Lost Origin Card List and Fusion Strike: The Best Sword & Shield Alt Arts

Pokémon guide

Some Sword & Shield sets have aged better than others, and Lost Origin and Fusion Strike are two of the ones people still hunt for. Both are packed with alternate art cards that collectors adore. If you’re after a Lost Origin card list guide, with Fusion Strike as a bonus, you’re in the right place.

We’ll keep it honest: what each set is, the cards that matter, and the realistic ways to open them now that English stock is getting scarce.

Lost Origin at a glance

Sword & Shield, Lost Origin released in English in September 2022. It introduced the Lost Zone mechanic in a big way, and it’s built around Origin Forme Giratina. Its Japanese counterpart is Lost Abyss.

• Main set: 196 cards, with secret rares on top.
• Trainer Gallery: a 30-card subset of Pokémon shown with their trainers.
• Japanese equivalent: Lost Abyss.

The Trainer Gallery is one of the best things about the Lost Origin card list. These cards show Pokémon alongside the characters who raised them, and they’re some of the most charming cards of the era.

The best cards on the Lost Origin card list

Giratina V alternate art (186/196)

This is the big one. The Giratina V alternate art is one of the most famous cards of the whole Sword & Shield era, with sweeping, dramatic artwork that collectors still talk about.

The Trainer Gallery

The Trainer Gallery cards are a collection in their own right. They’re more affordable than the big alternate arts and look wonderful together on a binder page.

Other alternate arts

Lost Origin has several other alternate art Pokémon V cards that collectors chase. If you’re building the set, the alternate arts are where most of the excitement is.

Fusion Strike at a glance

Sword & Shield, Fusion Strike released in English in November 2021. It introduced Fusion Strike Pokémon and was a huge set, with 264 cards in the main set and 284 in total. Its main Japanese counterpart is Fusion Arts.

Fusion Strike chase cards

Fusion Strike is famous for its alternate art VMAX cards. The Gengar VMAX alternate art (271/264), Espeon VMAX alternate art (270/264) and Mew VMAX alternate art (269/264) are the ones collectors want most. They’re some of the most iconic cards of the era.

How to collect the Lost Origin card list

• Start with the Trainer Gallery. It’s a fun, affordable goal, and the cards look brilliant together.
• Buy the Giratina as a single. Pulling it from packs is a long shot, so if you want it, buying the single is the sensible route.
• Keep a checklist. Have the Lost Origin card list on your phone, with the Trainer Gallery listed separately.
• Check condition carefully. Older cards can have edge wear, so inspect singles before you buy.

English Lost Origin and Fusion Strike sealed products are getting harder to find, so be careful with very cheap “sealed” listings from unknown sellers.

Where to find these sets now

Fusion Strike

We still stock English Fusion Strike. The booster box is the best way to chase those VMAX alternate arts, and the Elite Trainer Box is a lovely piece for a Sword & Shield collection. There’s also a Build & Battle Stadium if you want to play.

Lost Origin via Korean Lost Abyss

For the Lost Origin card list, the easiest route today is the Korean Lost Abyss booster box. It contains the same artwork, including the famous Giratina, and it’s a fun way to experience the set. Just remember the card numbers differ from the English version.

Are they worth collecting?

For alternate art lovers, both sets are classics. Lost Origin gives you Giratina and the Trainer Gallery, while Fusion Strike gives you three of the most loved VMAX alternate arts ever printed. If you missed the Sword & Shield era, these are two of the best places to start.

The trade-off is availability and price. Older sealed product only gets rarer, so if you want to open these sets, it’s better to do it sooner rather than later.

If you love the Sword & Shield era, our Crown Zenith card list guide covers the era’s grand finale.

Who they suit

Collectors who love alternate art, fans of Giratina, Gengar and Espeon, and anyone who wants to build a Sword & Shield binder with the era’s best cards.

What is the Lost Zone?

The Lost Zone was a game mechanic where certain cards are removed from play permanently. Lost Origin built a whole strategy around it, and “Lost Box” decks became a big part of the competitive scene. That’s one reason the Lost Origin card list is remembered by players as well as collectors.

Storing alternate arts

Alternate art cards have textured surfaces that can mark easily. Put them in penny sleeves and top loaders straight away, and store binders upright, out of direct sunlight.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best card on the Lost Origin card list?

The Giratina V alternate art (186/196) is the most famous card in the set.

What is the Japanese version of Lost Origin?

Lost Origin’s Japanese counterpart is Lost Abyss.

What are the best Fusion Strike cards?

The Gengar VMAX, Espeon VMAX and Mew VMAX alternate arts are the most wanted cards in Fusion Strike.

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