In December 2020, the Pokémon Company unveiled the upcoming Battle Styles set for the first time. With the expansion launching on March 19th, 2021, they are probably gearing up for a big marketing push, so I’d expect lots of announcements over the coming weeks. However, the set recently released in Japan, providing lots of details about what we can expect to see in the new set when it launches here soon. Whether you’re excited to build new meta-decks or you are eager to grow your collection even more, here’s everything we know so far about Battle Styles!

When Battle Styles was announced back in December, the Pokémon Company showed that it will feature the first Urshifu cards. These cards will be based on Urshifu’s debut appearance in the Pokémon Sword and Shield: Isle of Armor expansion. In this expansion pack, players could capture an Urshifu that knows one of two Battle Styles: Single Strike and Rapid Strike. The Battle Styles expansion introduces this mechanic to the TCG, with a long list of other Single and Rapid Strike Pokémon also set to make an appearance.

Urshifu V and Urshifu VMAX

Urshifu V and VMAX are sure to be the most popular cards of the set. There are two variants of each: A Single Strike and a Rapid Strike version.

Single Strike Urshifu V

Packing a powerful punch with Impact Blow, Single Strike Urshifu is sure to become the main feature of many decks. However, Urshifu’s Laser Focus attack might be more important. For just one Fighting energy, you can search your deck and attach two more. That means you could have Urshifu powered up and ready to attack in 2 turns, which is a very quick turnaround for 180 damage. Just be prepared to retreat, as Urshifu V can’t use Impact Blow twice in a row.

Single Strike Urshifu VMAX

G-Max One Blow deals a staggering 270 damage, enough to bring most VMAX cards to their knees. If you power up Single Strike Urshifu V and then evolve it into the VMAX, you could deliver a huge blow early in the game, weakening your opponent’s deck permanently. However, the caveat is that you will have to discard all energy from this Pokémon, meaning it might be best to have a backup waiting on the bench before you use Single Strike Urshifu’s G-Max move.

Rapid Strike Urshifu V

Although Rapid Strike Urshifu V’s Hundred Furious Blows deals less damage, it more than makes up for it with its speed. If you power this Pokémon up on the bench and then swap it into the active position, you’ll be able to deal 150 damage every turn. Hundred Furious Blows doesn’t have a cool down period like Impact Blow, so you can use it continuously. If Urshifu V’s HP is low, you can use Strafe to retreat to the bench whilst dealing 30 damage, which could be enough to finish your opponent.

Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX

When your opponent’s bench is filling with V cards, Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX is going to be your best friend. It’s G-MAX Rapid Flow move deals 120 damage to 2 of your opponent’s benched Pokémon, giving you the perfect chance to snipe them before they can attack. However, you must discard all energy attached to Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX, just like Single Strike Urshifu’s G-MAX One Blow. Gale Thrust is another opportunity for quick damage, especially if used after Urshifu V’s Strafe move. A rapid evolution and 150 damage could be exactly what you need to take control of a tense battle.

Tapu Koko V and More!

There’s a range of other Pokémon that are receiving V and VMAX variants in the Battle Styles set! Although some of these Pokémon, like Tapu Koko and Victini, have already had V cards before, they are expected to get brand new cards in Battle Styles, featuring new moves and abilities.

Tapu Koko V from Battle Styles will have a move called Spiral Thunder, judging by the Japanese release for the set last month. Spiral Thunder is sure to become dominant in meta decks as it does 20 damage plus 40 more for each energy across all your opponent’s Pokémon. That could deal some seriously huge numbers late in a match!

Rapid Strike Empoleon V

Battle Styles Booster Packs feature art of two other key Pokémon from the set: Tyranitar V and Empoleon V. These are branded as Single Strike and Rapid Strike respectively, just like Urshifu!

Empoleon V has a beautiful Special Full Art Japanese card, featuring the emperor Pokémon practicing martial arts with Mienfoo, whilst a group of Falinks hassle the pair. If you’re looking for a stunning card to add to your collection, this might be the perfect one! Let’s hope we see the same art in the West when Battle Styles releases.

For those of you looking to bolster your deck with powerful new abilities, Empoleon V is sure to impress! It’s ability, Emperor’s Eyes, prevents abilities from any Pokémon without a rule box (the card specifies that EX, GX and V cards have rule boxes). This could disrupt a lot of meta strategies, such as the Mad Party deck, which relies on Polteageist’s Tea Break ability.

Emboar

Empoleon V might just be necessary to combat Single Strike Emboar’s Fighting Fury Stance ability! This new ability makes all Single Strike Pokémon’s attacks do a huge 30 more damage! As competitive players know, that can certainly be the difference between a knockout and defeat, so this is sure to become massively popular in any decks built around Single Strike cards!

That’s everything we know so far about the upcoming Battle Styles expansion! The new set launches on March 19th, shortly after Shining Fates! There will be a variety of products available, including booster packs, blisters, two different Elite Trainer Boxes, booster boxes and a range of special collections! Go to our Battle Styles Cards page to see the full range now!