If you are searching for the best Pokémon packs to buy right now, the potential value of the cards inside plays a major role. Modern Pokémon TCG sets offer some of the strongest pull potential we have seen in years, featuring rare ex cards, Special Illustration Rares, Black White Rares and beloved Trainer cards. Below, you will find a complete overview of the most valuable cards you can currently pull from sealed products. This helps you determine which sets are worth chasing and which products under each set may best fit your collecting goals.
Are recent sets worth it?
Yes, recent sets have proven to be exceptionally valuable. With new rarity tiers, improved artwork styles and some of the lowest pull rates of the Scarlet & Violet era, collectors often find that modern expansions rival older releases in long-term potential. Whether you are searching for the best Pokémon card packs to buy for value, investment or collecting purposes, the sets listed below contain the most sought-after cards available today.
Phantasmal Flames
1. Mega Charizard X ex – 125/094
Mega Charizard X ex is the uncontested centerpiece of Phantasmal Flames, showcasing Charizard’s iconic black-and-blue Mega form with roaring flame effects that dominate the composition. The artwork highlights Charizard’s aggressive, draconic power while leaning into dramatic lighting to emphasise its alternate typing. Collectors love how the card blends nostalgia with modern illustration flair, making it feel like a premium successor to classic Charizard grails. The low pull rate amplifies its chase status even further. Market value: $750–900 raw.
2. Mega Charizard X ex – 130/094
This second Mega Charizard X ex captures a more stylised, kinetic scene, with swirling flames and powerful linework that bring out Charizard’s ferocity. Its gold-foil presentation adds a layer of prestige that collectors gravitate toward, especially those who admire metallic rarity tiers. The pose leans into Charizard’s intimidating posture, showcasing its Mega form as an unstoppable force. This card’s long-term value is reinforced by the enduring strength of the Charizard brand. Market value: $600–750 raw.
3. Dawn – 129/094
Dawn’s Illustration Rare radiates warmth through expressive colours and gentle storytelling elements, creating a card that feels inviting and nostalgic. Fans of the Sinnoh region especially enjoy seeing Dawn featured in modern sets, as her character continues to resonate across generations. The artwork leans into soft tones and personality-driven detail, making it a standout for character collectors. Its rarity ensures that it remains a meaningful hit for collectors. Market value: $40–50 raw.
Mega Evolution
1. Mega Lucario ex – 188/132
Mega Lucario ex channels Lucario’s intense aura energy, with vibrant blue streaks surrounding its powerful stance. The artwork emphasises Lucario’s martial prowess, portraying it mid-battle in a dramatic setting filled with motion and impact. Collectors appreciate the way this Mega form blends mystique and strength, elevating Lucario’s already massive popularity. Its rarity and competitive appeal make it one of the strongest cards in the set. Market value: $450–550 raw.
2. Mega Gardevoir ex – 187/132
This Mega Gardevoir ex shines with elegant, pastel-coloured artwork that highlights the Pokémon’s graceful silhouette. Soft light and flowing shapes create a serene atmosphere that appeals to collectors who enjoy more artistic and emotional illustrations. Gardevoir’s devoted fanbase helps push its value upward, especially for cards that emphasise beauty and technique. This piece stands out as one of the most visually refined cards in the Mega Evolution lineup. Market value: $380–550 raw.
3. Mega Gardevoir ex – 178/132
The alternate Mega Gardevoir ex bursts with energy, offering a dynamic action shot filled with vibrant effects and spirited movement. Its brighter palette and more energetic composition appeal to collectors who enjoy high-impact artwork. The card captures the duality of Gardevoir, both elegant and powerful, giving it strong crossover appeal. Its lower rarity compared to the top version makes it an accessible but still desirable chase. Market value: $210–250 raw.
Black Bolt and White Flare
1. Zekrom ex (BWR) – #172
Zekrom ex in its Black White Rare form is a dramatic showcase of lightning-charged power, with deep shadows and sharp contrast forming a cinematic portrait. The electric bolts surrounding Zekrom highlight its status as a legendary Dragon-type, giving the illustration a sense of overwhelming force. Collectors praise how authentically the artwork captures Unova’s darker tone. With its extremely low pull rate and unmatched visual impact, this card stands as one of the strongest modern-era grails. Market value: $430–520 raw.
