Following on from the Paldea Evolved set, the Scarlet and Violet era of the Pokémon TCG has received another expansion in the form of Obsidian Flames. This is the third set to make its way to the Pokémon SV TCG and there are a lot of interesting things about this set. For one, it is the first set to really experiment with the Tera Pokémon, giving fan favourites like Tyranitar a completely new typing to mix up both the illustrations and gameplay of the TCG. The other main thing about this set is that it is the first Scarlet and Violet set to include the world’s most beloved Pokémon, Charizard, which makes it far more desirable.
However, not every card can be as sought-after as Charizard and, with 230 cards to keep track of, some are bound to be more valuable than others. Whether it’s due to an excellent illustration, competitive potential, a deep amount of nostalgia or some other factor, it can be confusing to figure out which cards are best in Obsidian Flames. That’s why we’re here to give you a more definitive ranking.
Here are the 10 most expensive cards in the Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Violet Obisidian Flames expansion.
Want some other articles about the Pokémon TCG? You can find more here on KeenGamer:
- 10 Best and Most Expensive Pokémon Scarlet and Violet TCG Cards
- 10 Best and Most Expensive Pokémon TCG Paldea Evolved Cards
- Pokémon TCG Miraidon EX Deck Guide | How to Build and Play Miraidon EX
- Pokémon TCG Gardevoir EX Deck Guide | How to Build and Play Gardevoir EX
- Full Abra Line, Including Kadabra, Returns to the Pokémon TCG After 20-Year Absence
10 Most Expensive Cards in Pokemon Obsidian Flames
Poppy, Alternative Art
Starting our list as the tenth most valuable card in Pokémon Obsidian Flames, we have the Alternative Art version of Poppy. This is the first, but not the last, Special Illustration Trainer card to make this list and sits at number 227 on the Obsidian Flames card list.
Illustrated by Ryota Murayama, this card captures the Elite 4 prodigy in a moment of rare tranquillity. Protected by her behemoth of a Copperajah, Poppy is allowed to sleep peacefully and waste away her days as a child, putting aside her Championship duties for the time being. This card is incredibly cute and cosy, making it a great fit for this list.
As for how much it’s going for, Poppy’s Special Illustration Rare is actually quite cheap (a theme you’ll see with a fair few Obsidian Flames cards) at around £20, making it an easy snag for anyone who wants it in their collection.
Alternative Art Poppy
Revavroom EX, Alternative Art
Coming in at number 9 we have our first Special Illustration Rare of Obsidian Flames fame in the form of Alternative Art Revavroom EX. This card belongs to the small Special Illustration Rare subset, which only contains 4 Pokémon cards in Obsidian Flames, and is number 224 in the set list.
Revavroom’s Alt Art is one of the best-looking cards in all of Obsidian Flames with a superb colour palette and sense of momentum that makes the illustration really come to life. Illustrated expertly by Souichirou Gunjima, this card radiates the kind of rebellious energy that Team Star is known for in the Scarlet and Violet games, giving this card some additional punch above just being very well made.
Fortunately, if you want to pick up this incredible card, you can do so for relatively cheap (when compared to other Alternative Arts, that is). Revavroom EX Special Illustration Rare is going for around £20.
Alternative Art Revavroom
Geeta, Full Art
Next up, we have the only Full Art Trainer card to make the list outside of Alternative Arts. That card, of course, belongs to the Champion of Paldea, Geeta. Geeta’s Full Art variant is an Ultra Rare card and comes in at number 218 in the Pokemon Obsidian Flames card list.
Compared to her more refined and peaceful Alt Art, Geeta’s Full Art portrays her in a more domineering position, proudly presenting herself as Paldea’s Champion. With a clean and well-done illustration by kirisAki, this card is very pleasing to look at and will make a great addition to any collector or player looking to update their deck with some sweet-looking Trainer cards.
Full Art Geeta is currently going for around £20 to £25 on well-known card sites.
Full Art Geeta
Tyrantiar EX, Full Art
Our first Full Art Pokémon to make the list comes in at number 7 with Tyrantiar EX’s Full Art variant. Ditching its normal Dark or Fighting type, Tyranitar proudly dons its light bulb Tera Crown and Lightning typing, coming in just before Charizard’s Full Art at number 211 in the setlist.
Bathed in bright electrified yellows, Tyrantiar’s Full Art shows off the strength of the Tera cards, at least in terms of illustrations. With different type combinations, the vibes and atmosphere of a Pokémon can completely change from card to card and the glowing crystals of the Terastilised effect go a long way in differentiating these cards, making them stand-out additions compared to the regular suite of Full Art Pokémon.
If you want this card for yourself, you’re looking at anywhere from £25 to £30 for the Full Art version of Tyranitar EX.
Full Art Tyranitar
Ninetails, Illustration Rare
Next up we have the only ordinary Illustration Rare to make the 10 best Obsidian Flames card list. That card is the Illustration Rare Ninetails, a magnificent and elegant card which perfectly captures the personality of this beloved Generation 1 Pokémon. This version of Ninetails is number 199 on the Obsidian Flames card list.
In a single image, SIE NANAHARA somehow manages to flawlessly encapture everything that makes Ninetails so beloved. From the warm colours and atmosphere that immerse you in the scene to the dignified pose of the Ninetails and the excellent composition that frames everything just right, this card is incredible and well deserving of its place on this list.
