An Expansion is a new collection of cards that’s being released, featuring it’s own Expansion code or symbol (e.g. MEG for Mega Evolution). A Set is a collection of cards within an Expansion, featuring set numbers (e.g. -/132 for Mega Evolution).
Expansion Types
Main Expansion
Main (Series) Expansions are the primary, large card expansions released several times per year that form the backbone of each Pokémon TCG Series (e.g., Scarlet & Violet, Sword & Shield, Sun & Moon).
Key Characteristics
- Large, numbered sets with their own set symbol and regulation mark
- Introduce new mechanics, patterns, or major gameplay changes for the era
- Feature new Pokémon, Tera/V/EX/GX mechanics, and core Trainer/Energy cards
- Are legal for competitive Standard play (until rotated out)
- Are accompanied by booster boxes, blister packs, ETBs, etc.
- Release in a regular cadence (typically ~3–4 per year)
Special Expansion
Special Expansions are released outside the mainline expansion cycle, often with unique mechanics, premium card treatments, or thematic focuses. They are distributed differently from regular expansions and commonly lack standard booster-box distribution.
The term includes both:
- International Special Expansions (e.g., Celebrations, Crown Zenith or 151)
- Japanese Special Expansions, including:
- High Class Expansions Packs
- Enhanced Expansion Packs
- Concept Packs
Promotional Expansion
Promotional Expansions are non-booster-based card groups released outside Main Series expansions and Special expansions. They consist of promotional cards distributed through specific products, events, campaigns, or collaborations, rather than through booster packs belonging to a numbered set.
Promotional expansions are not true expansions, but instead collections of promotional cards that share a release method, product line, or numbering system.
They often have their own numbering scheme (e.g., SWSH### or SVP###).
(International) Black Star Promo Series
Black Star Promo Series (simply called Promos in Dex) provide unique cards tied to physical products, events, or season-based releases.
Starting in 1999, Wizards of the Coast created a dedicated promotional line for special-release Pokémon cards. To distinguish these cards from expansion cards, they added a black star symbol next to the word PROMO at the bottom of the card.
Region: Primarily North America, Europe, Australia, and international markets.
Examples:
- Sword & Shield Black Star Promos (SWSH###)
- Sun & Moon Black Star Promos (SM###)
(Japanese/Chinese) P Promo Series
The Japanese Promo Series, typically identifiable by numbering like S-P, SM-P, XY-P, DP-P, etc., is a continuous promo card system used by Pokémon Card Game in Japan. Every promo card released in Japan or China, during a given era, is numbered within one single promo line for that era, regardless of how it is distributed.
Deck Expansions
Deck Expansions are Pokémon TCG products that contain preconstructed decks which introduce new, non-promotional cards that belong to a small, self-contained expansion. These are official expansions, but they are delivered exclusively inside a deck product rather than booster packs.
They act as “micro-expansions” focused on play-ready decks.
Deck Expansions include:
- (International) Trainer Kits
- Decks released within competitive products (like My First Battle and Battle Academy)
In Japan and China, Deck expansions include:
- Starter Sets and Decks
- Deck Build (Gift) Boxes and Kits
- High-Class, Battle (Master), Evolution and Combo Decks
- Premium Trainer Boxes
- Half, Quarter and Side Decks
- Constructed Standard and Starter Decks
- Modification Decks
Other Expansions
Other Expansions are officially released Pokémon TCG card groups that do not fit into the major expansion categories, namely Main Series Expansions, Special Expansions, Deck Expansions, or Promotional Expansions, but are still recognized as discrete product-based sets or releases.
Other expansions may include:
- Trainer Galleries
- Shiny Vaults
- McDonald’s Collections
- POP Series
- Miscellaneous collections, like Pokémon Futsal or Pokémon Rumble
- Gift boxes
- Reward Packs
Also included are all sets of (unnumbered) Basic Energy cards.
Set Types
The following types of Sets exist within the Pokémon TCG:
Main Set
Every single card of an Expansion within the numbering of an Expansion, can be determined by the set number on a card. Dex does not track main set stats by default. To see those stats, filter out higher rarity cards so they are not included.
Standard Set
Every default variant of every card of the Main Set, so Secret cards are excluded. Dex does not track standard set stats by default. To see those stats, filter out higher rarity cards so they are not included.
Parallel Set
Every single reverse holo card of an Expansion. Dex does not track parallel set stats by default. To see those stats, filter out all variants other than reverse holo so they are not included.
Complete Set
The set consisting of one of every single card in an Expansion, including both Main Set cards and Secret cards.
Master Set
Every Master variant for the Complete Set, so excluding any Additional variants.
Master Main Set
Every Master variant for the Main Set, so excluding any Additional variants and excluding all Secret cards. Dex does not track master main set stats by default. To see those stats, filter out higher rarity cards so they are not included.
Grandmaster Set
Every Master and Additional variant of the Complete Set.