Set Overview
Base Set 2 was a compilation set: Wizards combined the most popular cards from Base Set and Jungle into a single 130-card release to keep the early cards in print. It was sold only as an Unlimited printing — there is no 1st Edition or Shadowless Base Set 2 — and its cards carry a “2” set symbol.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | February 24, 2000 (English) · English-only compilation set |
| Publisher | Wizards of the Coast |
| Total Cards | 130 cards (100 Pokémon · 23 Trainers · 7 Energy) |
| Holographic Rares | 20 (cards 1–20, including Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur & Mewtwo) |
| Set Symbol | A “2” symbol in the bottom-right of the artwork |
| Notable Printings | Unlimited only — no 1st Edition, no Shadowless |
| Key Chase Card | Charizard 4/130 (Holo) — the Base Set 2 reprint |
About the Set
Because every card in Base Set 2 is a reprint of a Base Set or Jungle card, collectors generally prefer the originals. The artwork and card numbers are new, but the cards themselves — including the Charizard, Blastoise and Venusaur holos — first appeared in 1999.
How to tell it apart: Base Set 2 cards have a “2” symbol in the bottom-right of the artwork and a 1999–2000 copyright line. If you see that symbol, it is the reprint, not the original.
Printings: Unlimited Only
Base Set 2 is unusual: it was only ever printed as a single Unlimited run. There is no 1st Edition and no Shadowless version, so — unlike Base Set, Jungle or Fossil — there are no printing variants to chase. Every copy is the same printing.
What this means for collectors: because it is Unlimited-only and every card is a reprint, Base Set 2 singles are usually the cheapest way to own the classic artwork — but they carry the least collector value compared with the 1999 originals.
Complete Card Gallery
All 130 cards from Base Set 2. Click any card to view it full size — use the arrow keys (or swipe) to move through the set.
Key Cards
Base Set 2 reprints the biggest holos from Base Set and Jungle. Charizard is still the headline card.
| Card | Name | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
 |
Charizard 4/130 Holographic Rare | The Base Set 2 reprint of the famous Charizard. Same artwork as the 1999 card, but Unlimited-only and far more affordable. |
 |
Blastoise 2/130 Holographic Rare | The Water starter holo, reprinted from Base Set. |
 |
Venusaur 18/130 Holographic Rare | The Grass starter holo, reprinted from Base Set. |
 |
Mewtwo 10/130 Holographic Rare | The popular Psychic holo, carried over from Base Set. |
Promo Cards
Base Set 2 came out in early 2000, so the promos of the moment were the early Wizards Black Star Promos. They are not tied to the set — the series ran to 53 cards across the WotC era — but these are from the same window.
Wizards Black Star Promos use their own numbering (#1–#53) and carry a black star where a set symbol would be.
Collecting & Where to Buy
Base Set 2 is out of print and trades only on the secondary market. Because it is Unlimited-only and every card is a reprint, singles are usually cheap — it is an inexpensive way to own the classic artwork.
Collector tip: if you want value, the 1999 originals (Base Set, Jungle) are the ones collectors chase. Base Set 2 is best thought of as an affordable way to enjoy the same cards.
Note: external links are provided for reference only. Always confirm a card's printing, condition and authenticity before purchasing.