{"title":"SWSH5 Battle Styles","description":"\u003ch2\u003e Sword \u0026amp; Shield—Battle Styles\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eStatus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Released (March 2021)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChoose Your Strike in Battle Styles\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eCombat evolved on March 19, 2021, with \u003cstrong\u003eSword \u0026amp; Shield—Battle Styles\u003c\/strong\u003e . This expansion introduced the \"Battle Styles\" mechanic, splitting cards into two categories: \"Single Strike\" (focusing on raw power and one-hit KOs) and \"Rapid Strike\" (focusing on technical plays and bench damage). The mascots, \"Single Strike Urshifu VMAX\" and \"Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX,\" immediately became top-tier meta contenders, offering two distinct ways to play the game.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eThe Return of Alternate Arts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003eWhile players loved the new mechanics, collectors celebrated for a different reason: the return of \"Alternate Art\" cards. These ultra-rare versions of Pokémon V and VMAX featured full, scenic artwork that told a story. The \"Tyranitar V\" (Single Strike) sleeping after a big meal and the \"Empoleon V\" (Rapid Strike) training in the mountains became instant classics. \u003cstrong\u003eSword \u0026amp; Shield—Battle Styles\u003c\/strong\u003e is credited with kicking off the \"Alt Art Era,\" a golden age of collecting where artwork quality reached new heights.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0950\/1451\/9121\/collections\/logo_square_e7022bca-cc28-454a-9d85-b85903d9b56b.png?v=1767889770","url":"https:\/\/tcgshops.com\/en\/collections\/swsh5-battle-styles\/english.oembed","provider":"TCG Shops","version":"1.0","type":"link"}