Why is Forest Seal Stone So Expensive?
The Forest Seal Stone is expensive primarily due to its incredibly powerful effect and versatility within the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) meta. Its ability to grant any Basic Pokémon V the VSTAR Power Star Alchemy, allowing a player to search their deck for any card, provides unparalleled consistency and control, making it a staple in competitive decks and driving up its demand and consequently, its price.
The Power of Consistency
In the world of the Pokémon TCG, consistency is king. Being able to consistently execute your game plan is what separates winning decks from rogue decks. Forest Seal Stone acts as a universal search card when attached to a Pokémon V, circumventing the usual reliance on draw support cards and allowing players to fetch exactly what they need at any given moment. Whether it’s a key attacker, a crucial Supporter card, or a vital piece of energy acceleration, Forest Seal Stone provides access to it all. This level of control is simply unmatched by most other cards in the game, leading to its high demand.
High Demand and Limited Supply
The Forest Seal Stone debuted in the Silver Tempest expansion, and while it isn’t the absolute rarest card in the set, its desirability far outweighs its pull rate. Because competitive players include it in multiples of 2-4 in their decks, the demand has far outstripped the supply.
Adding to the value is that it is a Holo Rare. This makes it desirable to collectors as well as players.
Competitive Viability
The card’s competitive viability is undoubtedly the biggest driving force behind its price. Forest Seal Stone single-handedly elevates the consistency of any deck that utilizes Pokémon V, immediately making the deck more viable in a tournament setting. With tournament results constantly showcasing decks featuring the stone at the top tables, players looking to compete at a high level feel almost obligated to include it in their builds.
What Impacts the Price of a Pokemon Card?
- Rarity: As a Holo Rare, the probability of pulling this card from a booster pack is lower, thereby increasing its perceived and actual value.
- Playability: Its high demand in competitive play increases its price.
- Condition: The card’s physical state is crucial. Mint condition cards command significantly higher prices.
- Set Popularity: Silver Tempest had strong reception.
- Market Trends: The overall health of the TCG market and speculative investing also play a role.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Forest Seal Stone rare?
Yes, the Forest Seal Stone (156/195) from the Silver Tempest expansion is a Holo Rare card, making it statistically less common to pull from booster packs compared to common or uncommon cards. This inherent scarcity contributes to its value.
2. Can you use Forest Seal Stone more than once?
No. Forest Seal Stone provides access to a VSTAR Power called “Star Alchemy,” which, like all VSTAR Powers, can only be used once per game. Even if you have multiple Forest Seal Stones in play, you can only activate the ability once.
3. Can you attach Forest Seal Stone to non-V Pokémon?
Yes, you can physically attach Forest Seal Stone to a non-V Pokémon. However, the Star Alchemy VSTAR Power is only accessible when attached to a Pokémon V. So while there is no rule preventing attachment, it has no in-game effect.
4. Can I use the VSTAR Powers of Earthen Seal Stone or Forest Seal Stone if they are attached to Pokemon-V that have not evolved into a Pokemon VSTAR yet?
Yes, the Star Alchemy VSTAR Power from Forest Seal Stone can be used as soon as the stone is attached to a Pokemon-V. Evolution to a VSTAR is not required.
5. How many times can you use Forest Seal Stone?
You can use the effect of the Forest Seal Stone only once per game, as it is a VSTAR Power.
6. Can you use Forest Seal Stone on the first turn?
Yes, you can attach Forest Seal Stone to a Basic Pokémon V and use its VSTAR Power on the first turn of the game, provided you are going second. The only restriction is the once-per-game limit.
7. Does Forest Seal Stone work with Path to the Peak?
Yes. According to rulings, Forest Seal Stone’s VSTAR Power can be used even when Path to the Peak is in play. Path to the Peak disables Abilities on Pokémon with Rule Boxes, but the VSTAR Power is granted by the Tool card, not an Ability inherent to the Pokémon itself.
8. Is Forest Seal Stone good?
Absolutely. Forest Seal Stone is considered one of the best cards printed in recent sets due to its consistency-boosting effect. As long as your deck includes Pokémon V, it’s almost always a worthwhile addition. It’s seen as a modern-day equivalent to classic search cards like Computer Search, albeit with specific requirements.
9. What is a Rule Box Pokemon?
A Pokémon with a Rule Box refers to any Pokémon that has a text box that contains the word “rule.” Common examples include Pokémon V, Pokémon EX, Pokémon GX, Pokémon VMAX, Pokémon VSTAR, Radiant Pokémon, and Prism Star Pokémon. The Rule Box typically outlines specific rules or restrictions related to playing the Pokémon.
10. Is Forest Seal Stone an item or tool?
Forest Seal Stone is a Pokémon Tool card. Tool cards are attached to Pokémon and provide various benefits, such as stat boosts or, in this case, access to a powerful VSTAR Power.
11. What set is Forest Seal Stone from?
Forest Seal Stone was first released in the Silver Tempest expansion of the Pokémon TCG.
12. Does path to the peak affect Vstar?
Yes, Path to the Peak will shut down the abilities of any Pokémon VSTAR that has an ability. Path to the Peak shuts off all abilities on Pokémon with Rule Boxes. Therefore, if a VSTAR Pokemon has an Ability, that ability is disabled by Path to the Peak. However, abilities granted by tool cards like Forest Seal Stone can still be activated.
13. Are ACE SPEC cards allowed in GLC?
No, ACE SPEC cards are not allowed in Gym Leader Challenge (GLC) format. The GLC format prohibits cards with Rule Boxes and ACE SPEC cards for balancing reasons. The Games Learning Society provides a wealth of information on the rules and nuances of various TCG formats.
14. What sets are legal for gym leader challenge?
The Gym Leader Challenge format typically allows cards printed from the Black & White series onwards. However, it is important to note that Gym Leader Challenge has certain restrictions: Only one of each card with the same name per deck (except Basic Energy) No Rule Box cards or ACE SPEC cards. Only one type (color) of Pokémon per deck. No cards on the Ban List.
15. What is the TCG code for Forest Seal Stone?
The TCG code for Forest Seal Stone is swsh12-156.
Final Thoughts
The price of Forest Seal Stone reflects its undeniable impact on the current Pokémon TCG metagame. Its ability to offer unparalleled consistency and control makes it a highly sought-after card among competitive players. While its price may fluctuate with set rotations and meta shifts, its fundamental power as a search card will likely keep it valuable for the foreseeable future.