No matter whether you play competitively or just collect them, I think we can all agree that Pokemon cards can be utterly freakin' adorable… and the four we can exclusively reveal here at GamesRadar+ demonstrate that fact quite nicely.
Taken from the upcoming Chaos Rising (which is due to launch on May 22), these four Pokemon cards follow the evolutionary journey of sugary-sweet Mareep through to the awesome Ampharos. Although they've all been illustrated by different artists, there's one thing they share: how gorgeously well done they are. I can't get over how cute Flaaffy is as it lies back in the flower meadow, for example, while the full-art Ampharos card has been given a beautiful, painterly style. Seeing as Pokemon is one of the best card games around, such lavish treatment isn't surprising… but still, these are particularly good.
Mareep isn't going to send your opponents running for the hills in combat with its classic 20 damage Thunder Wave ability, but my goodness, that artwork is incredible. Depicting the sheep Pokemon in a field of flowers caught in a breeze, I adore the splotches of color visible in its woolly coat. It makes the 'mon feel so much more vibrant than usual, helping depict the electricity building there in a unique way.
OK, this might be my favorite of all the cards we're exclusively revealing here today. Showing Flaaffy at rest in a flower meadow, watching the sky, it's one hell of a vibe. I wish I could be there too, Flaaffy. You're living the good life.
This Ampharos card trades tranquility for dynamism with a colorful, anime-style background that shows it charging into battle. Clearly these Pokemon aren't just cute; they pack a punch too, as demonstrated by the 140 damage-dealing Flashing Bolt. Its Synchro Pulse ability (where you deal 80 more damage if you have the same number of cards in-hand as your opponent) only hammers that home. Phew.
This alternate design for Ampharos is stunning, and it feels like a watercolor painting. Chef's kiss, no notes - though I will point out that it lulls foes into a false sense of security, because despite that chill vibe, this version still has the same wince-inducing abilities seen above.
Want a chance to secure these cards for yourself? Don't forget to check in on our guide for where to buy Pokemon TCG Chaos Rising, which tracks the best prices across a variety of retailers. In the meantime, you can increase your chances by visiting in-store prerelease events from May 9 ahead of the full May 22 launch.
- See all in-stock Chaos Rising at Walmart
- See all in-stock Chaos Rising at Miniature Market
For more tabletop recommendations, why not stop by our guides to the best board games or the best tabletop RPGs?
