The Scarlet & Violet base set kicked off a brand‑new era in the Pokémon TCG, introducing silver borders, refreshed card layouts, and jaw‑dropping Illustration Rares that immediately hooked collectors. Whether you’re opening a Scarlet & Violet booster box, cracking themed ETBs, trying booster bundles, or grabbing a handful of booster packs, this set offers some of the most emotional, story‑driven artwork Pokémon has ever printed. With a mix of nostalgic evolution lines, powerful ex cards, and iconic Trainer hits, Scarlet & Violet delivers a perfect blend of collectibility and playability.
Why Scarlet & Violet is so popular
Scarlet & Violet made history by bringing Illustration Rares and Special Illustration Rares to the mainstream, allowing collectors to experience deeper storytelling through art. Many of these cards form full visual sequences, making them perfect for binders and display pages. Combined with strong competitive staples, beloved characters, and new era aesthetics, this set quickly became a favourite among both new and long‑time fans.
What makes Scarlet & Violet special?
- First main set to introduce silver borders globally
- Emotional evolution‑line stories across multiple Illustration Rares
- Powerful ex cards for competitive play
- Stunning full‑art Trainers that became instant chase cards
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10. Riolu (Illustration Rare)
Riolu’s Illustration Rare is packed with personality, capturing the little fighter in a warm, lived-in room filled with training equipment and homely details. The cozy lighting and slice-of-life atmosphere make it a standout card in the early Scarlet & Violet line. Collectors love how it hints at Lucario’s journey while still feeling playful and grounded. A charming start to any IR collection. Raw value sits around $25.
9. Slowpoke (Illustration Rare)
Slowpoke steals hearts with this laid-back, pastel-toned Illustration Rare that shows the Pokémon casually lounging by a canal. The reflections in the water, the warm colors, and the peaceful composition make it one of the most relaxing art pieces in the entire set. Fans of calm, atmospheric artwork often consider this a must-have. A beautifully simple yet endlessly appealing chase. Raw value averages around $21.
8. Drowzee (Illustration Rare)
This Drowzee Illustration Rare stands out for its whimsical, dreamlike perspective. The artwork feels almost surreal, showing Drowzee hypnotizing a passerby in a stylized city scene. Collectors who love slightly quirky or offbeat art gravitate toward this card, and it fits perfectly into any themed binder page. A quiet fan-favorite with lots of personality. Raw value sits around $30.
7. Kirlia (Illustration Rare)
Kirlia’s IR card is part of one of the most beloved evolution-story sequences in the entire Scarlet & Violet era. The artwork captures an intimate moment as Kirlia dances peacefully in its room, surrounded by soft lighting and personal objects. It adds emotional depth to the set and builds beautifully toward Gardevoir ex. A must-own card for those who love character-driven art. Raw value sits around $27.
6. Ralts (Illustration Rare)
Ralts begins the emotional three-card storyline that became the heart of Scarlet & Violet. This Illustration Rare depicts a tender domestic scene, showing a young family bonding as Ralts becomes a part of their home. The heartfelt storytelling makes it one of the most impactful IRs in the set. Collectors adore how it sets the stage for Kirlia and Gardevoir ex. Raw value sits around $28. Raw market value averages around $30–33. This Illustration Rare depicts a tender domestic scene, showing a young family bonding as Ralts becomes a part of their home. The heartfelt storytelling makes it one of the most impactful IRs in the set. Collectors adore how it sets the stage for Kirlia and Gardevoir ex.
Fun fact
Scarlet & Violet was the first main set to introduce full evolution‑line narratives told entirely through Illustration Rares.
5. Nest Ball (Hyper Rare)
Nest Ball returns as a Hyper Rare with a gleaming gold finish that feels premium and powerful. Competitive players appreciate its consistency and utility, making it valuable both in gameplay and collection. The gold treatment highlights its status as a staple card, and it looks fantastic alongside other golden Items on a binder page. Raw value sits around $11. Raw copies usually sell around $9–15. Competitive players appreciate its consistency and utility, making it valuable both in gameplay and collection. The gold treatment highlights its status as a staple card, and it looks fantastic alongside other golden Items on a binder page. A timeless pick for players and collectors alike.
4. Gardevoir ex (Special Illustration Rare)
Gardevoir ex SIR is the emotional climax of the beloved Ralts–Kirlia–Gardevoir storyline. The card shows the family years later, now caring for one another in a touching, cinematic scene. It’s widely regarded as one of the best Illustration Rare sequences ever created. A true centerpiece card with deep emotional resonance. Raw value averages around $51.
3. Miraidon ex (Special Illustration Rare)
Miraidon ex SIR is a futuristic powerhouse, capturing the legendary in a neon-soaked cyber environment that perfectly matches its aesthetic. The composition, lighting, and color palette give it a highly collectible sci-fi vibe. Competitive players and collectors alike hunt this card for its visual impact and meta relevance. A top-tier chase from the set. Raw value sits around $25.
2. Koraidon ex (Special Illustration Rare)
Koraidon ex SIR offers the perfect contrast to Miraidon, leaning into natural elements and ancient energy. The hand-painted style and sense of movement make the artwork feel alive and powerful. Fans love how the card reflects Koraidon’s primal origins and dynamic presence. Raw value sits around $15.
1. Miriam (Special Illustration Rare)
This Miriam SIR quickly became one of the most iconic chase cards of the Scarlet & Violet era. The playful nurse-themed artwork, energetic composition, and bright colors make it instantly recognizable. Collectors value it for both its character appeal and its early role as one of the set’s top-priced cards. A defining card of the era and a must-have for full-art Trainer fans. Raw value sits around $22.
Catch ‘em all with Beam! Explore other Pokémon collector favourites like Shrouded Fable, Paldea Evolved, and Temporal Forces.