2. Victini – #171
Victini’s Black White Rare appearance brings fiery, radiant energy that contrasts beautifully against its dark background. The artwork captures Victini’s hopeful, uplifting spirit while emphasising its mythical status through glowing effects and expressive posing. Collectors appreciate its blend of charm and rarity, making it one of the most cheerful yet valuable chases in the set. Its symbolism of victory only deepens its appeal. Market value: $350–450 raw.
3. Zekrom ex (SIR) – #166
This Special Illustration Rare offers a more accessible, but still dramatic, depiction of Zekrom, surrounded by swirling shadows and electric currents. The painterly composition gives the artwork a sense of motion, as if Zekrom is emerging from a storm. Fans of Unova’s legendary Pokémon admire how this card balances intensity with elegance. Its place beneath the BWR version reinforces its strong but mid-tier chase status. Market value: $220–260 raw.
Destined Rivals
1. Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex – 231/182
Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex brings a dark, narrative-focused artwork style that blends villainy with raw psychic energy. The card depicts a controlled, restrained Mewtwo, packed with storytelling depth that draws in collectors who love character and lore connections. Flashes of purple energy and shadowy motifs help the card feel cinematic. Its rarity, combined with Mewtwo’s legendary status, make it the top chase of the set. Market value: $600–700 raw.
2. Cynthia’s Garchomp ex – 232/182
This card pairs the beloved Champion Cynthia with her signature partner, Garchomp, in a scene rich with intensity and determination. The illustration captures their perfectly matched battle synergy, making the card feel powerful and iconic. Fans of competitive Pokémon particularly cherish this duo, as both characters are linked to some of the most memorable battles in the series. It remains a premium chase for trainers and collectors alike. Market value: $230–300 raw.
3. Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex – 230/182
Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex presents a radiant, storybook-inspired scene that beautifully captures the legendary bird’s mythical presence. Golden flames and warm colour gradients create a majestic effect that appeals strongly to Johto-era fans. The partnership between Ethan and Ho-Oh gives this card a rare narrative depth that is often missing from standard ex cards. It stands out as a sentimental and valuable pull. Market value: $200–250 raw.
Journey Together
1. Lillie’s Clefairy ex – 184/159
Lillie’s Clefairy ex is a delightful blend of charm and nostalgia, featuring a soft, whimsical illustration that highlights their bond. The warm palette and gentle lighting evoke the emotional storytelling that Lillie-centric cards are known for. Collectors appreciate how the card balances cuteness with elegance, making it a standout among modern character rarities. Its low pull rate and strong character fandom secure its high value. Market value: $135–160 raw.
2. Salamence ex – 187/159
Salamence ex captures the Dragon-type in a sweeping, mid-flight pose filled with motion and powerful energy. The illustration leans into dramatic lighting and swirling backgrounds that emphasise Salamence’s ferocity. Dragon collectors praise the dynamic perspective and sense of speed embedded in the artwork. Its blend of nostalgia and power makes it one of the set’s most satisfying pulls. Market value: $70–80 raw.
3. N’s Zoroark ex – 185/159
N’s Zoroark ex taps deeply into Unova storytelling, pairing one of the franchise’s most beloved characters with a Pokémon known for its mystery and illusion. The artwork uses shadowy tones and expressive detail to highlight their shared bond and narrative significance. Collectors gravitate toward its emotional depth and atmospheric design. This card is especially prized among character collectors. Market value: $45–65 raw.
Prismatic Evolutions
1. Umbreon ex – 161/131
Umbreon ex stands as the crown jewel of Prismatic Evolutions, featuring a moody, moonlit composition that perfectly captures Umbreon’s mysterious nature. Rich shadows and glowing highlights give the card a dramatic, high-end aesthetic. The illustration feels almost cinematic, making it a centrepiece in any Eeveelution collection. Its scarcity and massive fanbase drive its exceptional market value. Market value: $1,100–1,500 raw.
2. Sylveon ex – 156/131
Sylveon ex bursts with soft colours and ribbon-like shapes that create a dreamy, elegant impression. The illustration leans heavily into charm and grace, reinforcing Sylveon’s identity as a symbol of affection and beauty. Collectors adore the card’s gentle storytelling and expressive palette. Its strong demand ensures long-term stability. Market value: $320–360 raw.
