Pokémon TCG Surging Sparks Is The Best Scarlet and Violet Set

Published:Fri, 25 Oct 2024 / Source:https://www.ign.com/articles/pokmon-tcg-surging-sparks-is-the-best-scarlet-and-violet-set

Prepare for a jolt with Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Surging Sparks, dropping November 8, 2024. This set isn't just another expansion—it's the electric boost the TCG world needed. With a lineup of Electric and Dragon-type Pokémon, stunning new Tera Pokémon ex, and the return of ACE SPEC cards, Surging Sparks delivers excitement in every pack. Mark your calendars; the wait is almost over!

It's packed with over 250 new cards, including special illustration rares you'll want to display and hyper rares that could redefine your collection. These aren't just cards; they're instant eye-catchers that bring a tropical vibe to the table.

Every booster pack feels like a potential game-changer with pulls like the terrastallized Pikachu EX and the stunning Latias EX & Latios Full Art. Surging Sparks is about delivering the goods, whether you're in it for the strategic edge or hunting down those high-value collectibles. It's got style, substance, and a buzz that's hard to ignore. Here's our preview of Surging Sparks.

Surging Sparks Elite Trainer Box Preview

The Surging Sparks Elite Trainer Box is a must-have for anyone diving into the Scarlet & Violet era—seriously, don't get caught without one! It's loaded with 9 booster packs and all the gear you need to keep your collection looking sharp. Plus, it comes with a stunning Pikachu ex promo that's bound to leave your opponents a little... shocked.

Surging Sparks Elite Trainer Box - What's In The Box?

  • 9 Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Surging Sparks booster packs
  • 1 full-art foil promo card featuring Pikachu ex
  • 65 card sleeves featuring Pikachu in its Tera form
  • 45 Pokémon TCG Energy cards
  • A player's guide to the Surging Sparks expansion
  • 6 damage-counter dice
  • 1 competition-legal coin-flip die
  • 2 plastic condition markers
  • A collector's box with 4 dividers
  • A code card for Pokémon Trading Card Game Live

Surging Sparks Build & Battle Box Preview

Not one for suspense? Want to dive right into the action? The Surging Sparks Build & Battle Box is the fast pass to gameplay, with a pre-built deck and four booster packs. It's the perfect way to start battling while still getting that thrill of opening fresh packs—and maybe, just maybe, snagging that secret rare pull you've been dreaming of.

Surging Sparks Build & Battle Box - What's In The Box?

  • A 40-card ready-to-play deck, including 1 of 4 unique foil promo cards
  • 4 Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Surging Sparks booster packs
  • A code card for Pokémon TCG Live

Our Pokémon Card Pulls From Surging Sparks

Our preview of Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Surging Sparks brought some electrifying pulls, featuring a mix of powerful Pokémon ex, rare promos, and stunning illustration cards. Here's a closer look at the standout cards that had us grinning like a Pikachu in a power plant:

Flygon EX

  • Moves:
    • [F] Storm Back: 130 damage. You may switch this Pokémon with one of your Benched Pokémon.
    • [W][F][M] Sonic Peridot: 100 damage to each of your opponent's Pokémon ex and Pokémon V. This damage isn't affected by Weakness or Resistance.

A strategic powerhouse, Flygon EX can knock opponents' setups off-balance while keeping itself safe with its switching effect. The spread damage is a delicious way to ruin your rival's day.

Durant EX

  • Ability: Sudden Scrape: When you play this Pokémon from your hand onto your Bench during your turn, discard the top card of your opponent's deck.
  • Moves:
    • [G][C][C] Revenge Crash: 120+ damage. This attack does 30 more damage for each Prize card your opponent has taken.

The termite of torment, Durant EX, is perfect for deck-disruption strategies, and its Revenge Crash packs a serious punch when your opponent thinks they're in the lead.

Milotic EX

  • Ability: Sparkling Scales: Prevent all damage from and effects of attacks from your opponent's Tera Pokémon done to this Pokémon.
  • Moves:
    • [W][C][C] Hypno Splash: 160 damage. Your opponent's Active Pokémon is now Asleep.

Milotic EX is the ultimate serene guardian, blocking out Tera threats while lulling your opponent's Pokémon to sleep. Who knew putting enemies to bed could be this satisfying?

Clemont's Quick Wit

  • Effect: Heal 60 damage from each of your [L] Pokémon.

Keep your Electric Pokémon in tip-top shape with Clemont's Quick Wit. This card is a lifesaver when Pikachu and friends are feeling the burn, and it helps keep the sparks flying.