Ninetails, Illustration Rare, is much more valuable than any other Illustration Rare in Obsidian Flames. If you want it in your collection, you’re looking at around £25 to £30 for this impressive and beautiful card.
Illustration Rare Ninetails
Geeta, Alternative Art
At number 5 on our most valuable Pokemon Obsidian Flames cards, we have our second Special Illustration Trainer card. Alongside Poppy, Geeta is the only other trainer in Obsidian Flames to receive an Alternative Art, fitting considering that she is Paldea’s Champion. As for the card itself, it is a Special Illustration Rare rarity and comes in at number 226 in the OBF setlist.
Illustrated by the fantastic DOM, Geeta’s Alternative Art follows in Poppy’s footsteps by showcasing the Champion in a time of calm. With a smooth, soft and almost painterly art style, the entire card screams elegance and prestige without being overbearing or too in your face: it knows exactly what kind of character Geeta is and perfectly encapsulates that in a single image.
Geeta’s Special Illustration Rare variant is currently going for around £30 to £35.
Alternative Art Geeta
Pidgeot EX, Alternative Art
Just narrowly missing out on the top 4 is our next Special Illustration Rare, Pidgeot. As a fondly remembered Pokémon from Gen 1, Pidgeot has well earned its place amongst the small handful of Special Illustration cards in this set, coming in at number 225 out of 230 in the setlist.
A large part of this card’s charm is how it links with the Illustration Rares in its evolutionary line: like with the Gardevoir line in base Scarlet and Violet or the starters in Paldea Evolved, the Pidgey line’s Alternative Arts all tell a small story about where you can find each of these Pokémon in the Kanto Region. This is accompanied by some simple but striking art by Jerky with bright flecks of colour that make it very attractive and easy to discern at first glance. While it seems a bit bland, the simplicity of this card is what makes it so good and desirable.
If you’re looking to snag Pidgeot’s Special Illustration Rare for your collection, be ready to pay anywhere from £20 to £35 for this card.
Alternative Art Pidgeot
Charizard EX, Full Art
Opening up our top three most valuable Obsidian Flames cards is the Full Art variant of Charizard EX. I hope you get used to reading that name, too, as Charizard’s various alternative versions completely make up the top 3. With regards to the Full Art version, this card is considered an Ultra Rare and is number 215 in the Obsidian Flames card list.
Translated from the half-art illustration of Charizard EX, this card displays the veritable king of Pokémon in all its glory. Boasting a Dark Tera Crown on its head and crystal scales of contrasting pinks and blues, Full Art Charizard EX is particularly striking and makes its mark as one of the most appealing Full Art Tera cards so far in the Scarlet and Violet era of the Pokémon TCG.
Just over a week after the official release of Obsidian Flames, Full Art Charizard EX is going for about £50.
Full Art Charizard
Charizard EX, Secret Rare
In second place we have… another Charizard. This time, it’s the special golden Hyper Rare variant of Charizard EX. This card belongs to the small cloister of golden cards, of which Obsidian Flames only has 3 available (1 Pokémon, 1 Stadium and 1 Energy) making it particularly rare. Hyper Rare Charizard EX is one of the very last cards in the set, sitting at number 228 out of 230 cards.
The actual illustration on this card is completely the same as the previous card we went over: it’s simply the Full Art illustration with a bit of extra kick and personality thanks to the golden coating. As we mentioned, though, what makes this card so special is that it is the only Hyper Rare card in Obsidian Flames which displays a Pokémon. This is in stark contrast to the previous set, Paldea Evolved, which had almost 10 gold cards to collect, over triple what OBF is offering. Thanks to that – and Charizard’s inherent popularity – this card has skyrocketed in both price and prestige despite lukewarm reception to its initial reveal.
If you want to get your hands on the Hyper Rare version of Charizard EX, you’re looking at a price range anywhere from £50 – £70 to secure your prize.
Secret Rare Charizard
Charizard EX, Alternative Art
Finally, we come to the most expensive and sought-after card in Obsidian Flames: the Special Illustration Rare variant of Charizard EX. To those with even a passing interest or knowledge in Pokémon, this will be an unsurprising outcome as cards featuring the world’s favourite Pokémon usually ascend to the zenith of popularity (such as the Shiny Charizard from Shining Fates). Charizard EX’s Alt Art is number 223 in the Obsidian Flames card list.
Illustrated beautifully by Akira Egawa, Charizard’s Alt Art displays the Pokémon’s majesty and ferocity in equal measure. This card is also one of the best adaptations of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Terastilised phenomenon, with a gorgeous crystalised look across the entire card which makes it simultaneously seem both muted and explosive. Truly, this is an excellent card for any collector, Charizard fanboy or not.
As for how much this card is going for, it’s going to cost you (or net you) a rather pretty penny. While the overall price fluctuates from place to place, Special Illustration Charizard EX is generally going for between £85 – £120 depending on the seller.
Alternative Art Charizard EX
Those were the 10 most valuable and expensive cards from Obsidian Flames, the latest Pokémon Scarlet and Violet TCG expansion. As a reminder, card prices will likely fluctuate heavily as more Obisidan Flame cards come into circulation, and prices may vary heavily between regions.
