When I first started collecting Pokémon cards, the Battle Styles set quickly pulled me in.
The focus on Urshifu, combined with stunning alternate art cards and hard-to-pull secrets, made it one of the most exciting sets I had ever opened.
I spent countless hours researching values, comparing pulls, and trying to decide which cards were truly worth chasing.
It was overwhelming at first, especially with so many different rarities and artwork styles to keep track of.
That is precisely why I put this guide together. Suppose you are like me and want to collect smart cards, be it for personal joy or long-term investment.
This list will help you focus on the most sought-after cards in the set. It is all about knowing what to look for and enjoying the hunt with confidence and clarity.
Why Battle Styles Have Unique Chase Cards Worth Collecting
Battle Styles introduced the game-changing Single Strike and Rapid Strike mechanics, adding strategic depth that set it apart from other Pokémon TCG expansions.
This unique twist, combined with powerful artwork and a focus on Urshifu’s forms, made the set memorable.
But what truly makes Battle Styles shine is its lineup of chase cards, those rare pulls that collectors hunt down for their value and visual appeal.
From Alternate Arts and Rainbow Rares to shimmering Gold Rares, these cards are prized for their scarcity, striking designs, and investment potential.
Chase cards often have limited print runs, are tough to pull from booster packs, and command higher prices on the market.
With its blend of creation, gameplay relevance, and collector demand, Battle Styles remains a key set for any serious Pokémon fan.
Top Battle Styles Chase Cards Every Collector Should Know
The Battle Styles set includes sought-after alternate arts, gold secrets, and full-art trainers, valued for design and rarity.
With low pull rates, grading potential, and investment appeal, each card offers something special for collectors, from fan favorites to underrated gems.
1. Tyranitar V (Alternate Art)
The iconic sleepy Tyranitar V is one of the most talked-about cards in Battle Styles. Instead of a fierce battle pose, it’s depicted lounging post-picnic, creating a scene that’s both peaceful and hilarious.
This unexpected and playful illustration made it an instant fan favorite. Its scarcity and popularity make it a grail card for collectors and a substantial long-term investment.
The card’s demand hasn’t slowed down since its release, making it one of the most expensive and beloved pulls from the set.
- Card Number: 155/163
- Estimated Value: $95 – $120
- Why It’s a Chase: Unique art, nostalgic, mass appeal
- Investment Note: Steady appreciation over time
2. Urshifu VMAX (Rapid Strike, Alternate Art)
This striking alternate art features Urshifu in an intense martial pose, capturing motion and action like an anime battle scene. The bright colors and clean linework elevate it among collectors and competitive players alike.
As a playable card, it’s seen in decks, but its real chase value lies in its dynamic visual appeal and rarity. Pull rates are low, and prices have remained stable since launch, especially for gem mint graded copies.
- Card Number: 170/163
- Estimated Value: $75 – $95
- Why It’s a Chase: Action-packed artwork, strong collector demand
- Investment Note: Premium prices in PSA 10
3. Urshifu VMAX (Single Strike, Alternate Art)
Urshifu VMAX Single Strike Alternate Art showcases sheer power with a dramatic, forceful pose. The artwork captures Urshifu’s intense strength, emphasizing dominance and impact over grace.
Though slightly less valuable than the Rapid Strike version, it maintains strong collector and competitive interest. The card’s bold design, character popularity, and decent pull rarity make it a standout.
It appeals to fans who love fierce visual themes and powerful Pokémon. With the Urshifu line remaining relevant, this card is a reliable chase for collectors and long-term holders alike.
- Card Number: 169/163
- Estimated Value: $65 – $80
- Why It’s a Chase: Bold imagery, character popularity
- Investment Note: Holds steady value over time
4. Empoleon V (Alternate Art)
Empoleon V’s alternate art shows a calm training session alongside other Pokémon, offering a peaceful contrast to typical battle scenes. Its cinematic framing and subtle detail have made it a favorite among collectors who value artistic storytelling.
While not the most expensive, its uniqueness gives it staying power. The emotional tone sets it apart from other cards in the set.
