What are Pokémon Ultra Beast cards

  • Introduced in the Crimson Invasion expansion, featuring extradimensional Pokémon known as Ultra Beasts.
  • Ultra Beasts typically have powerful Abilities or attacks, often themed around Beast Boost mechanics.
  • Some cards interact with Prize cards—mirroring the core games’ Beast Boost concept of growing stronger after a knockout.
  • Identified by a red “Ultra Beast” label on the art; Ultra Beast-GX cards use a red GX frame instead of the usual blue.
  • Highly sought after by players and collectors for their unpredictable strategies and powerful game-changing effects.

🌌 Overview of Ultra Beast Cards

Introduced in the Crimson Invasion expansion, Ultra Beast cards bring extradimensional creatures into the TCG, each boasting unique powers that can shift the momentum of a match. Many Ultra Beast cards feature Abilities or attacks inspired by the Beast Boost mechanic from the video games, triggering extra effects (such as Energy acceleration or healing) after knocking out an opponent’s Pokémon. You can spot an Ultra Beast card by the red “Ultra Beast” label on the left side of its artwork. Ultra Beast-GX cards replace the standard blue GX border with a striking red frame.

💥 Mechanics

Certain Ultra Beast cards let you discard or use Prize cards as part of their effect, directly tying their in-game power to prize cards. This can create a snowballing mechanic that can end games quickly and decisively. When an Ultra Beast-GX is knocked out, two Prize cards are won by the opponent.

📺 Cross-Media Appearances

Ultra Beasts debuted in Pokémon Sun and Moon through Ultra Wormholes and play starring roles in the anime, where Ash and his friends locate and return them to their dimension. Their consistent presence across games and anime highlights their significance as mysterious, powerful beings in the Pokémon world.

Cards from the set Crimson Invasion:

Cards from the Sun & Moon Promos:

Cards from the set Ultra Prism:

Cards from the set Forbidden Light:

Celesteela, Kartana, Stakataka, Stakataka and Stakataka from the set Celestial Storm:

Ultra Necrozma from the set Dragon Majesty:

Blacephalon, Nihilego, Poipole, Naganadel, Blacephalon and Blacephalon from the set Lost Thunder:

Cards from the set Unbroken Bonds:

Xurkitree, Poipole, Naganadel, Naganadel and Naganadel from the set Unified Minds:

Cards from the set Hidden Fates:

Buzzwole, Blacephalon, Guzzlord, Naganadel & Guzzlord, Ultra Necrozma, Naganadel & Guzzlord, Naganadel & Guzzlord and Naganadel & Guzzlord from the set Cosmic Eclipse: