You ever walk into a card shop and just feel that specific energy? That's the Brilliant Stars effect. Honestly, it’s been years since it dropped back in early 2022, but the buzz hasn't actually died down. If you're looking through a brilliant stars card list today, you aren't just looking at bulk—you're looking at the moment the Sword & Shield era finally figured out how to make everyone happy.
It was the set that gave us VSTARs. It gave us the Trainer Gallery. Most importantly? It gave us a Charizard that didn't just feel like another "expensive lizard" but actually looked like a piece of high-budget anime concept art.
What is in the Brilliant Stars Card List?
The main set is a beast. We are talking 172 cards before you even touch the Secret Rares. If you add those 14 secrets and the 30-card Trainer Gallery subset, you're chasing 216 unique pieces of cardboard.
The numbering can be a bit of a headache if you’re new to it. The "official" list ends at 172, starting with Exeggcute (001/172) and ending with Roseanne’s Backup (172/172). But then you've got the stuff that "doesn't exist" according to the bottom-right corner numbers.
The Heavy Hitters: VSTARs and Beyond
This was the debut of the VSTAR mechanic. Before this, we had VMAXes, which were cool but sometimes felt a little... bloated? VSTARs brought back that "Level Up" or "Mega Evolution" vibe where you had a once-per-game power that could literally flip a match on its head.
- Arceus VSTAR (123/172): The literal god of Pokémon. It wasn't just a chase card; it defined the competitive meta for a long time.
- Charizard VSTAR (018/172): You can't have a big set without a Zard. This one features the "Star Blaze" attack that hits for a massive 320 damage.
- Shaymin VSTAR (014/172): A bit of a sleeper hit for Grass-type fans.
- Whimsicott VSTAR (065/172): It’s annoying to play against, let’s be real.
The Trainer Gallery: The Real Heart of the Set
If you ask any long-term collector why they keep buying old Brilliant Stars packs, they won’t say "I want a Rainbow Rare." They’ll tell you they're hunting the Trainer Gallery. These cards have a "TG" prefix in their number (TG01 to TG30) and they replace the reverse holo slot in a pack.
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This means you can actually pull a "double hit" pack. Imagine pulling a Charizard VSTAR and a beautiful Sylveon V in the same pack. It happened. It was glorious.
Why these TG cards matter
These aren't just pretty. They tell stories. Take the Eevee (TG11) card. It shows Bill—the guy who invented the PC storage system in the games—getting buried under paperwork because his Eevee is "helping" by making a mess. Or Zekrom (TG05), which features N. It’s a callback to one of the best storylines in the entire franchise.
For many, the Umbreon VMAX (TG23) is the crown jewel here. It’s got Karen from the Johto Elite Four. The art is dark, moody, and fits the "Moonbreon" aesthetic that basically took over the hobby for a while.
The "Chase" Cards: What’s Actually Valuable?
Let’s talk money, because honestly, that’s why half of us check a brilliant stars card list anyway. Prices fluctuate, especially now in 2026, but the hierarchy has stayed pretty consistent.
Charizard V Alternate Art (154/172)
This is the big one. It’s the card where Charizard is fighting a Venusaur. It’s cinematic. It doesn't look like a standard Pokémon card; it looks like a frame from a movie. In a PSA 10, this thing still commands a massive premium. Even a raw copy will set you back a couple hundred bucks easily.
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Arceus V Alternate Art (166/172)
This card shows Arceus floating above the clouds, looking down at the Sinnoh/Hisui region. It’s peaceful. It’s regal. It's the "grown-up" chase card compared to the aggressive Charizard.
The Golden Trio (and a Ball)
- Arceus VSTAR Gold (184/172): The "Holy" card.
- Ultra Ball Gold (186/172): Competitive players love this. It's a "blinged-out" version of a card you put in almost every deck.
- Galarian Moltres V Gold (183/172): That black and red bird just looks incredible in gold.
Common Misconceptions About Brilliant Stars
People often think this set is just "Charizard or bust." That’s just wrong.
While the Zards drive the pack prices up, the depth of the brilliant stars card list is what makes it a "healthy" set. Even if you miss the big dragon, you’re likely to hit a Trainer Gallery card or a decent VSTAR. It was the first set in a long time that didn't feel like a total gamble.
Also, don't confuse the Trainer Gallery cards with "Secret Rares." Technically, they are a subset. Secret Rares are anything numbered higher than the set count (173/172 and up). TG cards are their own thing entirely.
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The Full List Breakdown (The Highlights)
- Grass Types: Shaymin V/VSTAR, Torterra (Holo), and a very underrated Zarude V.
- Fire Types: The Charizard line, obviously. But Entei V (022/172) is a beast in gameplay.
- Water Types: Lumineon V is the standout. Its "Luminous Sign" ability lets you grab a Supporter card when you play it down. Essential.
- Psychic Types: Mimikyu V and VMAX. The TG versions are hauntingly beautiful.
- Colorless: Arceus is the king here. Bibarel (121/172) is also a staple for drawing cards.
How to Collect Brilliant Stars Today
If you're looking to complete the brilliant stars card list in 2026, you've got two main paths.
Buying booster boxes is getting expensive. It’s a "vintage" modern set now. The pull rates were decent, but you’re still fighting math to get that Alt Art Charizard.
Most veteran collectors suggest "buying the singles." Pick a card, find a reputable seller, and just buy it. It's less exciting than ripping a pack, but your wallet will thank you. If you're a completionist, start with the Commons and Uncommons—they’re pennies. Then move to the Holos. Save the Alt Arts and Gold cards for last.
Why the set holds its value
It’s the "Sinnoh" factor. With the release of Pokémon Legends: Arceus around the same time, this set tapped into a huge vein of nostalgia for the Diamond and Pearl era. That kind of emotional connection doesn't just evaporate.
Actionable Insights for Collectors
- Check the back: If you're buying that expensive Alt Art Charizard, look at the centering. Sword & Shield era cards are notorious for being shifted to one side. A "perfect" card is rare.
- Don't ignore the TG: Those 30 Trainer Gallery cards are arguably more iconic than the Rainbow Rares. They are the "soul" of the set.
- Watch the VSTARs: If you’re a player, remember that many of these are still fun in expanded formats, but as a collector, the Gold versions are the ones that will stand the test of time.
If you’re ready to dive in, grab a checklist and start marking them off. There is something deeply satisfying about seeing a completed brilliant stars card list in a binder, especially with all those different art styles sitting side-by-side.
Start with the Trainer Gallery—it’s the most rewarding part of the journey. Keep an eye on the Umbreon and Sylveon cards specifically, as those Eeveelutions always have a way of climbing in value when you least expect it. Proper storage is key, so get some penny sleeves and top-loaders before you even think about opening a pack.