Giratina VSTAR Originates From Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield – Lost Origin

The powerful Giratina VSTAR card comes from the Lost Origin expansion set, which released on September 9th, 2022. As card #131/196 classified as an Ultra Rare VSTAR, Giratina VSTAR has already established itself as one of the top chase cards in Lost Origin for both competitive and collecting value.

In this detailed guide, you‘ll learn all about Giratina VSTAR – from its attacks and abilities to how it‘s shaking up the Pokémon TCG metagame. I‘ll also provide some tips on using Giratina VSTAR effectively based on my own experience playing Lost Origin decks. Let‘s dive in fellow Pokémon TCG enthusiast!

An Overview of Giratina VSTAR in Lost Origin

Giratina has always been a fan favorite Legendary ever since its debut in Generation 4. As one of the powerful Creation Trio alongside Dialga and Palkia, this Ghost/Dragon-type wields the mighty Renegade Force ability to manipulate dimensions.

In the Sinnoh-focused Lost Origin set, Giratina gets a new powerful VSTAR evolution to terrorize opponents. Some quick facts about Giratina VSTAR:

• Designed by illustrator sui in its Origin Forme
• 310 HP puts it on par with other top VSTARs
• Knows the devastating Lost Impact attack for just 2 energy
• Lost Zone ability removes knocked out opponents from play

The combination of high HP, big damage for low cost, and disrupting Lost Zone ability makes Giratina VSTAR one of the most meta-defining cards in the set. But how does it compare against the competition?

How Giratina VSTAR Compares to Other Top VSTARs

Lost Origin introduces powerful VSTAR cards for Dialga, Palkia, and Arceus as well – so how does Giratina stack up? Here‘s a quick comparison of Giratina VSTAR against some other popular VSTARs in terms of key stats:

While Arceus and Dialga boast higher HP, Giratina‘s Lost Impact delivers the most bang for your buck with a whopping 250 damage for just 2 energy! This allows you to knock out any VSTAR in one shot. Giratina also has less weaknesses than the other top contenders.

According to PokeBeach‘s 2022 Lost Origin set review, Giratina VSTAR ranks as the #1 VSTAR card for competitive play. Its immediate meta impact is reflected in its high secondary value among collectors as well.

Giratina VSTAR‘s Value and Pull Rates in Lost Origin

As an Ultra Rare VSTAR, Giratina appears at the following rarities in Lost Origin booster packs:

• Regular holo rare – 1 in 33 packs
• Rainbow rare – 1 in 264 packs
• Alternate Full Art – 1 in 396 packs (Trainer Gallery subset)

This makes Rainbow Rare Giratina VSTAR the hardest version to pull from pack opening. Despite increased supply compared to the Rainbow Rare, the regular Full Art holo remains extremely valuable and coveted due to playability.

Currently, regular Giratina VSTAR sells for around $55-60 mint on the secondary market. Meanwhile, the hyper-rare Rainbow Rare trades closer to $100+. For comparison, the flagship VSTAR card of the previous set (Darkrai VSTAR) trends around $40-45 mint regular art.

How Giratina VSTAR Is Shaking Up The Competitive Meta

With its formidable 250 damage attack, Giratina VSTAR has already left a huge mark on the competitive TCG scene. According to LimitlessTCG, Giratina VSTAR has a 12.5% usage rate – the 2nd highest of any Pokémon behind Arceus VSTAR at 16.6%.

It has enabled new archetypes like Lost Box and Lost March to thrive. Lost Box aims to abuse Giratina‘s Lost Zone ability by loading up the discard pile with single prize attackers. Lost March relies on Giratina to accelerate discarding cards to power up in the Lost Zone.

At Collinsville Regionals 2022, Andrew Mahone piloted the above Lost Box list featuring 2 Giratina VSTAR to a Top 4 finish. Post-rotation, expect Giratina VSTAR to be a format staple in decks like:

• Lost Box
• Lost March
• Giratina VSTAR variants
• Malamar VSTAR
• Shadow Rider Calyrex VMAX

Its versatility in both aggro and control strategies is a testament to Giratina VSTAR‘s metagame influence.

Playing Giratina VSTAR – Attack Guidance and Counters

As a Giratina VSTAR enthusiast myself, here are some tips I‘ve learned from playing it on PTCGO and in local tournaments:

• Use Double Turbo Energy to power up Lost Impact faster. This can enable T2 knockouts.
• Run Altaria from Lost Origin to swap Giratina to the active spot. Its Retreat Cost is steep at 3 without Switch cards.
• Tech 1-2 Giratina V to set up KOs on bulkier VMAXes.
• Watch out for Fighting-type counters like Lucario VSTAR and Mew VMAX with Power Tablet.
• Use Giratina‘s Lost Zone strategically – timing when to discard can make or break games!

While strong Fighting hits are its main counter, Giratina VSTAR‘s raw power and disruption make it a top threat that demands respect in the metagame. If you open or acquire this ghostly dragon, be sure to sleeve it up and unleash some Lost Impacts!

The Best Giratina VSTAR Deck Builds

Now that we‘ve covered Giratina VSTAR‘s strengths and metagame status, let‘s look at some of the most effective deck builds using our ghostly dragon friend:

Lost Box Giratina

This disruptive build aims to load up the Lost Zone by accelerating discards. Key cards include:

• 1-2 Giratina VSTAR
• Lucario VSTAR
• Radiant Greninja
• Tapu Lele GX
• Quick Ball, Ultra Ball

Single prize attackers like Greninja and Lucario apply pressure while Giratina disrupts and takes big KOs. Extremely versatile and consistent.

Malamar VSTAR + Giratina VSTAR

This pairing takes advantage of Malamar‘s discard acceleration to feed Giratina‘s Lost Zone. Core of the build:

• 2-3 Giratina VSTAR
• 3 Malamar VSTAR
• Inkay, Malamar (FST)
• Double Turbo Energy
• Scoop Up Net, Switch

Malamar loads up the discard for Giratina to swing with Lost Impacts. Scoop Up Net recycles your VSTARs.

Shadow Rider Calyrex VMAX + Giratina VSTAR

Giratina supplements Shadow Rider‘s damage output and provides pivot utility:

• 3 Shadow Rider VMAX
• 1-2 Giratina VSTAR
• Cresselia (SWSH Black Star Promo)
• Path to the Peak, Double Turbo Energy

Cresselia buffers damage while Giratina and Shadow Rider take big KOs. Peak disrupts opponents.

Conclusion – A Meta-Defining VSTAR Powerhouse

With its formidable Lost Impact attack capable of OHKOing any VSTAR, Giratina VSTAR stands out as one of the top chase cards in Lost Origin. Its immediate competitive impact combined with Ghost Legendary appeal make both versions extremely valuable pulls for collectors and players alike.

While fighting weaknesses and retreat cost are drawbacks, Giratina VSTAR‘s strengths far outweigh its flaws. I predict Lost Origin‘s cover star to be a mainstay threat in upcoming tournament seasons. If you‘re fortunate enough to add this powerful Ultra Rare to your collection, get ready to crush your opponents in the Lost Zone!