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Pokémon VSTAR Marker and Condition Markers Guide (2026)
By Dexhaul Team · October 12, 2026 · 6 min read
The VSTAR marker is a small acrylic token you flip to its "used" side the moment a Pokémon activates its VSTAR Power, since each player can only use that ability once per game. Condition markers are the six acrylic chips that track status conditions: Poisoned, Burned, Asleep, Confused, and Paralyzed. Most current Scarlet & Violet Elite Trainer Boxes include both, with standalone replacements running from $2 to $29 observed October 12, 2026.
The key distinction most new players miss: the VSTAR marker tracks a once-per-game mechanic, not a damage counter. You do not use it for VMAX, V, or GX cards. Condition markers apply to every Pokémon TCG format going back to the original Base Set (1999).
On this page 7 sections
What each marker does: a quick reference
Two marker types are in circulation today in standard and expanded Pokémon TCG play. Here is how they differ.
| Marker | Mechanic it tracks | Uses per game | Era introduced | Included in current ETBs? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VSTAR Marker | VSTAR Power activation (Star Power or Star Attack) | Once per player | Sword & Shield Brilliant Stars (Feb 25, 2022) | Yes, all SV-era ETBs |
| GX Marker | GX attack | Once per player | Sun & Moon (Feb 3, 2017) | Not in current SV ETBs (expanded play only) |
| Condition: Poisoned | Places 1 damage counter per turn | As needed | Base Set (Jan 9, 1999) | Yes, all SV-era ETBs |
| Condition: Burned | Places 2 damage counters; coin flip to cure | As needed | Base Set (Jan 9, 1999) | Yes, all SV-era ETBs |
| Condition: Asleep | Pokémon cannot attack; coin flip to recover | As needed | Base Set (Jan 9, 1999) | Yes, all SV-era ETBs |
| Condition: Confused | Attacking player flips a coin; tails = 3 damage to self | As needed | Base Set (Jan 9, 1999) | Yes, all SV-era ETBs |
| Condition: Paralyzed | Pokémon cannot attack or retreat for one turn | As needed | Base Set (Jan 9, 1999) | Yes, all SV-era ETBs |
One detail worth knowing about the VSTAR marker: it functions the same whether a player uses a Star Power (an ability-like effect) or a Star Attack. Both actions use the same token, and once it is flipped, neither type is available for the rest of that game. You can still use regular attacks and abilities after activating your VSTAR Power.
Which current products include both markers
Every Scarlet & Violet Elite Trainer Box from the base set (March 31, 2023) onward ships with one acrylic VSTAR marker per player plus the full six-piece condition marker set. That covers sets like Destined Rivals, Prismatic Evolutions, Twilight Masquerade, and every other current SV release.
The Brilliant Stars ETB (February 25, 2022) was the first product to include the VSTAR marker. Later Sword & Shield sets (Astral Radiance, Lost Origin, Silver Tempest, Crown Zenith) continued including it. ETBs from Sword & Shield base set through Fusion Strike predate the VSTAR mechanic and do not include that marker.
For players who want a standalone condition marker set without buying a full ETB, third-party sets like the one above include all five condition types (some sellers list them as six by separating Poisoned and Burned). These are not official Pokémon products but are legal at casual and local play events; tournament-legal replacements must be the official acrylic pieces from an authorized product.
Choose by how you play
Casual and at-home play
One ETB gives you everything you need for two players: two VSTAR markers and two sets of condition markers. The official pieces from a current Scarlet & Violet ETB are exactly what the rules require. No extras needed unless you play often and lose pieces regularly.
Regular League and tournament play
Competitive play requires your own markers, not shared ones. Carry a personal set. Keep a spare VSTAR marker in your deck box: losing yours mid-tournament means defaulting to a paper substitute, which referees allow but prefer not to see.
Many players add a second VSTAR marker so one can stay face-down as the "not yet used" side, visible to both players throughout the match.
Expanded format play
Expanded allows decks from the Black & White era onward, which includes GX Pokémon. If you play expanded, you need both a VSTAR marker and a GX marker. Third-party sellers often bundle them together.
A set that includes the GX marker (sometimes labeled as a "GX Ability Marker" or "TAG TEAM GX Marker") covers you for expanded league nights without buying two separate items.
Display and collection
Collectors who display sealed ETBs often want the markers separately for desk use. Premium acrylic upgrade sets include engraved, thicker-cut designs that differ from the standard thin tokens. These cost more ($20 and up) but hold up better over years of regular handling compared to the thinner official pieces.
Common mistakes that cost you a marker
The two most common ways to lose markers are predictable once you know them.
- The VSTAR marker slides into the card tray when you repack an ETB. Check the tray dividers before storing.
- Condition markers get swept into the discard pile during a Pokémon knockout. Keep them on the play mat, not resting on the Pokémon card itself.
- After casual games with a new player, both VSTAR markers end up in one bag. Label yours or use a different color spare.
- The Paralyzed marker and the Confused marker look similar at a glance in low light. Use the printed side facing up during play, not just the color.
If you want a complete acrylic upgrade that replaces all the official tokens at once, full upgrade sets are available. The same approach that protects your cards applies here: invest once in quality pieces you will not need to replace repeatedly.
Full-set upgrade option
For players who want a matched set of premium tokens to replace everything at once, full acrylic upgrade sets cover the VSTAR marker, all condition markers, and often damage counters in one purchase.
At $29, a full upgrade set costs roughly the same as a mid-tier ETB but outlasts several of them in regular play. Thicker acrylic holds its engraving longer than the thinner official tokens.
A quick note for the holiday gift list
A set of replacement markers makes a practical stocking stuffer for any active Pokémon TCG player: small, inexpensive, and always useful. The Pokémon 2026 holiday gift guide covers more accessory ideas for every budget.
Frequently asked questions
What does the VSTAR marker do in the Pokémon TCG?
It tracks when a player uses their VSTAR Power, since each player can only activate that ability once per game. Flip it to the "used" side after activation so both players can see it clearly.
Do I need a VSTAR marker if I am playing GX cards?
Not for standard format. GX Pokémon use a separate GX marker that is only needed in expanded format play. Current Scarlet & Violet ETBs include a VSTAR marker but not a GX marker.
Is the VSTAR marker included in every Scarlet & Violet Elite Trainer Box?
Yes. Every SV-era ETB from the base Scarlet & Violet set (March 31, 2023) onward includes one acrylic VSTAR marker alongside the full condition marker set.
How many condition markers does the Pokémon TCG have?
Five conditions are tracked with markers: Poisoned, Burned, Asleep, Confused, and Paralyzed. Some sellers list six pieces because they include both a standard and a special Poisoned or Burned marker, but there are five distinct status conditions in the rulebook.
Are third-party acrylic condition markers tournament-legal?
Standard tournament rules require you to have some way to track conditions; official acrylic markers are preferred. At local League play, third-party sets are typically accepted if the markers are clearly distinguishable. Check with your Tournament Organizer before using them at a Regional or higher-level event.
Browse current VSTAR markers, condition marker sets, and full token upgrades from independent shops at DexHaul's card sleeves and accessories collection. DexHaul is independent and not affiliated with The Pokémon Company.