Astral Radiance vs Silver Tempest: Which to Buy (2026)
By Dexhaul Team · October 12, 2026 · 5 min read
Buy Astral Radiance if you want Hisuian Pokémon, a wider spread of VSTAR pull targets, or the Trainer Gallery cards that defined the Legends: Arceus window. Buy Silver Tempest if you want the final Sword and Shield sealed box, or you are chasing Lugia VSTAR as the set's single defining pull.
At a glance
| Astral Radiance (SwSh10) | Silver Tempest (SwSh12) | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | May 27, 2022 | November 11, 2022 |
| Original MSRP | $143.64 USD | $143.64 USD |
| Packs per box | 36 | 36 |
| Cards per pack | 10 | 10 |
| Key VSTAR | Palkia, Dialga, Zoroark (Hisuian) | Lugia, Regidrago |
| Trainer Gallery | Yes (TG subset) | Yes (TG subset) |
| Era position | SwSh mid-run | Final SwSh main set |
| Observed prices (Oct 12, 2026) | ~$280–$550 USD from independent shops | ~$144–$550 USD from independent shops |
Both sets launched at identical MSRP, contain the same number of packs, and include a Trainer Gallery subset. The differences come down to theme, chase card concentration, and era significance. Release dates sourced from Bulbapedia.
On this page 7 sections
Where Astral Radiance wins
The Hisuian regional debut
Astral Radiance brought Hisuian Pokémon into the English TCG for the first time, tying directly to Pokémon Legends: Arceus (released January 28, 2022 on Nintendo Switch). Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR, Hisuian Decidueye, Hisuian Samurott, and Hisuian Lilligant are all here. If Legends: Arceus is the Pokémon game you remember from early 2022, this is the box that covers it.
Three VSTAR Special Illustration Rares spread across the set
The set's top pulls include Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR, Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR, and Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR, each with a Special Illustration Rare version. Three distinct SIR targets across 36 packs means a wider range of high-value outcomes. Silver Tempest concentrates most of its pull value in Lugia VSTAR, so Astral Radiance has more variance in the positive direction.
Radiant Pokémon: a mechanic that carried into future formats
Astral Radiance introduced Radiant Pokémon, a one-per-deck mechanic with no evolution stage. Radiant Charizard, Radiant Heatran, and Radiant Greninja debuted here and stayed competitively relevant well into the Scarlet and Violet era. That historical significance gives the set a place in competitive reference collections.
Where Silver Tempest wins
Lugia VSTAR as a single identifiable chase
Silver Tempest's Lugia VSTAR Special Illustration Rare is one of the most recognized pull targets from the entire Sword and Shield era. The set is easier to explain to someone unfamiliar with pull rates: one card, one name, one clear reason to open a box.
Astral Radiance's spread of three SIR VSTARs requires more explanation. For gift buyers, Silver Tempest is the simpler pitch.
Closing chapter of the Sword and Shield era
Silver Tempest is the final main English Sword and Shield expansion. As the last sealed box from a complete generation, its scarcity position is fixed. Astral Radiance sits mid-run, with no special closing significance.
Collectors who want a Sword and Shield "last chapter" box have only one option.
Alolan Vulpix VMAX and the Regi trio
Silver Tempest includes Alolan Vulpix VMAX with an Alternate Art, plus Regieleki and Regidrago. If you collect Alola-region Pokémon or the Regi legendaries, this set targets that range more directly than Astral Radiance. The full Silver Tempest card list on Bulbapedia confirms the Alolan and Regi presence across the set.
The deciding question
The format is identical on paper. Both are 36-pack English Sword and Shield booster boxes with Trainer Gallery subsets, both launched at the same MSRP, and both now sell above that original price through independent shops.
The choice splits along three buyer types.
If you played or collected during the Legends: Arceus window and want the Hisuian cards that matched the game, open Astral Radiance. If you want the single most recognizable chase card from late in the Sword and Shield run, open Silver Tempest. If you are buying a sealed box as a long-term collectible and want the item that closes a chapter rather than fills the middle of one, Silver Tempest is the call.
Gift buyers: Silver Tempest's Lugia VSTAR is easier to name and explain than a three-way VSTAR comparison. Astral Radiance is the better pick when the recipient collected during the Arceus era specifically.
For more sealed Sword and Shield comparisons, see the Lost Origin vs Silver Tempest ETB guide, and for the Japanese precursor to Astral Radiance, the Battle Region (S9a) import guide.
Buy Astral Radiance
Pokemon Sword & Shield Astral Radiance Booster
$495.00 USD · observed Oct 12, 2026
Buy Silver Tempest
Pokemon TCG: Sword & Shield - Silver Tempest Booster Box - 36 Packs
$549.95 USD · observed Oct 12, 2026
FAQ
How many packs are in Astral Radiance and Silver Tempest booster boxes?
Both contain 36 packs with 10 cards per pack, giving 360 cards per sealed box.
Are Astral Radiance and Silver Tempest still worth buying in 2026?
Both sets are out of print and available sealed through independent shops above the original $143.64 MSRP. Whether buying at current prices fits your collecting goals depends on which set's theme and chase cards align with what you are building or opening.
Which has better Trainer Gallery cards?
Both sets include a Trainer Gallery subset with full-art and alternate-art trainer cards. Neither set clearly dominates in TG quality overall. Check the specific TG cards in each set on Bulbapedia before deciding.
What is the main difference between Astral Radiance and Silver Tempest?
Astral Radiance focuses on Hisuian Pokémon and spreads pull value across three VSTAR Special Illustration Rares. Silver Tempest concentrates its top-end in Lugia VSTAR and is the final main Sword and Shield English set.
What comes between Astral Radiance and Silver Tempest?
Lost Origin (SwSh11), released September 9, 2022, sits between them in the Sword and Shield release order. That set introduced the Lost Zone mechanic and Giratina VSTAR.
Search DexHaul for Sword and Shield booster boxes from independent shops at dexhaul.com/collections/tcg/booster-boxes. DexHaul is independent and unofficial, and is not affiliated with The Pokémon Company.
Catch 'em all
More Sword and Shield booster boxes from independent shops worldwide.