You’re staring at your deck. It’s consistent, sure, but it feels like it’s missing a gear. You’ve got the power, you’ve got the energy acceleration, but you keep hitting those dead hands where you just need one specific card to win the game. That’s usually when people start looking at the Forest Seal Stone 156/195 holo from the Silver Tempest expansion. Honestly, it’s not just a "nice to have" accessory anymore. It has fundamentally changed how VSTAR powers work in the Pokémon TCG meta since it dropped in late 2022.
It’s a Tool card. Simple.
But it’s also a get-out-of-jail-free card. If you attach this to one of your Pokémon V, you gain access to the "Star Alchemist" Ability. It lets you search your deck for any—and I mean any—card and put it into your hand. In a game where top-decking a Boss’s Orders or a specific Stadium can be the difference between a regional win and a 0-2 drop, that kind of flexibility is basically gold.
The Mechanical Genius of the Forest Seal Stone 156 195 Holo
Most people think VSTAR Powers are tied strictly to the massive evolution cards like Lugia VSTAR or Giratina VSTAR. That's the mistake. This card changed the math because it lets a basic Pokémon V—something that usually doesn't have a VSTAR power—act as the conduit for the most powerful mechanic in the game. You attach the Forest Seal Stone 156/195 holo to your Genesect V or your Lumineon V, and suddenly, they are more than just bench sitters. They are your deck's engine.
The wording is specific. You can only use one VSTAR Power per game. This is the trade-off. If you’re playing a deck that already relies on a heavy-hitting VSTAR Power, like Origin Forme Palkia’s Star Portal, the Stone might seem redundant. But here is the thing: what happens if you don't find your Palkia? Or what if you've already set up your board and Star Portal is useless?
The Stone gives you an alternative. It’s a pivot.
I've seen players hold the Stone in their hand until the very last turn. They don't play it early. Why? Because the moment you put it on the board, your opponent knows you have a search waiting. Keeping it hidden is a psychological play. It’s also worth noting that because it’s a Tool card, it’s searchable via Arven or Town Store. This makes it incredibly easy to find exactly when the pressure is on.
Why Silver Tempest Changed Everything
Silver Tempest was a weird set. It gave us the absolute powerhouse that is Lugia VSTAR, but it also introduced these "Seal Stones." There’s the Earthen Seal Stone and the Sky Seal Stone, but neither comes close to the utility of the Forest variant. The Forest Seal Stone 156/195 holo is the undisputed king of the trio.
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Why? Because "Search for any card" is the strongest text in any card game. Period.
It’s rare to find a card that fits into almost every archetype. Usually, cards are niche. They belong in "Fire decks" or "Lost Box." But the Stone? If you run a Pokémon V, you can run the Stone. It’s become a staple in Mew VMAX decks (until they rotated) and remains a massive piece of the puzzle for Entei V or Iron Valiant builds. It patches up the holes in your strategy.
Comparing the Holo Rare to the Rest
Let's talk about the actual card for a second. The Forest Seal Stone 156/195 holo isn't a "Secret Rare." It’s not a Gold card or an Alternative Art. It’s a standard Holofoil rare. In the world of collecting, this is actually a good thing for players. It keeps the price point accessible, though it still commands a premium over your average bulk rare because the demand is so high.
The holographic pattern on these Silver Tempest cards is distinct. It has that vertical line shimmer that Pokémon has favored in recent years. If you're looking at a copy and the foil looks "grainy" or horizontal, be careful. Counterfeits of high-playability cards like this are everywhere.
The texture—or lack thereof—is a giveaway. Since 156/195 is a standard holo, it should be smooth. Only the Secret Rare versions (like the gold ones from later sets or special releases) have that fingerprint-like texture. If your "standard" Forest Seal Stone feels rough, you've got a problem.
The Path to Discovery
You'll find these most often in the hands of competitive players. If you go to a local League Challenge, look at the top four decks. Chances are, at least two of them are running a copy. It’s a "safety net."
The math of the game favors consistency. In a 60-card deck, you have a 1 in 60 chance of drawing the "out" you need. With the Stone, those odds improve dramatically. You aren't just drawing for a card; you're drawing for the thing that gets the card.
