The trading card game for Pokémon has received a new expansion titled “Crimson & Violet – Surging Sparks”. We at MeinMMO will tell you about the new features you can expect.
What is “Surging Sparks”? The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is regularly expanded with new cards that are released in so-called sets. These sets are then grouped into series, which usually correspond to the current video game.
- Currently, we are in the “Crimson & Violet” series.
- The newest set is called “Surging Sparks”.
- It has been available since November 8th 2024.
“Surging Sparks” has a lot to offer for both active players and collectors of beautiful cards.
Teracristal Pokémon and Dragons – What’s in the Set?
The new set “Surging Sparks” brings over 250 new cards into play. This includes:
- 9 Stallar Teracristal Pokémon-ex
- 9 Pokémon-ex
- 8 ASS CLASS cards
- 23 rare illustration cards
- 11 rare cards with special illustrations
- 6 hyper rare, gold-foil cards
At the center of it all is an old acquaintance: Pikachu. He returns in a new form, namely as a Stellar Teracristal Pokémon-ex. He is accompanied by many other powerful Electric-type Pokémon that form a thematic focus of the set.
The second major theme of the set is dragon-like Pokémon that appear in various types. Highlights include Alolan Exeggutor-ex, Briduradon-ex, and Latias-ex.
What are Teracristal Pokémon? “Surging Sparks” is only the second set in which the so-called Teracristal Pokémon appear. Teracristallization is a game mechanic already known from the video games. It has been around since the ninth generation, which was initiated in late 2022 with “Crimson & Violet”.
Through Teracristallization, Pokémon can be made significantly stronger in battle. The Pokémon shine like gems and have a kind of crown on their heads – the Teracristal.
How does this work in the card game? Since the last set, “Stallarkrone”, Teracristallization has also found its way into the trading card game.
Unlike in the video game, Pokémon do not necessarily have to be Teracristalized in battle. These are standalone Pokémon cards that can appear as “Basic”, “Stage 1” or “Stage 2” Pokémon. They all have:
- a powerful attack that requires three energies of different types.
- the following additional rule: “As long as this Pokémon is on your bench, prevent all damage done to this Pokémon by attacks (your own and your opponent’s)”.
“Surging Sparks” offers a good mix
Who is the set suitable for? With the introduction of more Teracristal Pokémon, “Surging Sparks” seamlessly builds on the recently released set “Stallarkrone”. If you liked the mechanics there, you’re in the right place here.
However, if you are not yet familiar with Teracristallization, that’s no problem either. The set offers enough good combination possibilities to start here fresh.
The dragon-type Pokémon are especially flexible and fit into all sorts of deck styles. This should please more experienced players who enjoy tinkering with their decks.
Last but not least, the set obviously offers collectors many beautiful cards. Above all, the Teracristal Pokémon in colorful and sparkling looks are a real eye-catcher.
Get new cards for free
If you want to get a taste of the new set, you can easily do so – even without paying anything. In celebration of “Surging Sparks”, you can receive free cards in digital form for “Pokémon Trading Card Game Live” – not to be confused with the new “Pokémon Pocket”.
1. TikTok Streams
You can receive two booster packs by watching TikTok streams:
- Any user account with access to TikTok LIVE that streams Pokémon Trading Card Game Live until November 23, 2024, can automatically distribute in-game rewards.
- Click the reward symbol during the stream.
- Watch for at least 3 minutes.
- Copy the received code and redeem it (Pokemon.de/Redeem). For this, you need a Pokémon Trading Card Game Live account.
2. Twitch Streams
If you watch the Latin American Pokémon International Championships (LAIC) on Twitch, you can receive Teracristal Pikachu-ex and other digital content:
- You need a Pokémon Trainer Club account and a Twitch account. You must link these through the official Pokémon site (rewards.pokemon.com).
- Watch 30 minutes of one of the relevant streams on Twitch. You can find the streaming times here on pokemon.com.
- After finishing, you will receive a drop that you can find in the “Inventory” of your Pokémon account (also on rewards.pokemon.com).
- Copy the code and enter it in the game.
Another way to start with the Pokémon Trading Card Game for free is the recently released app “Pokémon TCG Pocket”. MeinMMO editor Jasmin Beverungen explains what makes the app so great for her: The new trading card game for Pokémon does almost everything better than the original from back in the day and doesn’t even cost anything
Note: MeinMMO received a product for review free of charge from the manufacturer.
