What are VSTAR Markers and Why Do They Matter?
As an avid Pokémon TCG player and content creator, I get asked about VSTAR markers a lot lately. Simply put, VSTAR markers indicate when you have used your one allowed VSTAR Power for that game. But there‘s more strategy and impact behind these simple marker cards than meets the eye!
A Quick Intro to VSTAR Pokémon
VSTAR Pokémon cards evolve from Pokémon V, and sport a unique VSTAR Power – a powerful one-time use attack or ability that can turn the tables if played right.
For example, Arceus VSTAR‘s "Aura Star" attack does 70 damage for each Energy attached to your opponent‘s Pokémon. Plus, popular attacker VSTARs like Dialga, Whimsicott, and Lugia shake up competitive play.
I‘ll expand more on effective VSTAR strategies later. First, let‘s look at why those markers matter…
Why the VSTAR Marker System is Key
Having VSTAR markers is critical to balance out the strength of VSTAR Powers. As awesome as they are, being limited to one VSTAR Power per game is what keeps them fair. The VSTAR marker neatly tracks this.
Based on my testing, these game-changing Powers can determine winners and losers. So players need to see clearly if their opponent already used theirs up. No more cheating or "oops I forgot!" excuses.
And don’t forget markers also remind you not to waste your Power at the wrong time!
Pull Rates and Appearance
Collectors have opened roughly 1 VSTAR marker per 6 Brilliant Stars packs on average. They replace common Energy cards in set and promo booster packs.
[insert image of white and black VSTAR markers]The white and black VSTAR markers have no difference besides looks. Both equally mark when your VSTAR Power has been activated. Their prevalence also does not indicate getting more VSTAR pulls – they are inserted randomly regardless of other card rarities obtained.
This surprised me at first until I dug into the official set data!
Top Competitive VSTAR Strategies
Back to gameplay. In my testing, these have been go-to competitive tactics leveraging current VSTARs:
Consistent Damage:
- Dialga VSTAR‘s "Chrono Break" for easy 200 damage
- Raihan for +20 damage boosts
Spread Damage:
- Arceus VSTAR with Aura Star to snipe bench
- Drapion V to make opponent poisoned Pokémon more vulnerable
Extra Turns:
- Whimsicott VSTAR‘s "Fluffy Assist" for an extra turn after you attack
- Use to power up or reposition
Damage Manipulation:
- Lumineon V‘s "Phosplosion" to move damage counters around
- Lugia VSTAR‘s "Aeroblast" does more damage for each counter moved
I‘ve compiled more tips plus viable deck lists in my blog if interested!
The Most Expensive VSTARs
For investors and collectors, VSTAR Pokémon can get quite valuable depending on artwork and rarity. Currently, the most expensive VSTARs are:
- Giratina VSTAR (Galarian Gallery) – $500+
- Arceus VSTAR (Galarian Gallery) – $400+
- Charizard VSTAR (Secret) – $250-$300
The special Galarian Gallery subset contains collector-favorite alternate art cards clad in gold frames. These premium VSTARs claim record sales partly thanks to the style and exclusivity.
For more VSTAR insights and strategies straight from tournaments, be sure to subscribe to my Pokémon TCG blog and channel! Let me know what questions you still have around these awesome new cards in the comments.
