The Pokémon TCG Sword & Shield – Fusion Strike expansion is the largest English language set in history, meaning its rarest cards can be incredibly difficult to pull straight from boosters or individual packs. This eighth Sword & Shield expansion set features 284 cards, dethroning Sun & Moon – Cosmic Eclipse’s 271-card set by 13 cards. Fusion Strike features plenty of Pokémon and Trainers from across multiple generations, making it an ideal set for a wide variety of collectors.
Fusion Strike introduces the new Fusion Strike style, similar to the previously implemented Single Strike and Rapid Strike cards. Joining this new archetype are Pokémon V and VMAX cards of fan-favorite Pokémon, and special alternate artwork full arts to collect. Rainbow Rare cards and gold cards also return, adding even more collectible appeal to the already massive Pokémon TCG expansion.
The full retail release of Fusion Strike is November 12, but some players and collectors have begun getting the cards early thanks to pre-release events. As such, it’s possible to start looking into what some of the rarest Fusion Strike cards in the set are, based on the number of them that have been listed and sold on TCGPlayer. Although it’s subject to change, the current rarest cards align with the most elusive rarities in the Pokémon TCG and will likely remain similar even as the set sees more circulation. These Pokémon cards have unique art and feature beloved Pokémon and characters that make them great chase cards for any collector.
Pokémon TCG: Fusion Strike’s Espeon VMAX Alt-Art Is One Of Its Rarest Cards
Espeon VMAX has a Secret Rare alternate art version in Fusion Strike. The card’s charming artwork features the gigantic Pokémon sleeping on a house surrounded by Wingull. Espeon is a very popular Eevee evolution Pokémon, so it’s no surprise its incredibly rare alternate art Secret Rare card is a tough find and highly sought after.
Pokémon TCG: Fusion Strike: Sidney And Chili & Cilan & Cress Rainbow Rare Cards
The Rainbow Rare versions of the Supporter Trainer cards Sidney and Chili & Cilan & Cress have both only had a dozen cards in circulation since Fusion Strike’s pre-release began. While this number is guaranteed to go up when the set is officially released, even if there continues to be Pokémon TCG shortages, Rainbow Rares have always been among the hardest to get in any set. As time passes, it will be interesting to see if one of these cards turns out to be slightly more common than the other.
Pokémon TCG: Fusion Strike’s Rarest Cards – Elesa’s Sparkle Rainbow Rare
The Rainbow Rare version of the Fusion Strike card Elesa’s Sparkle is its most rare iteration. But, like Sidney’s card, the full art Secret Rare, which is less rare than the Rainbow Rare, is actually worth more money. This is likely because full art cards have fully rendered backgrounds and proper coloring, which tends to be favored by casual collectors more than the sparkly rainbow filter of the Rainbow Rare cards. But whether it’s the full art or Rainbow Rare, Elesa’s Sparkle features the Unovan Pokémon Gym Leader herself in her first-ever full art card.
Pokémon TCG: Fusion Strike – Inteleon VMAX Alt-Art Secret Rare Card
Not even ten copies of the alternate art Secret Rare Inteleon VMAX have been in circulation on TCGPlayer yet. This Fusion Strike TCG card features the Gigantamax Pokémon overlooking a nighttime scene, with energy emitting from raid dens. Its sights are set on something off-panel, adding to the mysterious feel of the artwork.
Pokémon TCG: Fusion Strike’s Mew VMAX Alt-Art Secret Rare Card
As both the poster child for Fusion Strike and a classic, beloved Pokémon, it isn’t surprising that the Fusion Strike‘s Mew VMAX alternate art Secret Rare is one of its rarest cards so far. Although Pokémon TCG gives plenty of different Pokémon their time to shine, the TCG always makes sure to go all out for collectible Kanto Pokémon, and Mew is no exception. The alternate art of Mew VMAX has thus far seen the lowest circulation, coupled with an incredibly high demand, which makes it one of the rarest cards in the Fusion Strike expansion.