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I remember watching a match at a Regional where a player was completely locked out by a Path to the Peak stadium. Their abilities were shut down. They couldn't use their Radiant Greninja. They couldn't use their draw engine. But they had a Forest Seal Stone 156/195 holo attached to a V on the bench. Because the VSTAR Power is an Ability on the tool, and not on the Pokémon itself, it sometimes bypasses certain "shut down" effects depending on how the judge rules the specific interaction of the board state at the time. (Though usually, Path to the Peak hits all Rule Box Pokémon abilities, so keep an eye on the specific wording of your active Stadiums).
Actually, correction: Path to the Peak specifically shuts down Abilities on Pokémon with a Rule Box. Since the Stone grants the Ability to the Pokémon V it's attached to, Path does shut it down. This is a common point of contention. However, if you use a card like Lost Vacuum to bump the Path, and you find that Vacuum using a different supporter, the Stone is your immediate follow-up to win.
Pricing and Rarity Trends
You’re probably wondering if you should buy now or wait. Honestly? Buy it.
The Forest Seal Stone 156/195 holo is one of those cards that holds value because of its utility, not just its shininess. As long as Pokémon V are legal in the Standard format, this card is a must-have. Even when they eventually rotate out, the Expanded format will keep this card relevant for years. It’s the "Computer Search" of the modern era, but in Tool form.
Prices tend to spike right before major tournaments. If a big "International" is coming up, expect the price to jump a few dollars. If you find them in a bulk bin at a local shop for a couple of bucks, grab every copy they have. You won't regret it.
Is it better than a VSTAR Evolution?
This is the real debate. Some players argue that using your VSTAR power on a Tool is a waste if you could be using something massive like "Star Requiem" to knock out any Pokémon instantly.
But versatility is usually better than raw power.
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If you're playing a deck that doesn't naturally include a VSTAR evolution—like a "Turbo" deck focused on Basic Pokémon—the Forest Seal Stone 156/195 holo isn't just an option. It’s your only way to access that mechanic. It levels the playing field against the "big" evolution decks. It gives your "small" Pokémon a fighting chance.
How to Play It Like a Pro
- Don't bench it too early. If you don't need the search yet, keep the Stone in your hand. This prevents your opponent from using a card like Lost Vacuum to discard it before you use it.
- Search for the "Inaccessible." Don't waste Star Alchemist on a card you have four copies of and a high chance of drawing. Use it for the one-off tech card. The one copy of Pal Pad. The one copy of Collapsed Stadium.
- Check your prizes. Before you commit to a strategy involving the Stone, use a different search card to look through your deck. If the card you need to find with Star Alchemist is prized, you need to know that before you burn your VSTAR power for the game.
- Tool Jammer/Lost Vacuum awareness. Be aware of your opponent's "Tool removal" options. If they are playing a deck known for high counts of disruption, use the Stone the same turn you play it. Don't let it sit there.
The Forest Seal Stone 156/195 holo is sort of a masterpiece of card design. It’s powerful but balanced by the "once per game" rule. It’s accessible but still feels special when you pull it from a pack of Silver Tempest.
If you’re building a deck, start with your core. Add your energy. Add your attackers. Then, look at that 59th or 60th slot. If there isn't a Forest Seal Stone there, you might want to rethink your list. It’s the ultimate insurance policy in a game that’s often decided by a single turn.
What You Should Do Now
If you are looking to pick one up, check TCGplayer or your local card shop’s singles case. Look specifically for the 156/195 numbering in the bottom left corner to ensure you're getting the right version from Silver Tempest.
Verify the holo pattern. It should be vertical, crisp, and clean. Once you have it, sleeve it immediately. Even though it's a "player's card," a Mint condition holo will always be easier to trade or sell later than one with edge wear.
Put it in your deck. Test it. You'll find that having the ability to grab any card at any time makes the game feel a lot more like a chess match and a lot less like a game of chance. That's the real power of the Stone. It puts the control back in your hands. Check your local listings, grab a copy, and start practicing your search targets—you'll need to know your deck inside out to make the most of it.