Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Chilling Reign Expansion Review

Unleash the frost and ghostly fury of Galar in this action-packed TCG set.

Overview

Released on June 18, 2021, Chilling Reign is the sixth major expansion in the Sword & Shield Series of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Drawing inspiration from The Crown Tundra DLC in the Pokémon Sword and Shield video games, this set captures the icy majesty and spectral intrigue of the Galar region's frozen frontier.

Based on the Japanese sets Silver Lance and Jet-Black Spirit, this expansion showcases over 190 cards, including powerful new Pokémon V, VMAX, and dynamic battle styles like Rapid Strike and Single Strike.

Key Features

• Over 190 cards in total
• 15 Pokémon V and 8 Pokémon VMAX
• Galarian Legendary Birds make their TCG debut
• New Supporter cards like Melony enhance strategy
• Special Energy cards and full-art Trainer cards included

Calyrex Leads the Charge

Chilling Reign marks the debut of Shadow Rider Calyrex VMAX and Ice Rider Calyrex VMAX, two of the most anticipated Pokémon in recent sets.

Shadow Rider Calyrex V offers an incredible ability, Underworld Door, that accelerates Psychic Energy while drawing cards—making it a deck-building powerhouse. Its Max Geist attack scales with Energy for explosive damage potential.

Meanwhile, Ice Rider Calyrex V is all about power and efficiency. Max Lance can dish out 250 damage for just two Water Energy, while Ride of the High King punishes opponents with full benches. Supported by the new Melony Trainer card, it becomes a quick and devastating threat.

Introducing the Galarian Legendary Birds

This expansion welcomes Galarian Articuno V, Galarian Zapdos V, and Galarian Moltres V into the TCG meta with game-changing abilities:

• Moltres V: Direflame Wings recycles Darkness Energy, and its Aura Burn hits hard at the cost of self-damage.
• Zapdos V: Takes advantage of opponents’ V/VMAX Pokémon to reduce attack costs with Fighting Instinct, then strikes with Thunderous Kick.
• Articuno V: Provides hand control and support through Reconstitute, making it ideal for niche builds like Mad Party or Melony decks.

More Cards, More Strategy

From Inteleon’s precision sniping with Quick Shooting, to Passimian’s Throwing Coach boosting Bench damage for Rapid Strike Pokémon, Chilling Reign is a set designed to diversify strategies and encourage experimentation.

Even cards like Single Strike Seviper, with its massive damage potential via Strong Tail, ensure there's something for every player archetype—from control to aggro.

Product Availability

Chilling Reign is available in various formats, including:

• Booster Boxes: 36 packs per box, MSRP around €4.17 per pack.
• Elite Trainer Boxes: Featuring sleeves, dice, Energy cards, and more.
• Build & Battle Boxes: Early-access kits ideal for pre-release events.

Final Thoughts

Chilling Reign is more than just a thematic continuation of Galar’s frozen wilderness—it's a mechanically rich set that enhances both competitive and casual gameplay. Whether you’re collecting, building a new deck, or diving into tournament play, this expansion offers something cold, calculated, and completely captivating.

Rule the frozen tundra—your reign begins now.