3. Leafeon ex – 144/131
Leafeon ex features warm, nature-driven artwork with flowing leaves and earthy tones that evoke a peaceful forest setting. The illustration emphasises Leafeon’s connection to nature, making it especially appealing to fans of serene, organic artwork styles. Its place among the top Eeveelution chases cements its desirability. Market value: $260–300 raw.
Surging Sparks
1. Pikachu ex – 238/191
Pikachu ex electrifies the frame with bold lightning bolts and a striking action pose that highlights the mascot’s energetic spirit. The artwork combines brightness with intensity, giving it strong visual impact. Collectors appreciate how well this card balances playfulness and power, making it a must-have for Pikachu fans. Its rarity boosts its value significantly. Market value: $300–350 raw.
2. Latias ex – 239/191
Latias ex offers a serene, airborne scene that highlights the legendary Pokémon’s elegance and gentle motion. Soft gradients and sweeping lines convey a sense of peaceful flight that appeals to collectors seeking calm, emotional artwork. The card beautifully expresses Latias’ caring and graceful personality. Its rarity and legendary status help maintain strong demand. Market value: $160–190 raw.
3. Milotic ex – 237/191
Milotic ex features flowing, water-themed artwork that showcases the Pokémon’s natural beauty and mythical presence. The fluid composition gives the card an almost painterly look, emphasising Milotic’s reputation as one of the most elegant Pokémon in the franchise. Collectors who favour aesthetic-driven cards consistently rank this one highly. Its popularity ensures stable long-term value. Market value: $95–115 raw.
Stellar Crown
1. Squirtle – 148/142
This nostalgic Squirtle card uses soft shading and an adorable pose to capture the heart of every Kanto fan. Its Illustration Rare treatment makes the card feel warm and storybook-like, reminiscent of classic Pokémon adventures. Collectors appreciate the expressive simplicity of the artwork, which brings out Squirtle’s playful nature. The card’s charm and accessibility contribute to its steady demand. Market value: $60–70 raw.
2. Bulbasaur – 143/142
Bulbasaur’s Illustration Rare embraces a gentle, earthy palette that reflects its Grass-type origins. The artwork feels wholesome and inviting, creating a comforting sense of nostalgia for long-time fans. Collectors admire how the illustration leans into Bulbasaur’s friendly personality while still giving it a polished, modern look. As a starter Pokémon, its appeal extends across generations. Market value: $55–65 raw.
3. Terapagos ex – 170/142
Terapagos ex radiates with crystalline, multi-coloured highlights that showcase the legendary Pokémon’s mystical form. The artwork plays with light and refraction, giving the card a unique, almost gemstone-like aesthetic. Collectors appreciate how this illustration brings out the Pokémon’s celestial qualities, making it stand out from typical ex designs. Its role as the set’s signature legendary strengthens its desirability. Market value: $35–50 raw.
Twilight Masquerade
1. Greninja ex – 214/167
Greninja ex leaps through a shadowy, dynamic scene that captures the ninja-like essence of the Pokémon. The artwork uses deep blues and sharp contrasts to give the card a stealthy, high-action feel. Collectors love how this illustration embodies everything iconic about Greninja’s agile fighting style. Its rarity and continuing global popularity ensure a strong value. Market value: $330–380 raw.
2. Perrin – 220/167
Perrin’s Special Illustration Rare presents a warm, narrative-driven portrait filled with character detail and personality. The soft lighting and expressive pose make the artwork feel like a moment captured from an animated scene. Collectors who appreciate character storytelling treasure this card for its emotional resonance. Its rarity and design quality keep it among the set’s most beloved hits. Market value: $90–105 raw.
3. Carmine – 217/167
Carmine’s vibrant artwork highlights bold colours and strong expressions that emphasise the character’s confident personality. The composition gives the card a lively, energetic feel that resonates with fans of character-driven illustrations. Collectors appreciate how the artwork brings Carmine’s role and style to life. Its combination of rarity and visual appeal secures its place as a notable chase in Twilight Masquerade. Market value: $60–75 raw.
Conclusion If you are trying to determine the best Pokémon packs to buy right now, the sets listed above consistently deliver the strongest pull potential and some of the most valuable cards of the entire Scarlet & Violet era. Whether you prefer chasing high-end Illustration Rares, powerful legendary Pokémon or character-focused artwork, these boosters offer an excellent chance at top-tier hits. For collectors who prioritise value, these are among the best Pokémon card packs to buy thanks to their premium chase cards, strong long-term desirability and proven secondary-market performance.
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