Darkrai is one of the most iconic Dark-type Pokémon in the franchise, equal parts shadowy menace and collector magnet. Known for its haunting design, dream-based lore, and consistently striking card art, Darkrai has starred in some of the most memorable and valuable Pokémon TCG prints to date.
Across formats, generations, and rarities, many of these cards have left their mark competitively, visually, and financially. Whether you’re building a Dark-themed deck or rounding out a high-end binder page, this list highlights the ten Darkrai cards you absolutely don’t want to miss.
10. Darkrai-GX (Rainbow Secret Rare) – Burning Shadows 158/147
Burning Shadows gave us a hyper-rare version of Darkrai-GX, decked out in textured rainbow foil. With 180 HP, Restoration, and Dead End-GX, which could instantly KO a sleeping foe, it had potential in rogue control builds. Its visual appeal and rarity have kept it relevant with collectors aiming to complete rainbow GX sets. While not among the most expensive of its kind, it’s a staple in any Darkrai collection.
9. Darkrai-EX (Full Art) – BREAKpoint 118/122
This moody full-art Darkrai-EX, illustrated by Eske Yoshinob, debuted in BREAKpoint (2016) during the XY era. While it didn’t reach the same legendary status as its Dark Explorers counterpart, it still offered solid synergy in Darkness-based decks with Dark Pulse and Dark Head. The swirling shadows and textured silver foil make this a striking piece for collectors, even if gameplay value has waned. Today, it holds steady mid-tier value, especially in NM or graded condition.
8. Darkrai-GX (Shiny Holo Rare) – Hidden Fates SV70/SV94
Part of the Shiny Vault from Hidden Fates, this alternate-colored Darkrai-GX swaps the usual black-and-crimson for deep violet-magenta tones. Visually clean with a silver border and textured finish, it’s highly sought after by shiny collectors and fans of the set’s limited print run. Its Restoration ability and Dark Cleave attack gave it some play, but its true value lies in rarity and aesthetics.
7. Darkrai LV.X – Great Encounters 104/106
A fan-favorite from the Diamond & Pearl era, this card was one of Darkrai’s earliest high-rarity prints. LV.X cards could be placed atop their base forms to unlock new effects. Dark Shadow, its Poké-Body, boosted damage for all Darkness Pokémon, making it a go-to in early Gen IV decks. The dark, dynamic artwork and classic silver LV.X frame give it major nostalgia value, especially in high grade.
6. Darkrai VSTAR – Crown Zenith: Galarian Gallery GG50/GG70
Crown Zenith’s Galarian Gallery gave us a masterpiece with Darkrai VSTAR, illustrated by Pani Kobayashi. The dreamscape of red eyes, shadows, and swirling energy is arguably one of the best modern full-art treatments in the TCG. Its Dark Pulse attack and Star Abyss VSTAR Power made it a flexible control or comeback option. As part of a limited-run set, this card is already rising in popularity and price.
5. Umbreon & Darkrai-GX (Ultra Rare) – Unified Minds 125/236
Two fan-favorites team up in this Tag Team GX from Unified Minds. Black Lance allowed for bench sniping, and Dark Moon-GX could shut down your opponent’s turn. Combined with solid 270 HP, it was a powerhouse in the 2019 to 2020 metagame. The art, featuring Umbreon and Darkrai mid-air in coordinated attack, is among the best dual Pokémon illustrations of the GX era.
4. Darkrai (Team Plasma Promo) – Black & White Promo BW73
Distributed as a promo during the Black & White era, this card features Darkrai in Team Plasma styling, complete with the signature blue border and Plasma logo. Though not from a main set, its exclusivity and design make it a chase card for promo collectors. Its pose, showing Darkrai emerging from shadows, echoes the Plasma narrative and offers serious nostalgia for fans of the Gen V games.
3. Darkrai & Cresselia LEGEND (Top 99/102 and Bottom 100/102) – Triumphant
This two-card LEGEND pair is a standout of the HeartGold & SoulSilver era. When joined, they form an incredible celestial tableau with Darkrai and Cresselia in an ethereal dream and nightmare dance. Though not meta-defining, the card’s layout, holo pattern, and artwork are unforgettable. Finding both halves in NM condition is a worthy challenge and reward for any serious collector.
2. Umbreon & Darkrai-GX (Alternate Art Promo) – SM Promo SM241
Released in the Tag Team Powers Collection, this alternate-art promo showcases Umbreon and Darkrai bathed in moonlight and mist with cinematic flair. As a promo-only card, its availability was tied to limited-box releases, making mint versions increasingly rare. While it wasn’t as dominant in competition, the art has made it one of the most beloved alternate arts of the GX era and a top choice for display or grading.
1. Darkrai-EX (Full Art) – Dark Explorers 107/108
This is the definitive Darkrai card. Released in Dark Explorers (2012), it became a meta staple for years. Its Dark Cloak Ability granted free retreat to all Pokémon with Darkness Energy, and Night Spear delivered 90 damage to the active and 30 to the bench. The full-art design, which shows Darkrai drifting through shadows with eerie poise, became an instant classic. As supply continues to shrink, especially in high grade, this card holds its place as the most sought-after Darkrai in the game’s history.
Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, value, or a display centerpiece, these ten cards represent the very best of what Darkrai has to offer. From legendary combos to art-house foils, there’s a shadowy masterpiece here for every collector.
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