This mid-tier card continues to maintain interest in both raw and graded forms, especially for those curating sets with a narrative visual style.
- Card Number: 146/163
- Estimated Value: $28 – $38
- Why It’s a Chase: Full-scene, story-driven artwork
- Investment Note: Underrated long-term visual asset
5. Cheryl (Full Art Trainer)
Cheryl’s complete art design features a calm, green-tinged backdrop that mirrors her healing role in the TCG.
As a valuable card for healing-based decks and a popular “waifu” pick, she holds appeal across gameplay and collector circles. Her soft design stands out among other trainer cards, making her a staple in graded trainer collections.
The card has remained consistently popular, especially in mint condition, where centering challenges add grading difficulty. Collectors looking for smart, fan-favorite trainers will find Cheryl a reliable chase option.
- Card Number: 159/163
- Estimated Value: $35 – $45
- Why It’s a Chase: Gorgeous art, popular trainer
- Investment Note: Safe, fan-fueled graded choice
6. Phoebe (Full Art Trainer)
Phoebe’s bold purple background and flowing outfit design make her full art card a standout. Though not as high in demand as Cheryl, she has a loyal following, especially among Ghost-type fans and anime-style art collectors.
She’s often featured in curated full-art trainer sets and admired for her color palette. Due to common centering flaws, high-grade versions are particularly prized.
Phoebe adds grace and personality to any collection and remains a brilliant mid-tier chase for those building themed trainer or full-art portfolios.
- Card Number: 160/163
- Estimated Value: $20 – $28
- Why It’s a Chase: Sleek, stylized full-art trainer
- Investment Note: Tough to grade, niche favorite
7. Bruno (Rainbow Rare)
Bruno’s Rainbow Rare version may not be flashy, but it has consistent value due to its rarity and role in competitive decks.
Rainbow trainers appeal to collectors completing full-color variant sets, and Bruno’s limited pull rate adds to that appeal. Though often overlooked, it makes for a solid pickup, especially for those grading underappreciated cards.
Condition sensitivity and subtle rainbow tones make it attractive to strategic collectors. Bruno remains one of the best options for players or set builders focused on playable, low-cost rainbow rares.
- Card Number: 173/163
- Estimated Value: $10 – $18
- Why It’s a Chase: Rare, strategic trainer pull
- Investment Note: Strong value for player-focused slabs
8. Single Strike Urshifu V (Alternate Art)
Single Strike Urshifu V shows off its namesake style with bold, punch-heavy artwork that delivers motion and power.
While more affordable than VMAX alternatives, it still commands attention thanks to its striking color contrasts and expressive pose. This card serves as an ideal entry-level chase for fans of alternate art cards.
Even if you’re building a visual collection or seeking value for future resale, its accessibility and strong character recognition make it a great choice. It continues to perform well in both raw and graded markets.
- Card Number: 151/163
- Estimated Value: $18 – $26
- Why It’s a Chase: Budget-friendly, bold art style
- Investment Note: Ideal for new collectors
9. Rapid Strike Urshifu V (Alternate Art)
This card features a graceful, water-themed scene with Rapid Strike Urshifu mid-leap, capturing movement and grace.
It stands apart from the aggressive style of its Single Strike counterpart, appealing more to collectors drawn to fluid, anime-like visuals. Though not heavily used in competitive play, its rarity and alternate art status give it collector value.
The pull rate is relatively low, making high-grade versions even more appealing. It’s a visually unique chase card perfect for those collecting based on form, motion, and artistic execution.
- Card Number: 149/163
- Estimated Value: $16 – $24
- Why It’s a Chase: Stylish alt art in motion
- Investment Note: Visually undervalued, niche demand
10. Level Ball (Gold Secret Rare)
Level Ball, a staple for quick Pokémon searching, shines bright in its gold secret rare form. Highly functional in decks and dazzling in binders, it balances playability and visual appeal.
Gold item cards are always in demand, and this one regularly appears in high-end trainer collections. The foil texture, crisp design, and competitive relevance make it a dual-purpose card for players and collectors.
