Pokémon Shines Once Again In Paldean Fates
Paldean Fates has just been released, and for avid Pokémon trading card fans, it couldn’t come a moment too soon!
It’s the second special expansion for the Scarlet & Violet series, following the popular 151 release. Although at first glance it appears to have a small checklist (just 91 cards, officially), the actual number of cards you’ll find is closer to 245. With new Pokémon ex cards, stunning art cards, an updated look for Hyper Rares, and Scarlet & Violet’s first batch of Shiny Pokémon, there is a lot to be excited about today.
Shiny Pokémon & Pokémon ex
A highlight of Paldean Fates is the introduction of Shiny Pokémon cards to the Scarlet & Violet series. Featuring 120 Shiny Pokémon in total, the roster includes beloved characters such as Charmander, Entei, Pikachu, Kadabra, Mimikyu, Tinkaton, Lucario, Ditto, and Snorlax. But this release wouldn’t be complete without Shiny versions of heavy-hitting Pokémon ex cards and Paldean Fates has twelve:
- Forretress ex
- Toedscruel ex
- Espathra ex
- Alakazam ex
- Mew ex
- Gardevoir ex
- Glimmora ex
- Paldean Clodsire ex
- Noivern ex
- Pidgeot ex
- Wigglytuff ex
- Squawkabilly ex
Pokémon ex is an old Pokémon TCG mechanic that’s been remixed for the Scarlet & Violet series. As more powerful versions of certain Pokémon, they’re a must for any player looking to upgrade their decks. In Paldean Fates, there are seven to hunt for:
- Toedscruel ex
- Gardevoir ex
- Great Tusk ex
- Paldean Clodsire ex
- Iron Treads ex
- Noivern ex
- Squawkabilly ex
There’s a twist to certain Pokémon ex cards as well. Tera Pokémon ex, abbreviated from “terastallized,” are inspired by a mechanic from the Scarlet and Violet video games. These Pokémon may be of a different Pokémon type than their usual one. For example, Paldean Fates includes a Darkness-type Charizard ex card, different from the popular Pokémon’s usual classification as a Fire-type. Tera Pokémon ex also don’t take damage from opponent’s attacks while they’re on the bench. The set includes three Tera Pokémon ex cards: Charizard ex, Forretress ex, and Espathra ex.
Art Cards
Some of the most popular cards in newer Pokémon expansion sets are the Illustration cards. Paldean Fates treats collectors to a visual feast with its Special Illustration Rares. These cards feature an alternative full art design with vibrant illustrations.. Collectors will be thrilled to learn that there are eight to look for:
- Mew ex
- Gardevoir ex
- Charizard ex
- Arven
- Clive
- Iono
- Nemona
- Penny
There are also three Pokémon Illustration Rares to collect: Wugtrio, Palafin, and Pawmi.
Paldean Fates doesn’t just shine in its Pokémon offerings. The set also contains five Full Art Supporter cards to help power up your deck while giving it some flash at the same time. Look out for Clive, Judge, Nemona, Paldean Student (Naranja Academy), and Paldean Student (Uva Academy).
Hyper Rares
Hyper Rares are a new rarity classification introduced for the Scarlet & Violet series. Featuring gold full-art designs, they’ve been a big hit amongst collectors so far. Paldean Fates puts that excitement into overdrive with a new gold-raised foil design, adding even more visual appeal to these rare cards. There are six to find:
- Wo-Chien ex
- Chi-Yu ex
- Chien-Pao ex
- Miraidon ex
- Ting-Lu ex
- Koraidon ex
In Conclusion
As the Pokémon TCG community eagerly welcomes the release of Paldean Fates, it’s clear that this expansion set is poised to make a lasting impression. With its introduction of Shiny Pokémon, Tera Pokémon ex, Special Illustration Rares, and more, Paldean Fates promises an immersive and captivating experience for collectors and players alike. Don’t forget that this is a special expansion set, which means no booster boxes or booster packs. To get your hands on these incredible new cards, you can only find them in Paldean Fates Elite Trainer Boxes, tins, and Collection sets. Thankfully, Zephyr Epic is here to help with our wide selection of Pokémon products. Get your Paldean Fates cards while you still can!
What Pokémon are you most excited to find in Paldean Fates? Leave a comment below and, as always, thanks for reading!