Scarlet & Violet Sets

Pokémon TCG: All 16 Scarlet & Violet Sets Ranked

The Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet sets, which began in March 2023, revolutionized the game era. Key features include the return of powerful “Pokémon ex” cards, a new silver border design on English cards to match Japanese releases, and the introduction of stunning “Illustration Rares” and “Special Illustration Rares” that often tell stories across card art.

With a significant number of main expansions and special sets already released, it’s time to take a comprehensive look and rank every Scarlet & Violet set, evaluating their impact on gameplay, desirability for collectors, and overall standing in the ever-evolving world of the Pokémon TCG. Here all 16 Scarlet & Violet sets ranked.

16. Shrouded Fable

Shrouded Fable Booster Bundle

While every set contributes to the TCG, Shrouded Fable, which launches on August 2, 2024, unfortunately, ranks last due to a combination of factors. Its overall impact on the competitive meta is expected to be relatively minimal, and the set might struggle to produce widely desired standout artwork or chase cards compared to its counterparts. While it may have its niche moments, it might not capture the same excitement or leave a lasting impression as the other Scarlet & Violet releases.

15. Temporal Forces

Temporal Forces Booster Box

Temporal Forces, released on March 22, 2024, continued to explore the Ancient and Future Pokémon themes, introducing more support for these archetypes and some new ACE SPEC cards. While it brought interesting concepts and expanded on existing strategies, it didn’t quite hit the mark in terms of widespread competitive impact or highly desirable collector’s cards compared to other sets. It felt more like a supplementary release that filled out existing strategies rather than introducing game-breaking new ones.

14. Paradox Rift

Paradox Rift Booster Box

Paradox Rift, which debuted on November 3, 2023, delved into the intriguing world of Ancient and Future Paradox Pokémon, introducing these distinct new mechanics to the TCG. While innovative, the initial impact on the meta was somewhat mixed, and the complexity of some of the new mechanics took time for players to fully grasp. However, it still offered unique and powerful cards like Roaring Moon ex and Iron Hands ex, which found strong competitive viability.

13. Scarlet & Violet Base Set

Scarlet & Violet Booster Box

The inaugural set of the Scarlet & Violet era, released on March 31, 2023, laid the crucial groundwork for everything that followed, introducing the Paldea region’s Pokémon and the return of the Pokémon ex mechanic. While it might not boast the same level of refined art as later sets, its significance lies in its pioneering role, establishing the new card border, rarity system, and foundational gameplay elements. It was a vital starting point for the new generation.

12. Obsidian Flames

Obsidian Flames Booster Box

Obsidian Flames, which launched on August 11, 2023, brought the heat to the Scarlet & Violet era with a strong emphasis on Fire-type Pokémon and powerful Tera Pokémon ex, most notably the highly sought-after Dark-type Charizard ex. The set was largely defined by this iconic Pokémon ex, which became an instant fan favorite and competitive staple. While the overall depth of the set might have been slightly less than its predecessors, the gravitational pull of Charizard ex made it a memorable and impactful release.

11. Journey Together

Journey Together Booster Box

Journey Together, released on March 28, 2025, focused on the bonds between trainers and their Pokémon, offering a heartwarming theme reflected in its charming artwork and unique card mechanics. The set introduced various “Trainer’s Pokémon” cards, highlighting the relationships between iconic characters and their partners. While its competitive impact might have been slightly more niche, Journey Together stood out for its artistic direction and emotional appeal, making it a unique entry in the series.

10. Stellar Crown

Stellar Crown Booster Box

Stellar Crown, which debuted on September 13, 2024, brought a cosmic flair to the Scarlet & Violet series, introducing powerful new Pokémon and Trainer cards with a focus on mythical and legendary creatures. The set contained several intriguing strategic possibilities and introduced notable ACE SPEC cards. While perhaps not as universally impactful as some earlier sets, it provided valuable additions for both collectors and players, and was well-received for its unique theme.

9. Paldea Evolved

Paldea Evolved Booster Box

As the second main set of the Scarlet & Violet era, Paldea Evolved, released on June 9, 2023, significantly expanded upon the foundational mechanics introduced in the Base Set, bringing more Paldean Pokémon and further developing the ex mechanic. It featured some early iconic Special Illustration Rares, which quickly became highly prized. The set offered a solid selection of playable cards that diversified the meta and continued to establish the visual style of the generation, marking a strong follow-up that built crucial momentum.

8. Twilight Masquerade

Twilight Masquerade Booster Box

Twilight Masquerade, which arrived on May 24, 2024, transported players to the captivating Kitakami region, offering a rich thematic experience centered around the Ogrepon masks. Beyond its engaging lore and stunning artwork, the set introduced several strategically relevant cards, including various forms of Ogerpon ex, that found homes in competitive decks. Its blend of thematic depth, beautiful Illustration Rares, and competitive utility made it a well-received and impactful release, with its narrative elements particularly praised.

