Pokemon black bolt card list: Your Complete Guide to the New Scarlet & Violet Expansion

Welcome to our in-depth look at the pokemon black bolt card list. Today, we dive into the exciting new Black Bolt expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. This set is part of the Scarlet & Violet series and arrives alongside its twin set, White Flare. Fans and collectors around the world are buzzing with curiosity and excitement. In this guide, we’ll explore every card detail, release date, rarity, and special feature you need to know. Let’s get started!

Introduction

The pokemon black bolt card list is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling releases in TCG history. For the first time ever in the English game, two special expansion sets—Black Bolt and White Flare—will launch at the same time. This dual set structure mirrors how expansions have worked in Japan but marks a first for English players. Whether you’re hunting for powerful ex cards or rare illustrations, this guide covers it all in simple, clear language. If you're new to building a collection, check out our How to Start a Pokémon Card Collection: A Beginner’s Comprehensive Guide for essential tips.

Release Dates and Global Rollout

Black Bolt will roll out in Japan before anywhere else:

• Japanese release date: June 6, 2025

• English release window: July 18 to August 22, 2025

Fans in Japan will get the cards first, but the global Pokémon community won’t have to wait long. This staggered release builds excitement as collectors share sneak peeks online.

Set Details: Card Count and Structure

The pokemon black bolt card list includes both the main set and secret rares:

• Main set cards (Japan): 86 cards plus 5 secret rares

• Total cards (English): Over 170 cards, counting both Black Bolt and White Flare

This means English players will find more cards to collect and trade. The secret rares in Japan are numbered beyond 86, giving collectors extra thrill when they see cards like 87, 88, and so on.

Card Types and Rarities

Black Bolt brings a rich mix of card types and rarity levels:

• Pokémon ex Cards – Six Pokémon ex, including Zekrom ex and Meloetta ex

• Illustration Rare Cards – Over 65 illustration rare cards with unique artwork

• Special Illustration Rare Cards – More than 5 special illustration rares featuring fan-favorite Pokémon scenes

• Ultra Rare Cards – Eight ultra rares, including key Pokémon and Supporter cards with stunning full-art designs

• Unova Pokémon Illustration Rares – One illustration rare or special illustration rare for each Unova region Pokémon

• Special Illustration Rare Supporter – A unique full-art Supporter card with a special illustration rare treatment

• Black & White Rare Cards – New monochrome “Black & White” rare cards with a sleek black design

• Parallel Foil Variants – Three foil patterns, including rainbow Poké Ball and Master Ball designs for extra shine

Known Pokémon Cards in Black Bolt

Here is the confirmed pokemon black bolt card list for Pokémon cards in the Japanese release:

• #1 Snivy

• #2 Servine

• #3 Serperior ex

• #10 Foongus

• #11 Amoonguss

• #12 Victini

• #31 Kyurem ex

• #33 Tynamo

• #34 Eelektrik

• #35 Eelektross

• #36 Thundurus

• #37 Zekrom ex

• #56 Landorus

• #78 Tornadus

This core set focuses heavily on Unova-region Pokémon, celebrating the Black & White era of the video games.

Known Trainer and Special Energy Cards

The pokemon black bolt card list also includes key Trainer and Energy cards:

Trainer Cards:

• #82 Air Balloon

• #84 Professor’s Research

Special Energy:

• #86 Prism Energy

These cards help shape new decks and strategies in the TCG meta. Air Balloon gives you speed, while Professor’s Research draws new cards. For strategies on building effective decks, refer to our Top Pokémon Cards to Buy for Investment: A Collector's Guide to Profitable Choices.

Secret Rares and Special Cards

Collectors love hunting secret rares. Here’s what the pokemon black bolt card list reveals:

• #87 Snivy (Secret Rare)

• #88 Servine (Secret Rare)

• #97 Victini (Secret Rare)

• #120 Thundurus (Secret Rare)

• #137 Landorus (Secret Rare)

• #158 Tornadus (Secret Rare)

• #167 Serperior ex (Secret Rare)

• #174 Zekrom ex (Secret Rare)

These cards feature numbering above the main set and often have extra foil and full-art designs to make them stand out.

Set Theme and Special Features

Black Bolt is themed around Unova and the original Black & White video games. It honors the heroes, rivals, and Pokémon that defined those titles. The new “Black & White Rare” cards take existing art and render it in sleek monochromatic black, creating a dramatic look collectors will love.

Importantly, Full Art cards are now secret rares if their collector number is above the set total (for example, 201/198). This change began with the Scarlet & Violet base set and continues here, making full art pulls even more thrilling. If you're interested in maximizing the value of your cards, explore our guide on the Best Trading Card Grading Companies: Everything You Need to Know.

Black Bolt includes a wide variety of special art types:

• Illustration Rare Pokémon

• Full Art Pokémon

• Full Art Supporters

• Special Illustration Rare Pokémon

• Special Illustration Rare Supporters

• Gold Cards

• Black & White Rares

These variations ensure every pack opening can yield something spectacular.

Why Dual Sets Matter

For the first time in the English TCG, Black Bolt and White Flare launch together as a dual special set. In Japan, split expansions have been common, but English players have only ever seen one set at a time. This move gives players more options from day one and creates a shared experience with the Japanese community.

Collectors can chase cards from both sets, boosting trading and deck-building variety. Players might even specialize in one theme—black designs or white themes—or mix them for powerful strategies.

Building Your Collection

With over 170 cards across Black Bolt and White Flare, building a full set will be a challenge—and a thrill. Here are some tips for collecting:

• Trade with Friends: Trading doubles helps both parties fill gaps in their set. TCG Trading and Meetups Near Me

• Join Online Communities: Social media groups and forums often run bundle trades and group buys.

• Buy Booster Boxes: More packs mean more chances at secret rares and ultra rares.

• Check Local Game Stores: Pre-release events often include promo cards and special booster sets.

Keep your eyes open for “Black & White Rare” chase cards. Their striking design and low print runs make them highly sought after.

Preparing for Tournament Play

Beyond collecting, many players will use Black Bolt cards in play. Key cards to watch:

• Serperior ex (#3) offers strong Grass-type attacks and synergy with energy acceleration.

• Zekrom ex (#37) is a powerful Lightning-type attacker that can shift the pace of matches.

• Professor’s Research (#84) remains a reliable draw supporter for consistency.

• Prism Energy (#86) fuels multi-type decks looking to use ex bars.

Building a balanced deck with these staples can give you a competitive edge in standard play once these cards legalize. For insights on the best times to buy cards for competitive play, visit our article on When to Buy TCG Cards for Investment: Understanding Market Cycles and Strategies to Maximize Returns.

Final Thoughts

The pokemon black bolt card list opens a new chapter in the Pokémon TCG. With special dual sets, new rarity types, and a loving tribute to the Unova region, it’s a must-collect expansion for every fan. Whether you’re a first-time pack opener or a seasoned collector, Black Bolt offers surprises in every booster.

Stay tuned for updates on the White Flare companion set, and start planning your collection strategy today. The world of Unova is about to turn black with excitement!

Thank you for joining us on this preview of the pokemon black bolt card list. Get ready to pull, trade, and play with one of the most anticipated sets in Pokémon TCG history. Happy collecting!