Here’s an exhaustive list of Pokémon card types as of the latest updates, organised by their broad categories:
Energy Types #
Energy types are based on the Pokémon’s elemental attributes in the games. These dictate which Energy cards they use.
Grass
Fire
Water
Lightning
Psychic
Fighting
Darkness
Metal
Fairy (discontinued after Sword & Shield)
Dragon (does not require specific Energy cards but uses combinations of other Energy types)
Colourless
Card Categories #
Cards in the Pokémon Trading Card Game are divided into three major categories:
Pokémon Cards #
These represent the Pokémon you use in battles.
Basic Pokémon: The simplest form of Pokémon, often used to evolve into more powerful ones.
Stage 1 Pokémon: The next evolutionary stage after a Basic Pokémon.
Stage 2 Pokémon: Evolved from Stage 1 Pokémon.
EX Pokémon: Basic, powerful Pokémon that often give a bonus card when defeated (e.g., Mewtwo EX).
GX Pokémon: Similar to EX cards, with an additional GX move usable once per game.
Tag Team GX Pokémon: Powerful cards featuring two Pokémon together.
V Pokémon: Introduced in the Sword & Shield series, a replacement for EX/GX.
VMAX Pokémon: Gigantamax or Dynamax Pokémon with massive HP and powerful attacks.
VSTAR Pokémon: Introduced in Brilliant Stars, with unique once-per-game abilities or attacks.
Legend Pokémon: Cards that are split into two halves and require both to play.
Pokémon-EX: From the Black & White and XY series (different from EX Pokémon).
Pokémon LV.X: Powerful level-up cards introduced in the Diamond & Pearl series.
Baby Pokémon: Weaker, smaller Pokémon cards from older sets.
Delta Species Pokémon: Pokémon with unusual Energy types.
Shining Pokémon: Rare cards featuring shiny variants of Pokémon.
Trainer Cards #
Trainer cards are support cards that provide various benefits or effects.
Item Cards: Single-use cards with a variety of effects.
Tool Cards: Attached to Pokémon for ongoing effects.
Stadium Cards: Provide a field-wide effect until replaced.
Supporter Cards: Strong effects, but only one can be played per turn.
Ace Spec Cards: Extremely powerful cards (limited to one per deck).
Energy Cards #
Energy cards power Pokémon attacks and abilities. These are divided into:
Basic Energy Cards:
Grass, Fire, Water, Lightning, Psychic, Fighting, Darkness, Metal, Fairy
Special Energy Cards:
Cards with additional effects like healing or boosting attacks.
Special Pokémon Types and Subcategories #
Shadow Pokémon: Seen in specific sets like the Team Rocket expansions.
Light/Dark Pokémon: Represent “good” or “evil” versions of Pokémon, primarily from older sets.
Prism Star Pokémon: Powerful cards limited to one per deck.
Team Magma/Team Aqua Pokémon: Pokémon associated with these teams.
Golden Pokémon Cards: Extremely rare, premium versions.
Radiant Pokémon: Introduced in Sword & Shield, featuring shiny Pokémon with unique effects.
In the Pokémon Trading Card Game, variants refer to special editions or alternate forms of cards that make them distinct from the standard releases.
Card Variants #
Below is a comprehensive list of the various Pokémon card variants:
Standard Variants #
These are common across most expansions and sets:
Regular Cards
The standard cards in a set, without any special effects or designs.
Reverse Holo Cards
Cards with holographic (foil) backgrounds for the non-image portion of the card.
Holofoil Cards
Cards where the Pokémon artwork is holographic.
Ultra Rare Variants #
Special cards that are harder to find in booster packs:
Full Art Cards
Cards where the artwork extends across the entire card, with unique designs and textures.
Rainbow Rare Cards (Hyper Rare)
Full-art cards with a rainbow-coloured foil design.
Gold Cards (Secret Rare)
Cards with a gold border and often featuring items, stadiums, or specific Pokémon.
Alternate Art Cards
Unique artwork versions of Pokémon, usually with detailed or stylised designs.
Shiny Pokémon Cards
Cards that depict a shiny version of a Pokémon, featuring different colours than usual.
Secret Rare Cards
Cards that are numbered higher than the set’s total (e.g., 123/122), often ultra-rare.
Promotional Variants #
Special editions released outside standard sets:
Black Star Promos
Cards marked with a black star symbol and “Promo” text, released through events or boxed sets.
Prerelease Cards
Early releases of cards from upcoming sets, typically with a “Prerelease” stamp.
Staff Promos
Similar to Prerelease cards but marked with a “Staff” stamp, given to event staff.
League Promo Cards
Distributed at Pokémon leagues, often with special stamps or holo patterns.
World Championship Cards
Special reprints with unique back designs, commemorating World Championship decks.
Special Set Variants #
Cards with unique designs specific to certain expansions or themes:
Radiant Pokémon
Introduced in Sword & Shield, featuring shiny Pokémon with a holographic pattern.
Amazing Rare Pokémon
Cards with multicoloured holo patterns extending across the artwork and Energy symbols.
Delta Species
Pokémon with unusual Energy types, marked with a “δ” symbol.
Prism Star Cards
Powerful cards with a black border and a shining star icon; limited to one per deck.
Team Magma/Team Aqua Cards
Themed cards featuring specific teams’ Pokémon.
Shadowless Cards
From the original base set, these lack a shadow around the card frame and are highly sought after.
First Edition Cards
Early prints of sets with a “1st Edition” stamp.
Error Cards
Cards with misprints or production errors, often valuable to collectors.
V and GX Variants #
From recent generations, these are powerful versions of standard cards:
V Cards
Feature stronger Pokémon, replacing older EX/GX variants.
VMAX Cards
Depict Gigantamax or Dynamax forms of Pokémon, with high HP and powerful attacks.
VSTAR Cards
Feature unique VSTAR abilities usable only once per game.
Tag Team GX Cards
Combine two Pokémon on a single card with powerful moves.
Foil Variants #
Specialised holographic or reflective patterns:
Cracked Ice Holo
A shattered-glass-style holographic pattern.
Cosmos Holo
A starry, circular holofoil pattern.
Mirror Foil
Reflective surfaces with smooth or textured designs.
Galaxy Foil
Older holo patterns with specks that resemble stars.
Collector’s Variants #
Targeted at collectors for their uniqueness:
Full Gold Cards
Entirely gold-coloured Pokémon or Trainer cards.
Character Rares
Feature Pokémon alongside their trainers in special artwork.
Alternate Art Secret Rares
Ultra-rare alternate designs of Pokémon cards.
Illustrator Promo Cards
Exceptionally rare cards with “Illustrator” stamps, often awarded as prizes.
Trophy Cards
Awarded to winners of official tournaments, making them extremely limited.
Other Regional/Language Variants #
Japanese Exclusive Cards
Cards released only in Japan, often with different holo patterns or designs.
Korean/Chinese Variants
Special editions for these languages, with unique printing styles.
Error/Alternate Language Misprints
Cards with mismatched languages or text errors.