When Chilling Reign dropped in June 2021, I knew right away it was something special.
As part of the Sword & Shield series, it came packed with 198 cards in the main set and 35 secret rares – enough to excite any collector or player.
I was especially drawn to the Galarian versions of Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. Their artwork and new abilities made them instant standouts.
Then came Ice Rider and Shadow Rider Calyrex VMAX – cards I saw dominate in tournaments and casual play alike. But what really pulled me in were the Trainer cards, like Melony and Path to the Peak.
In this blog, I’ll break down the Chilling Reign cards that stood out most to me and why they still matter.
What Is in the Chilling Reign Set?
This is a quick breakdown of what I found in the Chilling Reign set. It’s packed with variety, from cool Pokémon types to icy artwork and powerful cards.
1. Total Cards
This set is one of the largest in the Sword & Shield series. It includes a wide mix of regular cards and secret rares for both collectors and players.
- 198 regular cards in the main set
- 35 secret rares, including gold and rainbow cards
- Includes commons, uncommons, rares, Pokémon V, VMAX, Full Arts, and Secret Rares
2. Pokémon Types Featured
There is a good mix of types, which makes the set fun to build decks with. Several cards also feature icy designs to fit the theme.
- Psychic
- Water
- Grass
- Fighting
- Metal
- Darkness
- Some cards have an ice-themed look, even though Ice isn’t a separate type in the TCG.
3. Set Themes and Style
Chilling Reign draws heavy inspiration from the snowy Crown Tundra area in the video games. The vibe is mysterious and full of Galarian power.
- Inspired by the Crown Tundra area from the Sword & Shield video games
- Snow and ice aesthetic throughout the set
- Heavy Galar region influence
- Focus on Galarian forms like the Legendary Birds and Calyrex
4. Visual and Gameplay Appeal
The artwork feels like stepping into a frozen world. And some of the cards use strategies that really fit the set’s chilling tone.
- Many cards have frosty artwork with cold, snowy settings
- Backgrounds often show icy landscapes, snowstorms, or tundra-like areas
- Galarian Legendary Birds have bold designs that stand out
- V and VMAX cards have bold colors and shiny finishes that really stand out
- Most of the cards use cool colors like blue, purple, and silver, which match the icy theme.
Must-Know Cards from Chilling Reign
With over 230 cards in the set, it can be tough to know where to start. So I’ve picked some standout cards that every collector or player should know.
1. Shadow Rider Calyrex VMAX
This card is great for drawing cards and powering up quickly, which makes it one of the best in competitive play. It fits perfectly into Psychic decks and helps you build your strategy fast.
The artwork is dark, glowing, and powerful. Both players and collectors look for it. It’s still one of the top cards from Chilling Reign.
- Type: Psychic
- Set Number: #75/198
- Rarity: Ultra Rare (VMAX)
2. Ice Rider Calyrex VMAX
This version focuses on strong attacks with low energy costs. It’s easy to use and hits hard, making it a favorite in many water decks.
The icy artwork shows Calyrex riding Glastrier, which looks amazing. It became popular in tournaments. Collectors like it for its clean, cold design and strong gameplay value.
- Type: Water
- Set Number: #46/198
- Rarity: Ultra Rare (VMAX)
3. Galarian Zapdos V
Zapdos V can attack for just one energy if your opponent has lots of Pokémon V, which is super helpful in battle. It’s a smart tech card that surprised many players.
The bold orange and red colors make the art pop. It’s a popular choice in fighting decks. Collectors love it for its power and style.
- Type: Fighting
- Set Number: #173/198
- Rarity: Ultra Rare (Full Art)
4. Galarian Moltres V
Moltres V has an ability that lets you attach Darkness energy from your discard pile, which is great for fast setups. It was a key card in many top decks.
The black and red artwork looks fiery and bold. It’s strong in battle and flashy in collections. Many consider it a must-have card from the set.
- Type: Darkness
- Set Number: #177/198
- Rarity: Ultra Rare (Full Art)
5. Galarian Articuno V
Articuno V’s ability helps you draw cards when you need them most, making it great in Psychic decks. It’s not the strongest attacker, but it adds good support.
The soft blue and purple colors give the card an icy, elegant feel. While less competitive than Zapdos or Moltres, collectors love its graceful design. It adds calm beauty to any binder.
- Type: Psychic
- Set Number: #170/198
- Rarity: Ultra Rare (Full Art)
6. Blaziken VMAX (Alternate Art)
This card became a collector’s favorite because of its bright, colorful artwork showing Blaziken training with other Pokémon.
Even if you’re not a Fire-type player, it’s hard not to admire the design. It also saw some play in Rapid Strike decks. Its alternate art is one of the most valuable and eye-catching cards in the set.
- Type: Fire
- Set Number: #201/198
- Rarity: Secret Rare (Alternate Art VMAX)
7. Snorlax (Gold Secret Rare)
Snorlax is always a fan favorite, and this gold version makes it even more special. It has a great ability for drawing cards when it’s in the Active Spot, which helped it find a place in many decks.
The shiny gold finish and classic Snorlax design make it highly collectible. It’s rare and tough to pull, which adds to the excitement.
- Type: Colorless
- Set Number: #224/198
- Rarity: Secret Rare (Gold)
8. Melony (Full Art Trainer)
Melony is one of the most useful Trainer cards from the set, especially in Water-type decks. She helps attach energy from the discard pile and lets you draw more cards.
