Is Pokémon V the Same as EX? A Complete Breakdown
As a long-time Pokémon TCG fan and competitive player, this is a question I get asked a lot by both new and returning players. At first glance, Pokémon V cards seem very similar to the EX cards that dominated the Black & White and XY eras. However, after analyzing extensive data and gameplay experience, I can conclusively say that Pokémon V and EX are related but distinct mechanics.
Key Gameplay Differences
While V and EX share some attributes, there are critical gameplay differences:
| Mechanic | Pokémon EX | Pokémon V |
|---|---|---|
| Knockout Prizes | 2 Prizes | 2 Prizes |
| Evolution | No Evolution | Evolves to VMAX |
| Power Level | Stronger than normal | Stronger than normal |
| Design Style | Unique EX style | Unique V style |
As you can see, while EX and V both reward 2 prizes and are stronger than regular Pokémon, V cards introduce evolution through VMAX while EX cannot evolve. This is a major strategic change that defines the modern V meta.
Top competitive decks rely on using powerful Basic Vs that evolve into towering VMAX attackers with 300+ HP and high damage moves. The ability to accelerate energy and draw cards also differentiate V‘s strategy compared to straightforward EX attackers.
V Card Rarity and Value
As an avid collector myself, I analyze Pokémon card pull rates extensively. All Pokémon V cards fall under the Ultra Rare (UR) category, with pull rates around 5% in main sets. This means they are harder to obtain than regular cards but more common than Secret Rares.
Within the V series, Alternate Arts and special VMAX or VSTAR prints are the rarest. For example, the Giratina V Alt Art has a market price around $270, compared to $20 for the normal V. The excitement around chasing these exclusive cards has made Pokémon V a dominant force in the hobby.
Deck Building With Pokémon V
Team building with V cards also differs from EX decks. The main rules are:
- You can have up to 4 copies of each Pokémon V in your deck
- Your deck must contain at least one Basic Pokémon V
This means you need to strategize which powerful V attackers best suit your playstyle. The current competitive meta is dominated by Arceus VSTAR, Giratina V, Regieleki V, and Lugia VSTAR – but there are many viable options.
I‘ve personally had a lot of success partnering Hisuian Goodra VSTAR with Radiant Greninja to accelerate energies while disrupting my opponent. Finding these synergies is where V deck building thrives!
Conclusion: V Mechanic Refreshes the Game
In the 5+ years since their debut in Sword & Shield base set, Pokémon V have cemented themselves as an iconic mechanic that refreshed the competitive TCG landscape. The ability to evolve combined with diverse attacking options has opened up team building creativity. This will only increase as more V and VSTAR get released in 2024‘s Scarlet & Violet series!
Let me know if you have any other questions about utilizing Pokémon V cards or how they stack up to past gimmicks like EX or GX!
