Pokemon Battle Styles Set
A 183-card expansion introducing the Single Strike and Rapid Strike battle style system with Urshifu VMAX at the center.
swsh5 Difficulty
2/5 to complete
Avg Card Value
Varies
Market average
Top Card
Urshifu VMAX Rapid Strike
See market
Rarity Tier
Overview
Battle Styles is a 183-card expansion released in March 2021, introducing the Single Strike and Rapid Strike battle style system. Cards are categorized into one of two styles: Single Strike (focused on raw power) or Rapid Strike (focused on versatility and spread). Urshifu VMAX headlines in both forms, each with a distinct playstyle and dedicated support cards.
Best for
- Modern chase collectors riding SWSH alt-art markets
- people attempting a wide Battle Styles master set who will split base numbers from high-number / special rows
- people building around Urshifu VMAX Rapid Strike / Urshifu VMAX Single Strike without pretending bulk pays the same
Skip this path if
- you treat every Eeveelution-looking card as the same SKU
- you expect every card in Battle Styles to carry similar resale (bulk is bulk)
Common mistakes
If you only remember one thing about Battle Styles: Urshifu VMAX Rapid Strike / Urshifu VMAX Single Strike is not interchangeable with every other print of those Pokemon. People still get burned by buying alts on pure hype without centering/surface notes, then argue condition after they already overpaid. Confirm swsh5 / the set symbol before comps — “SWSH V / VMAX / alt arts lot” language is how wrong products get mixed.
What to check first
Verify set membership (swsh5) and centering and surface before any grade or “near mint” claim. Condition pass on Urshifu VMAX Rapid Strike / Urshifu VMAX Single Strike before negotiation. Finish with a checklist gap list so you are not “completing” only the bulk.
Most valuable cards
Urshifu VMAX Rapid Strike alternate art (#170) is the top pull at $30-50 near-mint. Urshifu VMAX Single Strike alternate art (#168) commands $25-40. Tyranitar V alternate art (#155) holds strong at $50-80 as a fan-favorite artwork. Karen's Conviction rainbow rare and Cheryl Full Art are $10-20 each.
Cards from Battle Styles
Tap any card to see price history and details.
28 of 183 
Bellsprout
Weepinbell
Victreebel
Cacnea
Flapple V
Horsea
Electabuzz
Grumpig
Cubone
Sandaconda
Houndour
Aegislash
Bruno
Single Strike Scroll of Scorn
Empoleon V
Cheryl
Bruno
Cheryl
Korrina's Focus
Phoebe
Rapid Strike Style Mustard
Single Strike Style Mustard
Octillery
Houndoom
Exp. Share
Level Ball
Rapid Strike Energy
Single Strike Energy
Tips to finish the set
Battle Styles introduced alternate art cards to the SWSH era, adding a premium collectible tier. The set splits into Single Strike (red) and Rapid Strike (blue) categories, making it natural to collect by style. The Tyranitar V alternate art is the sleeper chase card that rivals Urshifu in value.
How to Complete This Set
- 01
Identify Battle Styles cards by set code swsh5 / symbol — do not sort by art alone
- 02
Split bulk commons/uncommons from holos and special rarities before pricing
- 03
Track Urshifu VMAX Rapid Strike and Urshifu VMAX Single Strike as priority singles, not pack EV fantasies
- 04
Scan or checklist-gap the rest after the chase budget is honest
Scan with the app
Battle Styles cards include style-specific logos (Single Strike fist, Rapid Strike water) that affect deck building. The scanner identifies battle style affiliations on every card and helps sort your collection by style. It also distinguishes between standard and alternate art versions of the same card.
Common questions
01 What is the Battle Styles system?
Battle Styles divides cards into Single Strike (raw power, high damage) and Rapid Strike (versatile, spread damage) categories. Each style has dedicated support Trainer and Energy cards that only work with cards of the matching style.
02 What are alternate art cards?
Alternate art (alt art) cards feature unique artwork different from the standard card version, often showing Pokemon in narrative or environmental scenes. They were introduced as a premium collectible tier in Battle Styles and became the most sought-after cards in the SWSH era.
03 Which Urshifu VMAX is better for competitive play?
Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX was generally considered stronger competitively, with its G-Max Rapid Flow attack hitting two benched Pokemon for 120 each. Single Strike Urshifu VMAX hit harder in single shots with G-Max One Blow.
04 Is the Tyranitar V alternate art really from Battle Styles?
Yes, the Tyranitar V alternate art (#155) is from Battle Styles and depicts Tyranitar rampaging through a city. Despite not being a VMAX card, its stunning artwork makes it one of the most valuable alternate arts in the SWSH era.
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