The fourth expansion to the Scarlet and Violet era of the Pokémon TCG has arrived with the release of Pokémon Paradox Rift. This set continues the traditions of previous SV sets like Paldea Evolved and Obsidian Flames by adding new Tera cards while also introducing new mechanics in the form of Ancient and Future Paradox Pokémon: these paradoxical Pokémon come from alternative futures and pasts, shaking up the competitive scene and introducing TCG collectors to a score of new Pokémon such as the fan-favourites Roaring Moon and Iron Valiant. Several iconic Legendary Pokémon like Mewtwo and Hoopa also return with new forms and abilities.
Paradox Rift is one of the most stacked sets in recent memory, both in terms of quality and quantity. There are 266 cards in the Paradox Rift set list, with almost 100 of them being double rare or higher in terms of rarity. With such variety to choose from, there are, of course, going to be some that stand out more than the rest. Whether it’s due to the amazing artistry and illustration of the card itself, its potential power in the competitive scene or overwhelming nostalgia, there are a lot of reasons why certain cards become more valuable than others. Today, we’re here to dig through all 260+ cards to determine which are the 10 most valuable.
Here are the 10 most valuable and expensive cards in the new Pokemon TCG Paradox Rift expansion, the fourth major set in the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet era of the TCG.
Want more Pokémon TCG content? Check out our previous TCG guides on the most valuable cards from last Scarlet and Violet era sets here on KeenGamer:
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- 10 Best and Most Expensive Pokémon Obsidian Flames Cards | Pokémon TCG
- 10 Best and Most Expensive Pokémon TCG Paldea Evolved Cards
- 10 Best and Most Expensive Pokémon Scarlet and Violet TCG Cards
- Pokémon TCG Gardevoir EX Deck Guide | How to Build and Play Gardevoir EX
10 Most Expensive Pokémon TCG Paradox Rift Cards
Tapu Koko ex, Alternative Art (Special Illustration Rare)
Heading up the back of the pack in tenth place, we have the Tapu Koko ex Special Illustration Rare. Tapu Koko was, originally, one of the guardian deity Pokémon from the region of Alola and, with the release of Paradox Rift, it has been allowed to return to the spotlight as a new ex card. This Alternative Art version of Tapu Koko is number 247 in the Paradox Rift setlist.
Illustrated by Jerky – who you may know for illustrating the Pidgeot ex Alt Art from Obsidian Flames or the Lumineon V Alt Art from Crown Zenith – this card wears its vaporwave inspirations on its sleeve. Between the bright pops of pink, blue and yellow and the simple yet refined art style, it gives off quite the funky feeling, something not generally associated with Tapu Koko. This card is distinct, memorable and an excellent fit for one of Alola’s most iconic Pokémon.
Despite being at the bottom of our 10 most valuable Paradox Rift cards, Tapu Koko ex’s Alternative Art still goes for a pretty penny as of release. If you’re looking to pick up this groovy little card for yourself, you’ll be spending between $20 to $25 on it.
Tapu Koko ex, Alternative Art
Parasol Lady, Alternative Art (Special Illustration Rare)
In ninth place, we have our first Trainer card to make the list in the form of Parasol Lady’s Special Illustration Rare. Like several other cards in Paradox Rift, this version of the Parasol Lady isn’t actually from any of the most recent games: instead, the design of this Trainer Class has been taken from the 3rd Generation remakes, Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby. The Alternative Art version of Parasol Lady is sitting at number 255 out of 266 in the overall Paradox Rift setlist.
While the Full Art version of Parasol Lady depicts her in a much more playful mood, the Alternative Art is instead a lot more elegant and tranquil. The illustration by En Morikura perfectly captures that brief moment of beauty as the rain passes with excellent usage of soft yet striking lighting and colours. With a built-in rainbow, this card is sure to look absolutely brilliant in person, especially with the texture applied to Special Illustration Rares, making it a perfect fit for this list.
As of release, Alternative Art Parasol Lady is going for around $25 to $30, making it a relatively cheap pick-up for such a pretty card. It doesn’t hurt that the card has some potential in the competitive scene, either.
Parasol Lady, Alternative Art
Garchomp ex, Alternative Art (Special Illustration Rare)
Next up on our 10 most valuable and expensive Pokemon Paradox Rift cards is actually one of the flagship Pokémon, being one of the main faces on the pack art and promotional material. That Pokémon, of course, is Garchomp ex, with the eighth most expensive Paradox Rift card being the Alternative Art version of Garchomp ex. This card is the only Tera Pokémon to receive a Special Illustration Rare, depicting Garchomp with a Water-typing as opposed to its more recognisable Dragon-typing. Garchomp ex is the first Special Illustration Rare in the setlist, coming in at number 245.
