The year 2016 was a significant one in the Pokémon franchise, with a multitude of exciting sets released for the trading card game. These sets not only introduced new and powerful cards but also expanded on existing themes and mechanics. Let's delve into the key Pokémon sets that made their debut in 2016.
2016 marked the release of the eleventh generation of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), known as the XY series, which was divided into several sets. This year also saw the beginning of the Sun & Moon series, which would continue into the following years.
XY Series Sets in 2016
The XY series, based on the XY animated series and the XY video games, concluded in 2016 with several notable sets.
The year kicked off with the release of the Furious Fists expansion in February. This set introduced several new Pokémon cards, including powerful EX and Break cards, and focused on the Fighting type. It also marked the return of the popular Trainerandbox Supporter cards.
New Mechanics: Furious Fists and Hawk's Eye
The Furious Fists set introduced the Furious Fists attack, which provided powerful hit-and-run tactics. In combination with the new damage modifier mechanic, Hawk's Eye, this set offered players new strategies and combos to explore.
For example, the Lucario EX card's Furious Fists attack could deal 20 damage plus 10 more damage for each card in the player's hand, making it a formidable attacker when supported by the right cards.
Furious Fists Theme Decks and Accessory Packs
In addition to the expansion, 2016 saw the release of the Furious Fists theme decks. These pre-constructed decks focused on the Fighting type and were an excellent entry point for new players. They also introduced three new Supporting Supporter cards exclusively found in these decks.
Moreover, the Furious Fists accessory packs provided players with booster packs and other useful items, allowing them to expand their collections and customize their decks.
Sun & Moon Series Begins
Later in the year, in November, the TCG welcomed a new generation with the release of the Sun & Moon expansion. Based on the Sun & Moon video games, this set introduced over 300 new cards, including the new Sun & Moon Professor cards and받은 감사의句话총 300장의 새로운 카드가 포함되었으며, 새로운 태그라인 "We cannot make new friends without saying goodbye to old ones."을’arrêt phrase 태그라인을 소개하였습니다. 이niers the new Tag Team Supporter cards.
The Sun & Moon set also marked the introduction of full-art Supporter cards, which featured stunning, high-quality artwork that covered the entire card. These cards became highly sought after by collectors and players alike.
New Type: Fairy
One of the most significant aspects of the Sun & Moon set was the introduction of the Fairy type. This new type added a whole new dimension to the TCG, with new strategies and counters. Several powerful Fairy-type cards were introduced, such as the Primarina-GX and Tapu Koko-GX cards.
Moreover, the Sun & Moon set saw the reintroduction of several old Pokémon types, thanks to the new type-changing attacks like Quake and Solarbeam. This allowed players to use cards from older sets in their decks, adding even more variety to the game.
Sun & Moon Theme Decks and Premium Collections
To coincide with the Sun & Moon expansion, two new theme decks were released. The 'Incineroar-GX' and 'Popplio-GX' decks Eachfic deck featured a new GX card, as well as several new Trainer cards exclusive to these decks.
The Sun & Moon Premium Collections were also released in 2016. These collections included art prints, a playmat, and an expanded version of the Sun & Moon theme decks, making them an excellent purchase for both players and collectors.
2016 was an exciting year for the Pokémon TCG, with the conclusion of the XY series and the start of the Sun & Moon era. With new mechanics, types, and strategies introduced, players had plenty to explore and master. Looking ahead, the future of the TCG continues to evolve, with each new set bringing fresh challenges and opportunities to the table. So, grab your deck and get ready to dive into the exciting world of the Pokémon Trading Card Game!