Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield – Astral Radiance | The Coolest Cards We Pulled From Booster Packs

The Pokémon Trading Card Game is back with its second expansion of 2022, and this time, despite the Sword & Shield nomenclature on the box, I was most excited for the Pokémon that appeared in games like Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This expansion adds more than 180 new cards, including 3 new Radiant Pokémon, 8 Pokémon VStar, 21 Pokémon V, and 2 Pokémon VMax cards. Astral Radiance includes 30 cards that feature special artwork, along with more than 20 Trainer cards.

The Pokémon Company sent us a ton of booster packs so we could see what we pull from this newest addition to the TCG. I was pleasantly surprised not only with the Radiant Pokémon I pulled but also by the number of Hisuian Pokémon that appeared in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. I loved the Decidueye and Typhlosion cards I secured through these booster packs, as well as the various rideable and Noble Pokémon I recognized from my time in Hisui. If you are hoping to round out your personal collection with more Galar Pokémon, don’t worry, as I still found several creatures from Gen VIII’s main region.

However, my favorite card is probably one that features a Pokémon I did not anticipate being so excited about: Hoothoot. I was immediately drawn to this serene Battle Region card and it quickly became my main addition to the collection. Below is a gallery featuring my top cards from Astral Radiance booster packs.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game: Sword & Shield – Astral Radiance expansion launches on May 27. For all things Pokémon Trading Card Game, head to our special hub by clicking on the banner below!