Illustrated by the incredibly talented Oswaldo KATO, who’s most well-known for several Hyper Rare Stadium cards such as Path to the Peak and Gapejaw Bog, this card is a beautiful one to look at. The Terastallize effect on Garchomp is wonderfully rendered, giving it a gorgeous crystal look without making it look goofy, while the surrounding water is equally marvellous, with the bright pops of the sea contrasting perfectly against Garchomp’s deeper colouration. Special Illustration Garchomp is simply a very well-put-together and composed card, one well deserving of its status as one of the most expensive cards in Paradox Rift.
If you want to get your hands on Garchomp ex’s Alternative Art, get ready to part with anywhere between $28 to $30.
Garchomp ex, Alternative Art
Professor Sada’s Vitality, Alternative Art (Special Illustration Rare)
Our seventh card on the list belongs to one of the more recognisable characters from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Professor Sada. She and her Violet counterpart Professor Turo both received new cards in Paradox Rift after being featured on the base SV variant of Professor’s Research. However, only one of them has cut the top 10 and that’s the Special Illustration Rare version of Professor Sada’s Vitality, a new Trainer card focused on Ancient Paradox Pokémon. This card is number 256 in the Pokemon Paradox Rift setlist.
This card is Ryota Murayama’s first appearance on this list, but certainly not their last. You’ll likely recognise their art style, particularly if you’re a fan of the Sylveon VMAX Alt Art from Evolving Skies or the Charizard V Alt Art from Brilliant Stars. In this card, specifically, Sada is drawn at her most studious, huddled around piles of research alongside a cute Pawmi and Smoliv. While not the most dynamic, the atmosphere of this card is excellent, giving the entire thing a rustic feeling which contrasts perfectly with the futuristic feeling of Turo’s Special Illustration Rare.
If you’re putting together an Ancient-themed deck and are looking for a nice version of Professor Sada’s Vitality to use in it, the Special Illustration Rare is going for around $30 as of Paradox Rift’s release.
Professor Sada’s Vitality, Alternative Art
Iron Hands ex, Alternative Art (Special Illustration Rare)
Just narrowly missing out on the top 5 list is Iron Hands ex’s Alternative Art. Iron Hands is the first Future Paradox Pokémon to make the list and it’s a Pokémon of quite some infamy in the games, finding a lot of usage in both Tera Raids and the competitive scene early in Scarlet and Violet’s lifespan. This Special Illustration Rare version of Iron Hands ex is number 248 in the overall Paradox Rift setlist.
Iron Hands ex Special Illustration Rare is perhaps one of the most humorous cards we’ve ever received, as it depicts the hulking metal giant ramming itself through several ancient ruins, leaving behind Looney-Toon-style holes in its wake. The illustrator for this piece, Toshinao Aoki, actually also did a Special Illustration Rare version of Sandy Shocks ex for Paradox Rift and both cards have their signature clean and simple style at the forefront. In a way, the uncomplicated style of both cards, especially in the case of Iron Hands, allows the personality of the Pokémon to shine through, creating one of the most memorable cards in all of Paradox Rift.
Currently, as of Paradox Rift’s release, Iron Hands ex’s Special Illustration Rare is going for about $35.
Iron Hands ex, Alternative Art
Groudon, Illustration Rare
As you’ve probably noticed, nine of the most valuable Paradox Rift cards are Special Illustration Rares which is, in itself, quite a rarity. That’s why the appearance of Groudon’s Illustration Rare at number 5 on this list is such a big deal, as it’s the only non-Special Illustration Rare to make the list. This version of Groudon is number 199 in the Paradox Rift setlist.
Illustrated by the artist behind Aerodactyl V’s Alternative Art from Lost Origin, Nurikabe, Groudon’s Illustration Rare portrays the Continent Pokémon at its most chaotic and destructive. With oppressive, harsh lighting which meets the bright flashes of lava in the background, this card almost feels like the world is ending, especially with Groudon’s menacing silhouette towering above everything else in the frame. This card is a perfect depiction of the power a Legendary Pokémon has, especially one in control of the very land itself. There’s really no question why this card, despite not being a Special Illustration Rare, has climbed this high on the high.
With a card this cool, everyone is going to want to get their hands on it. Well, if you’re willing to pay for singles, you’re looking at upwards of $40 for Groudon’s Illustration Rare.
Groudon, Illustration Rare
Gholdengo ex, Alternative Art (Special Illustration Rare)
At number four on the most valuable Pokemon Paradox Rift cards list, we have the Special Illustration Rare version of Gholdengo. As the 1000th Pokémon in the national dex, Gholengo is one of the most special Pokémon from Scarlet and Violet, something this card manages to capture excellently. Coming in at number 252 in the Paradox Rift set list, Gholdengo’s Alternative Art is certainly one you won’t want to miss.