7. Paldean Fates

Paldean Fates – Booster Bundle

As a special set, Paldean Fates, available from January 26, 2024, delivered a glittering array of shiny Pokémon, making it a collector’s paradise for those who love alternate colorations. The set features numerous shiny Pokémon from the Paldea region, culminating in a highly sought-after shiny Charizard ex. While pull rates for specific shinies could be challenging, the sheer volume of beautiful alternate art cards provided immense excitement, serving as a continuation of the popular “shiny vault” concept.

6. Surging Sparks

Surging Sparks Booster Box

Surging Sparks, released on November 8, 2024, introduced exciting new mechanics and a vibrant artistic direction, focusing on Electric-type Pokémon and their powerful attacks. The set features a number of highly desirable Special Illustration Rares, including a stunning Pikachu ex. While some of its mechanics required time to integrate fully, it brought fresh archetypes and visually appealing cards, offering a rewarding opening experience with a good balance of playable and collectible cards.

5. White Flare

White Flare

Released alongside Black Bolt on July 18, 2025, White Flare provided equally potent counterparts and synergizing strategies, focusing on Reshiram ex and other powerful Pokémon. Like its twin set, White Flare features its own unique “Black & White Rare” variants. The set continued the trend of impressive Special Illustration Rares, making it a strong and balanced release for both competitive players and collectors. Its shared release amplified the excitement, providing a cohesive and impactful dual launch.

4. Black Bolt

Black Bolt

Black Bolt, which launched on July 18, 2025, brought a significant jolt of power to the meta, notably with the introduction of powerful legendary Pokémon ex like Zekrom ex and impactful Trainer cards. Its unique “Black & White Rare” variants, featuring monochrome artwork, are incredibly rare and highly prized by collectors. The set’s consistent delivery of competitive cards combined with its unique artistic flair made it a major hit upon release.

3. Prismatic Evolutions

Prismatic Evolutions Booster Bundle

Released on January 17, 2025, Prismatic Evolutions is visually breathtaking, introducing unique card treatments and an array of Eeveelution ex Special Illustration Rares that are simply stunning. This set is celebrated for its artistic innovation and offering collectors some of the most beautiful cards in the Scarlet & Violet era. Beyond its aesthetics, it brought some surprisingly potent cards that found their niche in various deck archetypes. The overall premium feel and strong pull rates for aesthetically pleasing cards make it a standout. If it seems hard to decide which Prismatic Evolutions products to buy, we got the buyer guide here!

2. Destined Rivals

Destined Rivals Booster Box

Destined Rivals, hitting shelves on May 30, 2025, immediately impacted the competitive meta with its introduction of powerful new Pokémon ex and Trainer cards, notably focusing on Team Rocket’s Pokémon. The set delivered a strong lineup of playable cards that reshaped strategies, making it a must-have for serious players. Its Special Illustration Rares blend competitive utility with fantastic art, proving that narrative themes could also deliver top-tier playability. This set is highly sought after by both players and collectors.

1. Scarlet & Violet 151

Pokemon 151

This set, released on September 22, 2023, is an absolute masterpiece, tapping directly into the nostalgia of the original 151 Pokémon. It’s lauded for its incredibly high-quality Illustration Rares and Special Illustration Rares, featuring beloved Kanto Pokémon in stunning, often sequential, artwork. Pull rates feel incredibly rewarding, and the set’s coherent theme makes it a collector’s dream. 151’s widespread appeal and consistent demand cement its place at the top.

All 17 Pokémon TCG Sword & Shield Series

*Listed based on the release date.

No.Set NameRelease DateSet Type
1Scarlet & VioletMarch 31, 2023Standard
2Scarlet & Violet – Paldea EvolvedJune 9, 2023Standard
3Scarlet & Violet – Obsidian FlamesAugust 11, 2023Standard
4Scarlet & Violet – 151September 22, 2023Special
5Scarlet & Violet – Paradox RiftNovember 3, 2023Standard
6Scarlet & Violet – Paldean FatesJanuary 26, 2024Special
7Scarlet & Violet – Temporal ForcesMarch 22, 2024Standard
8Scarlet & Violet – Twilight MasqueradeMay 24, 2024Standard
9Scarlet & Violet – Shrouded FableAugust 2, 2024Special
10Scarlet & Violet – Stellar CrownSeptember 13, 2024Standard
11Scarlet & Violet – Surging SparksNovember 8, 2024Standard
12Scarlet & Violet – Prismatic EvolutionsJanuary 17, 2025Standard
13Scarlet & Violet – Journey TogetherMarch 28, 2025Standard
14Scarlet & Violet – Destined RivalsMay 30, 2025Standard
15Scarlet & Violet – White FlareJuly 18, 2025Special
16Scarlet & Violet – Black BoltJuly 18, 2025Special

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