Close look at new cards from the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Twilight Masquerade expansion including Teal Mask Ogerpon ex, Iron Thorns ex and more

The Pokémon Trading Card Game Scarlet & Violet—Twilight Masquerade expansion takes players on a trip to the land of Kitakami, where they’re likely to encounter the masked Legendary Pokémon Ogerpon, who appears as four fearsome types of Pokémon ex. We’re going to take an early look at one of those Ogerpon ex cards along with a few more of the over 160 new cards that you’ll be able to discover when this expansion is released on May 24, 2024.

This stunning special illustration rare card gives us an incredible look at Ogerpon’s Teal Mask as well as—if you look carefully—the true face behind the mask. As a Tera Pokémon, Teal Mask Ogerpon ex is protected from damage while it’s on your Bench, and thanks to its Teal Dance Ability, it can quickly be powered up with Grass Energy. Once per turn, you’ll be able to attach a Basic Grass Energy from your hand to the Pokémon (and even draw another card when you do). Getting Teal Mask Ogerpon ex powered up will prove extremely beneficial when you unleash its Myriad Leaf Shower attack, which hits for 30 damage plus 30 more damage for each Energy attached to both Active Pokémon. Assuming you have the three Grass Energy required to use the attack, you’re already hitting your opponent’s Active Pokémon for 120 damage. With some extra Energy attached (and hopefully a powered-up opposing Pokémon), adorable little Ogerpon can cause some big trouble!

If your opponent has a lot of Pokémon ex or Pokémon V on their team, you can disrupt their strategies with this sturdy-looking Iron Thorns ex. When this Future Pokémon is in the Active Spot, its Initialization Ability turns off Abilities for all Pokémon in play with a Rule Box, except for Future Pokémon. Just, y’know, make sure your opponent’s deck isn’t filled with Future Pokémon so you can get the most benefit out of this Ability. When you’re ready to attack, Iron Thorn ex’s Volt Cyclone does a solid 140 damage, but it also requires you to move one of the Pokémon’s attached Energy to one of your Benched Pokémon. Given that two of the three Energy required to use the attack are Colorless, it should be easy enough to replenish Iron Thorns ex with any other Energy cards you have in hand. This makes this attack potentially useful in powering up your team while also attacking your opponent.

This mighty Hisuian Arcanine is looking powerful and, well, proud as it stands atop a rocky precipice surrounded by billowing smoke and streaks of flame. Its majestic pose certainly suits its Proud Fangs attack, which has no Energy cost. While it only does 30 damage on its own, the attack does an extra 90 damage if any of your Benched Pokémon are damaged. What a great way for Hisuian Arcanine to defend its teammates! Once you’ve attached two Fighting Energy and one Colorless Energy to this Pokémon, it can heat things up with its Searing Flame attack, which not only does 90 damage to your opponent’s Active Pokémon but also makes the unfortunate target Burned.

If you need a bit of assistance, call on Kieran to help you out. This Supporter card has two options to choose from. Kieran allows you to switch your Active Pokémon with one of your Benched crew without paying a Retreat Cost. Or, if you need a little extra oomph to Knock Out your opponent’s Active Pokémon ex or Pokémon V, Kieran can make your Pokémon’s attacks do 30 more damage to those Pokémon. It might be just the boost you need to turn the tide of battle. The effect you choose is up to you! Just maybe don’t mention Ogerpon to poor Kieran. We hear that can be a bit of a sore spot…

• Illustrator: MARINA Chikazawa

Is your opponent afflicting your team with Special Conditions? Being Asleep, Burned, Confused, Paralyzed, or Poisoned can be devastating to your Pokémon, and taking the steps to remove these conditions can disrupt your carefully laid-out strategies. To protect your team, consider playing Festival Grounds. With this Stadium card in play, any Pokémon that has any Energy attached recovers from all Special Conditions and can’t be affected by any new ones. Just be aware that this card protects your opponent’s Pokémon from Special Conditions as well. After all, everyone gets to go to this festival!

You’ll find these and many more cards when the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Twilight Masquerade expansion releases on May 24, 2024.