Graded copies tend to hold their value well, especially in pristine condition. It’s a solid, low-risk addition to any investment lineup.
- Card Number: 181/163
- Estimated Value: $30 – $40
- Why It’s a Chase: Playable + gold visual appeal
- Investment Note: Strong in raw or PSA form
11. Houndoom (Gold Secret Rare)
Houndoom’s gold card radiates power with its black-and-gold color scheme, standing out as one of the most visually striking secret rares in the set.
Its contrast-heavy design and loyal fanbase make it a top choice for dark-type collectors. Often targeted for grading, Houndoom holds steady value, particularly in PSA 10s.
While it’s not the rarest card, its appearance, utility, and enduring popularity elevate its investment status. This card checks every box for collectors who prioritize bold aesthetics, long-term value, and Pokémon personality.
- Card Number: 179/163
- Estimated Value: $35 – $50
- Why It’s a Chase: Striking contrast, great texture
- Investment Note: High-grade copies retain value
12. Octillery (Gold Secret Rare)
Octillery Gold may seem understated, but its playability and rarity make it an underrated gem. Known for its Rapid Strike Search ability, it’s a key tech card in several decks and a favorite among competitive players.
The gold version adds luxury to functionality, giving collectors a strong niche pull.
Its muted color palette may not attract everyone, but savvy investors see value in under-hyped, performance-driven cards. It’s an affordable entry point into gold Pokémon and an excellent candidate for value growth over time.
- Card Number: 178/163
- Estimated Value: $15 – $22
- Why It’s a Chase: Playable gold, niche pick
- Investment Note: Great long-term budget hold
13. Flapple VMAX (Rainbow Rare)
Flapple VMAX Rainbow Rare bursts with swirling color, bringing charm to an often-overlooked Pokémon. It’s not the priciest rainbow in the set, but the holographic saturation and movement create standout binder appeal.
Collectors building rainbow pages often include it as a bright visual anchor. Its affordability makes it accessible, and market watchers consider it undervalued.
Graded copies are relatively few, adding potential upside. For those collecting rainbows or hunting sleeper hits, Flapple offers a fun, low-risk chase that shines brighter than its price suggests.
- Card Number: 187/163
- Estimated Value: $8 – $15
- Why It’s a Chase: Rainbow pop, budget beauty
- Investment Note: Underrated visual standout
What to Keep in Mind When Chasing Battle Styles Cards
Not all flashy cards are worth chasing. Understanding factors like long-term value, rarity, print quality, relevance, and demand is crucial for wise collecting.
- Focus on rarity, not just artwork: A card may look great, but if it’s common or printed often, its long-term value drops. Check how hard it is to pull, especially for alternate arts or secret rares.
- Understand Pull Rates: Some cards are much harder to pull, especially alternate arts, rainbow rares, and gold secrets, which have the lowest odds and tend to retain value due to their scarcity.
- Prioritize centering and print quality: Valuable cards lose value with poor centering or print flaws. Battle Styles has print issues, so choose carefully or grade wisely to maximize resale or collection quality.
- Avoid Overprinted Popular Cards: Well-loved cards aren’t always rare. Mass-printed full-art trainers or V cards may not increase in value. Seek low population, hard-to-pull options.
- Collect Cards With Competitive Use: Cards that are playable in the meta often hold better value. Level Ball, Houndoom, and Octillery are great examples—each has a strong in-game use that supports long-term relevance.
Final Thoughts
Chasing Battle Styles cards has been more than just a hobby for me; it’s a blend of excitement, strategy, and a genuine love for the Pokémon world.
Each card in my collection tells its own story, from the peaceful strength of Empoleon to the raw, striking power of Urshifu.
Over time, I’ve realized that actual value isn’t just in price tags but in the emotion, nostalgia, and artistic depth each card holds.
Even if you’re curating a personal collection or making thoughtful investment choices, these chase cards truly capture the essence of what makes Battle Styles such a memorable and rewarding set to collect.
If this guide helped you or sparked your excitement, please share it with your fellow collectors or post it in your favorite Pokémon group.