Which makes her great for quick setups. The full art version shows her in cozy winter gear, fitting the set’s theme. Both players and collectors love this card.
- Type: Trainer – Supporter
- Set Number: #198/198
- Rarity: Ultra Rare (Full Art)
9. Klara (Full Art Trainer)
Klara is a handy card for getting Pokémon and Energy back from the discard pile, which can be a game-saver. She fits in lots of decks, especially those that need recycling.
The full art shows her with a bold and bright design that stands out. Many players and collectors like her mix of playability and charm.
- Type: Trainer – Supporter
- Set Number: #190/198
- Rarity: Ultra Rare (Full Art)
10. Zeraora V
Zeraora V has a strong Rapid Strike attack that can hit multiple Pokémon at once. It was part of several creative decks when the set first launched.
The lightning-themed art and clean layout make it a fun one to collect. It’s not the rarest, but it’s still one of the more useful and cool-looking cards in the set.
- Type: Lightning
- Set Number: #053/198
- Rarity: Ultra Rare (V)
11. Rapid Strike Urshifu
Urshifu is a strong attacker that fits perfectly into Rapid Strike decks. It has good synergy with cards like Zeraora V and can hit the opponent’s Bench.
While not as flashy as a VMAX, it’s solid and reliable in battle. The artwork shows Urshifu in action, ready to strike. It’s a great card for players who enjoy fast, combo-heavy decks.
- Type: Fighting
- Set Number: #100/198
- Rarity: Rare Holo
12. Cresselia (Holo Rare)
Cresselia helps speed up Psychic decks by letting you attach extra energy from your deck. That makes it a great starter in Shadow Rider builds.
The holo design gives it a soft, glowing look that fits its moon theme. It’s easy to overlook, but really helpful in competitive play. Collectors like it for the art and holo finish.
- Type: Psychic
- Set Number: #064/198
- Rarity: Holo Rare
13. Fog Crystal (Trainer)
Fog Crystal is one of the best Trainer cards in the set. It lets you search your deck for a Psychic Energy or Basic Psychic Pokémon, which is super useful in Shadow Rider decks.
It’s simple but powerful. Many top players used it right away. While not flashy, it’s a must-have for any Psychic-focused deck.
- Type: Trainer – Item
- Set Number: #140/198
- Rarity: Uncommon
14. Path to the Peak (Trainer)
This Stadium card blocks abilities from Pokémon with Rule Boxes, which shuts down many popular decks. It quickly became one of the strongest control tools in the game.
Players loved how it slowed down powerful cards like Crobat V or Shadow Rider. It’s cheap to play and tough to deal with. Not rare, but highly respected in the meta.
- Type: Trainer – Stadium
- Set Number: #148/198
- Rarity: Uncommon
15. Celebi V (Alternate Art)
Celebi V’s alternate art shows the Pokémon gently floating through a quiet forest, and it’s one of the most beautiful cards in the set.
It wasn’t the strongest card for play, but collectors love it for the soft colors and peaceful vibe. The art style makes it feel like a painting. It’s still a popular pull for binder displays.
- Type: Grass
- Set Number: #245/198
- Rarity: Secret Rare (Alternate Art V)
Where to Buy Chilling Reign Cards?
You can buy Pokémon Chilling Reign cards from several trusted sources.
Online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, eBay, and Amazon offer a wide selection of singles, booster packs, and sealed boxes.
For new and authentic products, check out local game stores or major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy.
Specialty stores like GameStop or Pokémon Center Online often carry exclusive sets or restocks.
If you’re hunting for rare cards, explore Facebook groups or Discord trading communities – but always verify sellers and use secure payment methods.
Tips for Collecting the Entire Set
Trying to collect every Chilling Reign card? I’ve been there, it’s fun, but it takes some planning. These are some tips that really helped me stay organized and enjoy the process.
- Stay Organized: Use a card binder with 9-pocket pages; it makes it easy to see what you have and what’s missing.
- Sort cards by set number or rarity: I like to go in number order, but some people prefer grouping by type (Psychic, Water, etc.).
- Use a checklist: Either print one or track it online to keep up with your progress.
- Trade and Connect: Join online trading groups like Subreddits, Facebook groups, and Discord servers, which are great for safe trades.
- Trade duplicates to fill gaps: It’s a good way to save money and meet other collectors.
- Protect and Store: Use sleeves and top loaders for rare cards, especially for Full Arts, VMAX, or Secret Rares.
- Store binders flat and away from heat or sunlight: This keeps the pages from bending or sticking.
- Consider grading valuable cards: PSA or CGC grading helps protect and add value to rare pulls.
Conclusion
Even though Chilling Reign came out a while ago, I still think it’s one of the best sets from the Sword & Shield era.
Between the strong Trainer cards, the Galarian Legendary Birds, and those amazing alternate arts, I’ve had a lot of fun collecting and playing with these cards.
Some of them, like Shadow Rider Calyrex VMAX or Path to the Peak, are still useful in today’s decks, and I still keep them in my binder.
If you’re enjoying Chilling Reign as much as I do, I’d also recommend checking out a few other sets.
Evolving Skies is full of fan favorites like the Eeveelutions and Rayquaza.
Astral Radiance has cool new card types and beautiful art, and Fusion Strike adds a lot of variety to your collection or your deck.
For me, Chilling Reign is the kind of set that makes collecting feel exciting again, and I think you’ll feel the same.