On its own, the clean, almost comic-book-esque style of this card is already a massive draw. Akira Komayama is responsible for cards like the Miriam Special Illustration Rare from Base SV and the Palafin Illustration Rare from Obsidian Flames, and this Gholengo card replicates their same striking style while keeping Gholgenog’s cheeky personality intact. If that wasn’t all, though, Gholdengo ex’s Alternative Art is part of a double-card artwork, similar to the Illustration Rare version of Tarountula and Spidops: when paired with the Illustration Rare version of Gimmighoul, the two cards form a single beautiful card that any collector would love to have.
As of Paradox Rift’s release, Gholdengo ex’s Special Illustration Rare will run you around $45. Additionally, if you’re looking for the Gimmighoul to complete the set, that will run you about $7.
Gholdengo ex, Alternative Art
Mela, Alternative Art (Special Illustration Rare)
In third place, we have the Alternative Art version of Mela, one of the Team Star commanders known for her flashy, inconvenient boots. Special Illustration Mela comes in at number 254 out of 266 in the Paradox Rift setlist, making her the most valuable Trainer card in the entire set.
Illustrated masterfully by Rika – a relatively new Pokémon card artist best known for the Pokémon 151 Dragonair Illustration Rare – this card lets us see a more docile version of Mela. The version of Mela in the games, as well as the depiction of her in her Full Art card, shows off her fiery, hot-headed punk nature: meanwhile, Rika’s gorgeous watercolour style lends Mela a much calmer disposition as she chills out with her Torkoal. This card is simple, sweet and very appealing to look at.
The Special illustration Rare version of Mela is another card that currently goes for around $45 as of Pokemon TCG Paradox Rift’s release.
Mela, Alternative Art
Iron Valiant ex, Alternative Art (Special Illustration Rare)
Just narrowly missing out on the top spot is another one of the flagship Pokémon for Paradox Rift and one of the most popular Paradox Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet. I’m, of course, referring to the Special Illustration Rare variant of Iron Valiant, the Future Paradox form of Gallade. Iron Valiant is number 249 in the Paradox Rift setlist and one of the main Pokémon on the set’s pack art.
Illustrated by kantaro, a popular Pokémon card artist responsible for the Skeledirge line of Illustration Rares in Paldea Evolved, this card looks like something pulled straight from Power Rangers or Kamen Rider. With a cinematic sunset in the backdrop and a collection of some of Violet’s best Future Pokémon in the background, Iron Valiant’s card is the ultimate team-up, complemented by some exceptional colours that make the metallic sheen of each Future Paradox Pokémon shine. There’s little wonder why this is one of Paradox Rift’s most valuable cards, especially if you’ve seen it in person.
Iron Valiant’s Alternative Art is currently going for about $55 on most card sites. This is the last card around this price range, with the number one pick of Paradox Rift being exponentially more expensive.
Iron Valiant ex, Alternative Art
Roaring Moon ex, Alternative Art (Special Illustration Rare)
Lastly, we have arrived at the most expensive and valuable card in Pokémon Paradox Rift. Just beating its version-exclusive rival Iron Valiant, Pokémon Scarlet’s Roaring Moon ascends to become the best card in Paradox Rift with the Roaring Moon ex Special Illustration Rare, and for good reason. As a Paradox form of Salamance, one of the most popular pseudo-Legendaries, Roaring Moon is already incredibly popular, with this Alt Art card only amplifying that hype. Roaring Moon ex Special Illustration Rare is number 251 in the Paradox Rift setlist.
Once again illustrated by the exceptional Ryota Murayama, this card displays the might and power of Roaring Moon perfectly. Wonderfully composed and expertly illustrated, Roaring Moon’s terrifying form fills the centre frame and its bright colours stand out beautifully against the cooler tones of the environment. Aside from the obvious details, this card is also full of little secrets which help bring it to life, with the addition of other Ancient Paradox Pokémon, in particular, being a real treat. Like most of Murayama’s previous works, this card has a dynamism and energy that sets it apart from any other card in Paradox Rift.
Compared to the other cards in the set, Roaring Moon ex’s Alternative Art receives a massive jump in price to quickly become the most expensive card in all of Paradox Rift. As of release, if you’re looking to pick up Roaring Moon for yourself, you’ll be spending at least $90 to $100, a huge $50 jump from Iron Valiant.
Roaring Moon ex, Alternative Art
Those were the 10 most expensive and valuable Pokémon TCG Paradox Rift cards.
