Phantasmal Flames released worldwide on November 14, 2025, and the set immediately captured attention with its blend of Mega Evolutions, standout Special Illustration Rares, and some of the strongest character cards introduced in the current block. The Japanese equivalent set, Inferno X, had already signaled which cards would take off, and the same trends carried over to the international release.
Illustration Rares continue to anchor the affordable side of collecting, yet a few of them broke through that ceiling and climbed quickly. Mega Evolutions created a clear chase ladder, with Mega Hyper Rares sitting at the very top. Charizard, unsurprisingly, dictated much of the market activity. These ten cards lead the secondary market and define the set’s early value structure.
10. Wigglytuff – 105/094
Wigglytuff is one of Phantasmal Flames’ biggest Illustration Rare surprises, breaking past the usual sub-$10 IR tier. Its multi-Pokémon composition and cheerful style hit the sweet spot for collectors who want an early-gen character with unique art. The Round attack has also sparked buzz thanks to the potential for a rogue Tympole and Seismitoad deck. This mix of charm, play potential, and Gen I nostalgia makes it one of the most notable value climbers in the set.
9. Piplup – 098/094
Piplup benefits from strong synergy between collectible appeal and theoretical play ability. Call for Support makes it an efficient setup piece, while Empoleon ex offers a late-game tank that can shut down entire strategies. Its close association with Dawn boosts demand further, especially since Dawn finally debuts in this set. Piplup was the top Art Rare in Inferno X, and the same pattern is already emerging internationally.
8. Rotom ex – 126/094
Rotom ex stands out with lively art and flexible use on the competitive side. Its toolkit offers multiple ways to slot into evolving Standard builds, giving it a broader audience than a typical overnumbered ex. Collectors appreciate the electric, chaotic composition that suits Rotom perfectly. Stable interest from both players and collectors keeps it firmly within the set’s upper middle tier.
7. Meowth – 106/094
Meowth’s Illustration Rare treatment goes for personality, giving collectors a playful, nostalgic depiction that connects to long-time fans. Its composition feels hand-crafted, helping it display well in binders and graded slabs. Character collectors consistently target Meowth cards, creating steady demand. Low pull rates for IRs in this set elevate its long-term value outlook.
6. Mega Lopunny ex – 128/094
Mega Lopunny ex is one of the most competitive Mega attackers in the set thanks to reliable colorless damage output and the ability to bypass walls like Mimikyu. Its Special Illustration Rare version gains extra appeal through the involvement of artist Kinu Nishimura, widely known for her work on classic Capcom titles. Lopunny fans and competitive players both chase this card, creating a rare overlap. It has already performed strongly in Japan and continues that momentum globally.
5. Mega Sharpedo ex – 127/094
Mega Sharpedo ex surged in popularity after players discovered its synergy with the new Toxtricity card, allowing Hungry Jaws to consistently hit for 270 damage. The Special Illustration Rare treatment marks Sharpedo’s first full-art card since 2015, giving collectors a long-awaited return. Competitive interest may rise further after Standard rotates in April 2026. This blend of nostalgia, rarity, and strong gameplay makes it one of the set’s most dynamic chases.
4. Dawn – 129/094
Dawn finally arrives as a Supporter card, and her effect is both clean and powerful for evolution-based decks. By delivering full evolution lines directly to hand, she reduces whiffs and smooths out early game setups. The artwork by Atsushi Furusawa emphasizes scale and scenery, which has already made the Japanese version the fourth most valuable card in Inferno X. International collectors are treating it as a future staple among character Supporters.
3. Mega Charizard X ex – 109/094
This Special Illustration Rare is a true showpiece, painted by danciao with brilliant lighting and flame effects that almost glow in hand. The illustration gives Mega Charizard X a level of intensity that ranks among the best Charizard artworks released in modern sets. Demand is massive from day one due to both art quality and character popularity. While not the rarest Charizard in the set, it will remain one of the most visually celebrated.
2. Mega Charizard X ex – 130/094 (Mega Hyper Rare)
The Mega Hyper Rare treatment brings a gilded finish and some of the lowest pull rates seen in recent years. Early data suggests it will be significantly rarer than most high-tier chases in the current era. Although Phantasmal Flames includes only one Mega Hyper Rare, that also means this card is easier to target than the dual-MHR structure of the earlier Mega Evolution set. Even with those factors, this gold-trimmed Charizard remains the card almost everyone is hunting for.
1. Mega Charizard X ex – 125/094
The overnumbered showcase version of Mega Charizard X ex sits at the top of the set’s value chart. Its composition, color work, and full-frame intensity capture everything fans expect from a flagship Charizard release. Strong demand in both raw and graded markets shows no signs of slowing. It stands as the defining chase of Phantasmal Flames and the card most collectors hope to see emerge from their booster packs.
Phantasmal Flames is shaping up to be one of the most exciting modern releases, with strong artwork, powerful Mega Evolutions, and clear chase cards. As supply settles and the market matures, these ten cards will likely anchor the set’s long-term collector appeal.
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