The Pokemon TCG has announced the third release of its Scarlet & Violet era, with Obsidian Flames finally introducing type-changing terastallised Pokemon to the game.
Scheduled for launch on August 11, Obsidian Flames will also feature probably one of the era’s biggest money cards so far, with the Dark-type Charizard ex sure to shift a few packs.
While terastallised Pokemon have been a part of the TCG since the Scarlet & Violet base set earlier this year, up to now they’ve mostly stayed within the confines of the Pokemon’s original type. For instance, Noivern ex from the upcoming Paldea Evolved is still a Dragon-type, while Pikachu ex is still Electric.
Starting with Obsidian Flames, terastallised Pokemon ex cards will now better reflect the mechanic in the Scarlet & Violet video games, and change up the usual typings of that Pokemon. As mentioned, so it has been confirmed we’ll see a Dark-type Charizard ex, but also a Lightning-type Tyranitar ex, and a Water-type Dragonite ex.
Interestingly, these Pokemon will use their usual type’s energy cards when attacking, meaning Charizard ex will make use of Fire-type energy. However, they’ll have the weaknesses and resistances of their new type. As usual for ex Pokemon, if they’re knocked out, your opponent will take two Prize cards over the usual one.
While not much more information has been revealed about Obsidian Flames, it was confirmed that the expansion will have a similar number of secret and alt-art rares to other recent releases. This includes a total of six Tera ex Pokemon, alongside 15 more non-Tera ex cards. There will also be 12 illustration rare Pokemon, six illustration rare Pokemon & Trainer cards, 12 full-art etched Pokemon ex and Supporter cards, and three secret rare golden etched cards.
While Obsidian Flames will launch on November 11 for tabletop play, complete with booster packs and a Charmander-branded Elite Trainer Box, it will be launching on Pokemon TCG Live a day earlier, on August 10. On Live, there will be a freely available battle pass, including prebuilt Charizard ex and Toedscruel ex decks to unlock.
Though the Scarlet & Violet era only began a few months ago, its rollout has felt pretty slow. This is partly because of the game’s rotation meaning plenty of Sword & Shield cards are still top players in the game, but also because of how it’s felt the need to ‘ease in’ to Tera Pokemon. It’s taken three expansions to get to the TCG incorporating the key type-switching aspect of terastallisation, but hopefully now we’re seeing it in action, we can see what the ex mechanic can really do to be a viable replacement for V and VMAX cards from the last era.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: Obsidian Flames launches on August 10 digitally on TCG Live, and August 11 in tabletop.