By Jessie Schreuders
4 min read

As a Pokémon collector, I have opened quite a few packs. However, there are sets that make just a little more of an impression. Brilliant Stars is one of them. This set combines beautiful artwork with powerful playing cards. And that makes every booster pack a party to open.

In this blog I will tell you why Brilliant Stars is so special, which chase cards you should not miss and whether it is really worth buying these packs.

What is the Brilliant Stars Booster Pack?

As you know, Pokémon releases new sets regularly. But February 2022 ’s Brilliant Stars has had more of an impact than most other Sword & Shield releases. Why? Because it introduced the VSTAR mechanic .

Each booster pack contains 10 cards , including at least one rare or holo. But the best part is the chance to win a Trainer Gallery card . This subset of 30 cards features Trainers and their Pokémon together in unique, atmospheric artwork.

Honestly? The Trainer Gallery is the biggest reason for me to open Brilliant Stars. Even if you don’t hit big, you’ll still get some beautiful cards that will instantly brighten up your map.

What makes Brilliant Stars so special?

What sets this set apart is not just the new VSTAR cards, but the mix between game and collection . Cards like Arceus VSTAR and Charizard VSTAR are not only visually impressive, but also incredibly strong in game.

And then there are those Trainer Gallery cards . Pokémon made a conscious decision to bring back fan favorites, but with artwork that looks like it came straight out of an anime scene. I pulled a few of these cards myself and believe me, they are even more beautiful in real life.

However, if you are going purely for value, this set is not without risk. The chance of a big pull is not as high as with some other sets. But if you are a fan of beautiful artwork and strong playing cards, Brilliant Stars is definitely recommended.

Chase Cards in Brilliant Stars

Let's face it: Booster packs are all about that one card you really want. In Brilliant Stars, there are a few that will instantly take your collection to the next level

  • Charizard VSTAR (Rainbow Rare) –
    An iconic card and the highlight of this set. Currently valued at around €150 - €200 depending on condition and centering. PSA 10 value: €150 - €200
  • Arceus VSTAR (Gold Secret Rare) –
    This card is not only beautiful to look at, but also competitively strong. The price is on average between €80 - €100 . PSA 10 value: €45 - €60
  • Umbreon VMAX (Trainer Gallery) –
    Umbreon remains a collector's favorite. This version features unique art and currently sells for $60-$75 . PSA 10 Value: $145-$160
  • Sylveon V (Trainer Gallery) –
    Despite the slightly lower price, this card remains visually impressive. Expect to pay €30-€40 for a mint copy. PSA 10 value: €120-€140
  • Charizard V Full Art –
    Easier to pull than the VSTAR, but still a nice addition to any Charizard collection. Value ranges from $50 - $70 . PSA 10 Value: $90 - $100

What do I personally find so strong about this? Brilliant Stars offers both top cards for players and visually impressive collectible cards. That always makes opening a pack exciting.

My experience with Brilliant Stars Boosters

I’ve opened quite a few Brilliant Stars boosters by now. And honestly? It’s one of those sets where every pack is fun to open. Even if you don’t pull a big hit, the Trainer Gallery cards make sure you still have something special.

What I noticed is that the holofoil finish is just a bit nicer than some of the previous sets. The shine is bright, the colors are deep, and the artwork really pops off the card. The Charizard VSTAR and Arceus VSTAR in particular have a look that immediately stands out.

My tip? Buy a few individual boosters to get to know the set. But if you're serious about the chase cards, consider a booster box . The pull rates are often better and you simply have more chances for those rare hits.

Is Brilliant Stars a smart investment?

As a collector and player, I always look at both the play value and the collectible value of a set. Brilliant Stars scores high on both fronts. The VSTAR cards are competitively strong and the Trainer Gallery remains attractive to collectors.

But beware: the set is not rare enough to really increase in value. The prices of individual cards can fluctuate, especially for the Full Arts and Rainbows. Do you want to invest purely? Then I would focus on sealed products or specific chase cards such as the Charizard VSTAR Rainbow Rare .

For those who just want to collect beautiful cards without making an immediate investment, Brilliant Stars is perfect. You get value for your money, and the chance of visually impressive pulls is high.

Who is the Brilliant Stars Booster Pack for?

  • 🎴 For collectors: Beautiful art, Trainer Gallery cards and visual highlights
  • 🧠 For players: Powerful VSTAR cards that make an impact in the game
  • 💰 For investors: The Charizard VSTAR and Arceus VSTAR in particular remain popular
  • ⭐ For beginners: Lots of visually beautiful cards and a great mix of playable cards

My advice? Open a few packs and experience the excitement. Brilliant Stars is a set that is really fun to browse through. Even without big hits, you will be left with beautiful cards. And who knows… you might even draw that Charizard.