Pokémon Shadow of the Blue Sea is a Simplified Chinese Sword & Shield-era release split between Lugia and Giratina card pools. This guide explains CS6aC, CS6bC, standard and jumbo packs, and notable card themes.
Originally published September 17, 2024. Last updated July 16, 2026.
Pokémon Shadow of the Blue Sea is a two-part Simplified Chinese Pokémon TCG Sword & Shield-era release that launched in Mainland China on September 20, 2024. The product line is divided between a Lugia-focused card pool identified by CS6aC and a Giratina-focused card pool identified by CS6bC.
The releases use separate packaging and card selections while sharing the Shadow of the Blue Sea name. This guide explains their featured strategies, standard and jumbo pack formats, notable card categories, and relationship to earlier Sword & Shield expansions.
Pokémon Shadow of the Blue Sea Quick Facts
- Release date: September 20, 2024
- Language: Simplified Chinese
- Release market: Mainland China
- Series: Pokémon TCG Sword & Shield
- Lugia release: CS6aC
- Giratina release: CS6bC
- Standard pack: 5 randomized cards, including 1 foil card
- Jumbo pack: 25 randomized standard-size cards, including 5 foil cards
- Standard booster box: 24 packs
- Jumbo booster box: 6 packs
Why Are There Lugia and Giratina Releases?
Shadow of the Blue Sea is one regional product line split into two main booster releases. CS6aC centers on Lugia, while CS6bC centers on Giratina.
Each version has its own card pool. A card featured in the Lugia release should not be assumed to appear in the Giratina release, and opening one product does not provide access to every card across both sets. Compare the featured Pokémon and mechanics rather than treating the boxes as interchangeable packaging.
CS6aC: Lugia Set Overview
The Lugia release highlights Lugia V and Lugia VSTAR alongside Archeops. Their gameplay pairing uses Lugia VSTAR to bring eligible Pokémon from the discard pile into play and Archeops to accelerate Special Energy.
Other officially highlighted cards include Serena, Capturing Aroma, Radiant Tsareena, Radiant Jirachi, Hisuian Lilligant VSTAR, Magnezone VSTAR, Zacian VSTAR, and Zamazenta VSTAR.
PokeUnlimited’s current galleries also show illustrated Lugia V, Zamazenta V, Entei V, and Raikou V cards from CS6aC. These examples are not guaranteed in a pack or box.
CS6bC: Giratina Set Overview
The Giratina release is built around Giratina V, Giratina VSTAR, and Lost Zone strategies. Lost Zone cards are removed from normal play for the remainder of the game, while several cards gain effects based on how many cards have been placed there.
Officially highlighted cards include Comfey, Cramorant, Banette, Colress’s Experiment, Lost Vacuum, Lost City, and Candice. PokeUnlimited’s current galleries also show illustrated Giratina V and Aerodactyl V cards, along with Regigigas VSTAR.
Specific cards and rarity treatments remain randomized.
Standard and Jumbo Pack Formats
Both card pools were released in standard and jumbo formats. “Jumbo” refers to the number of cards inside the pack; the individual cards remain standard Pokémon card size.
| Format | Packs per box | Cards per pack | Foil cards per pack | Randomized cards per box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard booster box | 24 | 5 | 1 | 120 |
| Jumbo booster box | 6 | 25 | 5 | 150 |
A jumbo box contains more cards and foil cards per pack, while a standard box provides more individual pack openings. Official information does not establish that the jumbo format has better high-rarity pull rates.
Cards are randomly inserted in both formats. Duplicates may occur, and no box guarantees Lugia V, Giratina V, a Radiant Pokémon, a particular rarity, or a complete set.
Card Categories and Illustrated Cards
Shadow of the Blue Sea includes Pokémon V, Pokémon VSTAR, Radiant Pokémon, Trainer cards, and specially illustrated cards.
These terms describe different card characteristics. Pokémon V and Pokémon VSTAR are gameplay classifications, Radiant Pokémon follow their own deck-building rule, and printed rarity is separate from illustration style or foil finish.
Collectors may use “alternate art” as familiar shorthand, but the verified Simplified Chinese rarity should be used whenever available. An illustrated card should not automatically be called an SAR, SR, or Secret Rare based only on its appearance.
Relationship to Earlier Sword & Shield Releases
Collectors may recognize themes and artwork associated with earlier Japanese releases such as Paradigm Trigger and Lost Abyss, as well as international sets including Silver Tempest and Lost Origin.
Shadow of the Blue Sea is not a sealed reissue of any one of those products. It reorganizes selected Sword & Shield-era cards into Simplified Chinese card pools with regional numbering, rarity treatments, packaging, and pack configurations.
Where to View the Four Booster Boxes
PokeUnlimited maintains separate pages for each format:
- Shadow of the Blue Sea Lugia Standard Booster Box
- Shadow of the Blue Sea Giratina Standard Booster Box
- Shadow of the Blue Sea Lugia Jumbo Booster Box
- Shadow of the Blue Sea Giratina Jumbo Booster Box
Additional regional releases are available through the Simplified Chinese Pokémon TCG collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pokémon Shadow of the Blue Sea released?
It was released in Mainland China on September 20, 2024.
What are CS6aC and CS6bC?
CS6aC identifies the Lugia-focused card pool, while CS6bC identifies the Giratina-focused card pool.
How many cards are in each pack?
Standard packs contain five randomized cards with one foil card. Jumbo packs contain 25 randomized standard-size cards with five foil cards.
Does the jumbo format have better pull rates?
Official sources do not establish better high-rarity pull rates. Jumbo packs contain more cards and foil cards per pack, but specific rarities remain randomized.
Is Shadow of the Blue Sea identical to Lost Abyss or Paradigm Trigger?
No. It is a regional Simplified Chinese release that combines selected Sword & Shield-era cards into its own card pools and product configurations.
For primary product information, see the official Pokémon China Lugia announcement and official Pokémon China Giratina announcement.
Check out Shadow of The Blue Sea here!
