What are Pokémon LV.X cards

Special evolution cards introduced in the Diamond & Pearl era, representing powered-up versions of fully evolved Pokémon.
Distinctive dark border with silver lettering and a galaxy holofoil pattern.
Played on top of the same Pokémon to add extra abilities and attacks while keeping the base Pokémon's attributes.
Pull rates of Lv.X cards are approximately 1 out of 20 packs (about 5%).

Lv.X Pokémon cards first appeared in the Diamond & Pearl series, debuting in the May 2007 Diamond & Pearl base set. These cards feature powered-up versions of fully evolved Pokémon, fitting the theme that in the video games, a Pokémon grows stronger as its level increases.

Lv.X cards have a distinctive cosmic holographic foil pattern which covers the entire card, especially the silver borders. Gameplay-wise, Lv.X cards are played on top of a Pokémon card with the same name, and like normal evolution, Lv.X Pokémon cards cannot be played in the same turn the Pokémon is played or evolved.

This can add new attacks, Poké-Powers, or Poké-Bodies to the Pokémon while maintaining its older abilities and attacks. The extra evolution step offered by Lv.X cards added intriguing strategic possibilities and mid-game power-ups.

Lv.X cards often bore alternative styles of art or different poses from the base copies, making them quite visually appealing to collectors. These cards were prevalent throughout the Diamond & Pearl and Platinum series, making an appearance in just about every set from Diamond & Pearl base through Rising Rivals.

An even bigger twist was added: Lv.X wasn't limited to final evolutions, but also included some evolved forms like Rhyhorn or Roselia. To many, Lv.X was a precursor to things like Mega Evolution and BREAK Evolution, which set the stage for new power-up card types in the Pokémon TCG.

Although they are no longer currently produced in sets, Lv.X cards are a part of Pokémon TCG history and are enjoyed for their great game diversity and design that is hard to forget. Let's take a look at some cards:

What are Pokémon LV.X cards

Empoleon, Infernape and Torterra from the set Diamond & Pearl:

Electivire, Lucario and Magmortar from the set Mysterious Treasures:

Cards from the Diamond & Pearl Promos:

Gardevoir and Honchkrow from the set Secret Wonders:

Cresselia, Darkrai, Dialga and Palkia from the set Great Encounters:

Garchomp, Glaceon, Leafeon and Porygon Z from the set Majestic Dawn:

Azelf, Gliscor, Magnezone, Mesprit, Mewtwo, Rhyperior and Uxie from the set Legends Awakened:

Dusknoir, Heatran, Machamp, Raichu and Regigigas from the set Stormfront:

Dialga G, Drapion, Giratina, Palkia G, Shaymin and Shaymin from the set Platinum:

Alakazam E4, Floatzel GL, Flygon, Gallade E4, Hippowdon, Infernape E4, Luxray GL, Mismagius GL and Snorlax from the set Rising Rivals:

Absol G, Blaziken FB, Charizard G, Electivire FB, Garchomp C, Rayquaza C and Staraptor FB from the set Supreme Victors:

Arceus, Arceus, Arceus, Gengar, Salamence and Tangrowth from the set Arceus:

Luxray GL and Garchomp C from the set Celebrations:

Zacian from the Sword & Shield Promos: