The XY series sets of Pokémon TCG , spanning from November 2013 to November 2016, marked a significant period of innovation and evolution. Introducing the powerful Mega Evolution mechanic, which allowed Pokémon-EX to reach new heights of strength, and the introduction of the new Fairy-type Pokémon, the XY series fundamentally reshaped competitive play. Across its 15 main expansion sets, the era delivered a wealth of impactful cards that defined strategies and delighted collectors.
From the game-changing Shaymin-EX (Roaring Skies) and disruptive Seismitoad-EX (Furious Fists) to the nostalgic return of classic artwork in Evolutions, the XY series left an undeniable legacy of strategic depth and cherished collectibles. This article aims to rank these 15 sets, evaluating their competitive impact, collector appeal, and overall contribution to the Pokémon TCG.
15. XY–Kalos Starter Set
The XY–Kalos Starter Set was a pre-constructed deck product designed to introduce new players to the game, featuring the first appearances of the Kalos region’s starter Pokémon Chesnaught-EX, Delphox-EX, and Greninja-EX. Released on November 8, 2013, while essential for onboarding new enthusiasts and providing immediate playability, it was not a traditional booster set and therefore had no impact on the broader card pool or competitive meta through pack openings. Its purpose was foundational, not expansive, placing it at the bottom of our ranking of expansion sets.
14. XY Base Set
The XY Base Set kicked off the entire XY era. Released on February 5, 2014, it introduced Mega Evolution and laid the groundwork for the sets to come. While historically significant as the first set of the block, its individual cards, with a few exceptions like Yveltal-EX (XY 78/146) and Xerneas-EX (XY 96/146), were largely overshadowed by the power creep and more refined strategies introduced in subsequent expansions. It’s important for setting the stage, but less impactful in terms of long-term playability or valuable chase cards compared to later sets.
13. Double Crisis
Double Crisis was a smaller, Team Magma vs. Team Aqua themed mini-set. Released on March 25, 2015, while it offered some unique artwork and a few interesting cards for specific team-themed decks, like Team Magma’s Groudon-EX (XY 15/34) and Team Aqua’s Kyogre-EX (XY 6/34), its limited card pool and niche focus meant it didn’t have the widespread impact of a full expansion. It’s a fun set for collectors of those specific factions, but less relevant to the broader competitive scene or general playability.
12. Generations
Generations was a special expansion, similar to Evolutions, released on February 22, 2016, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pokémon. It featured a smaller main set alongside a “Radiant Collection” subset with unique full-art cards, including Sylveon-EX (RC32/RC32) and Pikachu (RC29/RC32). While highly collectible and aesthetically pleasing, its impact on competitive play was minimal as it wasn’t a standard booster set. Its value lies primarily in its collector appeal and celebratory nature, rather than its influence on the competitive meta.
11. Steam Siege
Steam Siege, released on August 3, 2016, towards the very end of the XY era, had the challenging task of following up on several impactful sets. While it introduced some interesting Dual-Type Pokémon and a few powerful cards like Volcanion-EX (XY 26/114 & 107/114), its overall impact on the meta was somewhat limited compared to earlier expansions. It’s a solid set with some cool concepts, but not one that dramatically reshaped the game. Its main significance lies in its unique Dual-Type cards.
10. Furious Fists
Furious Fists focused heavily on Fighting-type Pokémon, bringing a powerful new dynamic to the meta. Released on August 13, 2014, it introduced cards like Hawlucha (XY 63/111), which countered EX Pokémon, and the powerful Seismitoad-EX (XY 20/111 & XY 106/111), which became a dominant force with its “Quaking Punch” attack. While the set had some strong competitive cards, its overall diversity and long-term impact were slightly less pronounced compared to the top contenders.
9. BREAKpoint
BREAKpoint continued the BREAK Evolution theme and introduced some strong Water and Psychic-type Pokémon, along with a few notable Trainer cards. Released on February 3, 2016, while not as universally impactful as some of its predecessors, it provided some key pieces for certain archetypes, notably Greninja BREAK (XY 41/122) and Espeon-EX (XY 52/122), and offered a diverse range of playable cards that complemented existing strategies.
8. Fates Collide
Fates Collide arrived later in the XY era. Released on May 2, 2016, it introduced some intriguing new mechanics and powerful cards, including the formidable Zygarde-EX (XY 54/124) and the unique Alakazam-EX (XY 25/124) with its damage manipulation abilities. It also featured some unique Trainer cards that offered new strategic options, making it a solid, if not groundbreaking, addition to the XY lineup. Its introduction of specific archetypes and utility cards secured its place in the middle of the pack.
7. Ancient Origins
Ancient Origins continued to build upon the themes of powerful ancient Pokémon, introducing cards like Mega Rayquaza-EX (Dragon) (XY 61/98) and various Ancient Trait Pokémon which offered unique rule-breaking abilities. Released on August 12, 2015, while not as explosively impactful as some earlier sets, it offered a solid selection of cards that saw play in a variety of strategies, including Vespiquen (XY 10/98), which found success in aggro decks, and contributed to the evolving meta.
6. Flashfire
Flashfire is most renowned for introducing the highly sought-after Mega Charizard EX (XY 13/106 and XY 69/106) cards (one Fire and one Dragon type). Released on May 7, 2014, these instantly made it a chase set for collectors. Beyond the iconic Charizard, it also contained several strong Fire-type Pokémon like Charizard-EX (XY 12/106) and important Trainer cards such as Blacksmith (95/106), contributing to its popularity and competitive relevance at the time. The sheer value and desirability of its Charizard cards alone propel this set high on the list.
5. BREAKthrough
BREAKthrough was the first set to introduce the “BREAK Evolution” mechanic, giving Pokémon an additional HP boost and a new attack or ability. Released on November 4, 2015, while the mechanic had mixed success overall, the set itself contained several powerful cards that found homes in competitive decks, including the disruptive Zoroark (XY 91/162) with its “Stand In” ability and the powerful Mewtwo-EX (XY 62/162). Its innovative approach, even if the BREAK mechanic didn’t become universally loved, earns it a respectable spot for its individual card impact.
4. Primal Clash
Primal Clash was a monumental set, not just for introducing Primal Reversion forms of Kyogre-EX (31/160 & 149/160) and Groudon-EX (86/160 & 150/160). Released on February 4, 2015, it was also notable for its sheer size and the depth of its competitive offerings. It brought in a variety of powerful EX Pokémon like Gardevoir-EX (XY 105/160) and crucial Trainer cards such as Dive Ball (125/160) that saw widespread play. The set’s focus on powerful legendary Pokémon and its meta-defining cards make it a strong contender for one of the best XY sets, offering both competitive depth and collector appeal for its Primal Reversions.
3. Phantom Forces
Coming in at third, Phantom Forces brought a dark and mysterious aura to the XY era with the introduction of the fan-favorite Grass/Psychic Type, Dual-Type Pokémon. Released on November 5, 2014, it was home to key cards like Malamar-EX (XY 58/119) and Aegislash-EX (XY 65/119), which saw considerable play. However, its most impactful contribution was the introduction of the “Spirit Link” tools, which allowed Mega Evolution Pokémon to evolve without ending the player’s turn, significantly streamlining gameplay and making Mega Evolutions much more viable. This mechanical innovation had a profound effect on the meta.
2. Roaring Skies
Roaring Skies stands out for its incredible competitive impact. Released on May 6, 2015, this set introduced the formidable Shaymin-EX (ROS 77/108 & 106/108), a card that became an almost mandatory inclusion in many competitive decks due to its “Set Up” ability, allowing players to draw cards until they had six in hand. Beyond Shaymin, the set featured powerful Dragon-type Pokémon like Mega Rayquaza-EX (ROS 76/108 & 98/108), and a strong lineup of Trainer cards, making it a cornerstone of the competitive meta for years. Its influence on competitive play and the enduring demand for Shaymin-EX solidified its high ranking.
1. Evolutions
Topping our list is Evolutions, a set designed as a direct homage to the very first Pokémon TCG Base Set. Released on November 2, 2016, towards the end of the XY era, it reprinted iconic cards with updated artwork and mechanics, often featuring their Mega Evolution counterparts. Its nostalgic appeal, combined with the inclusion of highly sought-after Mega Charizard EX (101/108) and Charizard (11/108), made it an instant classic and a massive hit with both veteran collectors and new players. The set’s unique position as a bridge between the old and new generations of Pokémon TCG cemented its place as the most memorable XY expansion, driving immense secondary market value for its chase cards.
The XY era of the Pokémon TCG was a vibrant and transformative period, introducing innovative mechanics and some of the most powerful cards the game had seen. From the nostalgic appeal of Evolutions to the competitive dominance of Roaring Skies, each set contributed to the rich tapestry of the XY block. While some sets left a more indelible mark than others, the XY era as a whole remains a beloved and significant chapter in the history of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
All 15 Pokémon TCG XY Series Sets
*Listed based on the release date.
| No. | Set Name | Set Type | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | XY–Kalos Starter Set | Starter Set | November 8, 2013 |
| 2 | XY | Standard | February 5, 2014 |
| 3 | Flashfire | Standard | May 7, 2014 |
| 4 | Furious Fists | Standard | August 13, 2014 |
| 5 | Phantom Forces | Standard | November 5, 2014 |
| 6 | Primal Clash | Standard | February 4, 2015 |
| 7 | Double Crisis | Special | March 25, 2015 |
| 8 | Roaring Skies | Standard | May 6, 2015 |
| 9 | Ancient Origins | Standard | August 12, 2015 |
| 10 | BREAKthrough | Standard | November 4, 2015 |
| 11 | BREAKpoint | Standard | February 3, 2016 |
| 12 | Generations | Special | February 22, 2016 |
| 13 | Fates Collide | Standard | May 2, 2016 |
| 14 | Steam Siege | Standard | August 3, 2016 |
| 15 | Evolutions | Standard | November 2, 2016 |
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