Set Overview
Dark Explorers arrived in May 2012 and leaned on Darkness types. It carries Pokémon-EX and Full Art Pokémon-EX, with Darkrai-EX among its most sought pulls, and closes with secret rares including Pokémon Catcher.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | May 9, 2012 (English) |
| Publisher | Nintendo / The Pokémon Company |
| Total Cards | 108 numbered + 3 secret rares |
| Full Art | 6 cards |
| Pokémon-EX | 6 cards |
| Secret Rares | 3 cards (109–111) |
| Key Chase Card | Entei-EX 103/108, Kyogre-EX 104/108 |
About the Set
Dark Explorers arrived in May 2012 and leaned on Darkness types. It carries Pokémon-EX and Full Art Pokémon-EX, with Darkrai-EX among its most sought pulls, and closes with secret rares including Pokémon Catcher.
How to identify it: numbered cards read N/108. Secret rares read above the total (109/108 onward).
Rarities & Chase Cards
Dark Explorers had a single print run. Its structure breaks down as follows.
| Type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Main set (1–108) | Commons, uncommons, rares and holo rares that make up the bulk of the set. |
| Pokémon-EX | High-HP Pokémon-EX, each also printed as a Full Art within the numbered set. |
| Secret rares (109–111) | Numbered beyond the set total of 108. |
Complete Card Gallery
All 111 cards from Dark Explorers. Click any card to view it full size — use the arrow keys (or swipe) to move through the set.
Key Cards
The cards below lead Dark Explorers on the secondary market.
| Card | Name | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
 |
Entei-EX 103/108 Full Art | A full art card and one of Dark Explorers’s headline pulls. |
 |
Kyogre-EX 104/108 Full Art | A full art card and one of Dark Explorers’s headline pulls. |
 |
Raikou-EX 105/108 Full Art | A full art card and one of Dark Explorers’s headline pulls. |
Promo Cards
The BW Black Star Promos ran alongside the era’s expansions.
BW Black Star Promos use their own numbering (BW01 onward) and carry a black star where a set symbol would be.
Collecting & Where to Buy
Dark Explorers is out of print and trades on the secondary market. Common singles are inexpensive, while the Pokémon-EX cards and secret rares carry the strongest premiums.
Collector tip: the Full Art and secret cards are the prize — check borders and edges closely on any graded copy.
Note: external links are provided for reference only. Always confirm a card's printing, condition and authenticity before purchasing.