Exeggcute Art Rare

  • Moves:
    • [C] Precocious Evolution: If you go first, you can use this attack on your first turn. Search your deck for a card that evolves from this Pokémon and put it onto this Pokémon to evolve it. Then, shuffle your deck.

This art rare captures Exeggcute's tropical charm, making it a must-have for fans of beautifully illustrated cards. Plus, with its fast evolution ability, it's a little egg that packs a big punch.

Sylveon EX

  • Moves:
    • [P][C][C] Magical Charm: 160 damage. During your opponent's next turn, the Defending Pokémon's attacks do 100 less damage (before applying Weakness and Resistance).
    • [W][L][P] Angelite: Choose 2 of your opponent's Benched Pokémon. They shuffle those Pokémon and all attached cards into their deck. If 1 of your Pokémon used Angelite during your last turn, this attack can't be used.

Sylveon EX is all about keeping things cute and chaotic. With Magical Charm to soften blows and Angelite to disrupt your opponent's plans, Sylveon's sweet look hides a real troublemaker.

Magneton ETB Promo

  • Ability: Overvolt Discharge: Attach up to 3 Basic Energy cards from your discard pile to your [L] Pokémon in any way you like. If you use this ability, this Pokémon is Knocked Out.
  • Moves:
    • [L][C] Electric Ball: 40 damage.

Magneton is here to light up the battlefield with its risky yet rewarding energy ramp. It might take itself down, but only after it's juiced up your heavy hitters. Think of it as a dramatic sacrifice for the greater (electric) good.

Indeedee Stamped Promo

  • Ability: Obliging Heal: When you play this Pokémon from your hand onto your Bench during your turn, you may heal 30 damage from your Active Pokémon and recover it from a Special Condition.
  • Moves:
    • [P][C] Super Psy Bolt: 50 damage.

Indeedee is the perfect little nurse for your team. It hops onto the Bench, heals up your front line, and says goodbye to those pesky status effects. A great way to keep your key Pokémon in the fight longer.

With pulls like these, our Surging Sparks preview was a blast (literally!). This set is shaping up to be one of the most fun and rewarding expansions in recent memory, with plenty of surprises hidden in each pack. Whether hunting down those elusive gold cards or just looking to add some sparkle to your collection, Surging Sparks is worth cracking open.

Our Favorite Cards From Surging Sparks

1 – Special Illustration Latias EX & Full Art Latios

The set's highlight is the gorgeous Latias EX and Latios Full Art. The two cards feature a connected artwork of the legendary siblings soaring through the skies, making them a dream for any collector. Latias EX is particularly rare, so expect it to be one of the most valuable pulls. Pair them up, and you've got a display piece that'll make your fellow collectors green with envy!

2 – Pikachu EX Special Art

Pikachu takes center stage once again with a terrastallized Special Art version. Its Topaz Bolt attack makes it a powerhouse in battle, and the card's beautiful design will surely make it a fan favorite. Pikachu's always had a knack for stealing the spotlight; this time, it does it with a sparkling twist.

3 – Gold Pikachu EX

As one of the six golden cards in Surging Sparks, Gold Pikachu EX shines with a dazzling border and a pull rate that'll keep you on the edge of your seat. It's a card that every collector will be eager to add to their binder, and if you're lucky enough to snag one, don't be surprised if you catch yourself doing a victory dance.

4 – Alolan Exeggutor EX Special Art

This tropical-themed card captures Alolan Exeggutor in a vibrant, beachy setting, enhanced by a psychedelic crystallized design. Its popularity in the Japanese Paradise Dragona set means it's sure to be a sought-after pull in Surging Sparks. Think of it as a vacation postcard from the Pokémon world—except way cooler (and worth a whole lot more).

5 – Special Illustration Hydreigon EX

Terrastallized and wrapped in a rainbow border, Hydreigon EX is a true standout. Designed by Akira Egawa, known for the hit Charizard EX in Paldean Fates, this card is poised to be a key chase card. If you're a fan of fearsome dragons with a flair for drama, this one's for you—just be prepared to fight for it in the trade market!

Where to Preorder Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Surging Sparks

Surging Sparks is shaping up to be one of the most significant expansions of the year, combining competitive play potential with stunning collectibility. Secure your pre orders for the Elite Trainer Boxes, Booster Boxes, and Build & Battle Kits to ensure you don't miss out on the hottest cards. Whether you're a seasoned player or a collector aiming for a master set, Surging Sparks offers something for everyone when it launches on November 8, 2024.

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Source:https://www.ign.com/articles/pokmon-tcg-surging-sparks-is-the-best-scarlet-and-violet-set

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