Overview
Obsidian Flames is the third main expansion in the Pokémon Trading Card Game's Scarlet & Violet Series, released on August 11, 2023. This set features "Raging Flames Forged in Darkness" with a focus on type-shifted Tera Pokémon ex, including the highly sought-after Dark-type Tera Charizard ex. What began as a hyped Charizard chase has matured into one of the most balanced and accessible modern sets, with strong pull rates and affordable chase cards.
🔥 Dark-type Tera Charizard ex • 6 Special Illustration Rares • 1 in 32 packs for any SIR • Type-shifted Tera mechanic • Affordable modern Charizard
The set's crown jewel is the Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare (#223), featuring dramatic dark-type Tera crystallization artwork. With unique type-shifted Tera Pokémon like Lightning-type Tyranitar ex and Fire-type Eiscue ex, plus competitive staples like Pidgeot ex, Obsidian Flames delivers both competitive gameplay value and stunning collectible artwork at price points that make it one of the most collector-friendly Charizard sets in modern Pokémon TCG.
Set Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 11, 2023 |
| Total Cards | 230 cards (197 Main Set + 33 Secret Rares) |
| Set Type | Main Expansion • Scarlet & Violet Series |
| Key Pokémon | Charizard ex (Dark-type Tera) • Pidgeot ex • Tyranitar ex • Eiscue ex • Revavroom ex |
| Card Rarities | Pokémon ex • Ultra Rares • Illustration Rares • Special Illustration Rares • Hyper Rares (Gold) |
| Key Features | Type-shifted Tera Pokémon • 6 Special Illustration Rares • 12 Illustration Rares • Dark-type Charizard ex |
| Theme | Raging Flames Forged in Darkness • Type-shifted Tera Pokémon showcasing alternative typing through Terastallization |
Rarity Distribution
Available Products
| Image | Product Name | Contents | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Three-Pack Blister | 3 booster packs • 1 foil promo card • Code card | Aug 11, 2023 |
 |
Booster Box | 36 booster packs | Aug 11, 2023 |
 |
Build & Battle Box | 4 booster packs • 40-card deck • Promo card • Deck box | Jul 29-Aug 6, 2023 |
 |
Build & Battle Stadium | 2 Build & Battle Boxes • 3 extra packs (11 packs total) • Playmat • Tournament materials | Jul 29-Aug 6, 2023 |
 |
Elite Trainer Box | 9 booster packs • Charmander promo • 65 card sleeves • Accessories | Aug 11, 2023 |
 |
Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box | 11 booster packs • 2 Charmander promos (1 stamped, 1 standard) • 65 card sleeves • Exclusive coin | Aug 11, 2023 |
 |
Booster Bundle | 6 booster packs | Aug 11, 2023 |
 |
Half Booster Box | 18 booster packs | Aug 11, 2023 |
 |
Single-Pack Blister | 1 booster pack • Promo card | Aug 11, 2023 |
 |
Checklane Blister | 1 booster pack • Coin • Promo card (Pawmi or Paldean Wooper) | Aug 11, 2023 |
 |
Premium Checklane Blister | 1 booster pack • 3 promo cards (full evolution line) | Aug 11, 2023 |
Special Illustration Rares
Obsidian Flames features 6 stunning Special Illustration Rares showcasing the power of type-shifted Tera Pokémon and key trainers from the Paldea region.
| Card Image | Card Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
 |
Eiscue ex 222/197 SIR | Fire-type Tera Eiscue ex • Unique type-shift showcasing the Terastallization mechanic |
 |
Charizard ex 223/197 SIR | The crown jewel of Obsidian Flames • Dark-type Tera Charizard • One of the most iconic modern chase cards |
 |
Revavroom ex 224/197 SIR | Dark/Metal-type Pokémon • Industrial engine-themed artwork with mechanical details |
 |
Pidgeot ex 225/197 SIR | Classic Gen 1 favorite • Competitive staple with search ability • Beautiful soaring artwork |
 |
Geeta 226/197 SIR | Paldea Champion • Top-ranked trainer card • Powerful supporter for competitive play |
 |
Poppy 227/197 SIR | Elite Four member • Steel-type specialist • Fan-favorite character from Scarlet & Violet |
🔥 Obsidian Flames' Special Illustration Rares are headlined by the Dark-type Tera Charizard ex, which currently trades in the $45-65 range (down from $400+ at launch). With strong pull rates (1 in 32 for any SIR), this is one of the most accessible Charizard chase cards in modern Pokémon TCG. Pidgeot ex also commands significant value ($30-40) due to its competitive viability and nostalgic appeal.
Collecting Strategy
Obsidian Flames has matured into one of the most accessible chase card sets of the Scarlet & Violet era. The Dark-type Tera Charizard ex remains the headline card, but current market conditions make this set surprisingly collector-friendly compared to initial expectations.
🎯 Know Your Pull Rates (The Good News)
Obsidian Flames has better pull rates than many modern sets:
- 🐉 Any SIR: Approximately 1 in 32 packs (one of the best SIR rates in SV era)
- 🔥 Specific Charizard SIR: Roughly 1 in 192 packs (1 in 32 divided by 6 SIRs)
- 💎 Ultra Rare: About 1 in 10-12 packs
- ✨ Illustration Rare: Roughly 1 in 15 packs
💰 The Charizard Question (2026 Reality)
Current Market Value: Charizard ex SIR trades at $45-65, down significantly from its $400+ launch hype peak.
The math is now much friendlier than at release. At ~1 in 192 packs, you'd need approximately 5-6 booster boxes ($800-1,000 in sealed product) to statistically hit the Charizard. Buying the $50-60 single is still far more economical, but the "devastation" of chasing has lessened considerably.
💡 Pro Tip: Charizard ex SIR crashed from $400+ (late 2023) to current $45-65 range (2026) as supply stabilized. This makes Obsidian Flames one of the best "affordable Charizard" sets for modern collectors.
🎁 Booster Box Strategy
Best for: Collectors who enjoy opening sealed and want multiple hits
A booster box (36 packs) statistically yields 1+ SIRs (any of the 6), plus 6-8 ultra rare or higher cards. You'll likely complete most of the common/uncommon/rare set. With only 6 SIRs total, your odds of hitting a specific SIR in one box are reasonable (~1 in 6 chance if you get one SIR). This is one of the few modern sets where booster boxes feel rewarding due to excellent pull rates.
🏆 Competitive Player's Path
Best for: Tournament players building decks
Pidgeot ex is the competitive star of this set with its powerful search ability. Buy singles of regular art Pidgeot ex for budget decks ($5-10), or splash for the SIR version ($30-40) for max rarity. Other competitive staples are readily available as singles at reasonable prices.
📈 Investment & Sealed Collecting
Best for: Long-term collectors and investors
Obsidian Flames sealed product (especially Booster Boxes and Pokémon Center ETBs) remains a solid hold due to Charizard's enduring popularity and the set's strong pull rates. As one of the last "accessible" Charizard chase cards, sealed product may appreciate as the set ages and supply dwindles. The PC ETB with dual Charmander promos (one stamped, one standard) is particularly desirable.
🎨 Alternative Chase Cards
Smart collecting tip: Don't sleep on the Illustration Rares!
Cards like Ninetales IR (#199), Cleffa IR (#202), and Gloom IR (#198) have stunning artwork and are far more affordable ($3-8 each) than the SIRs. These make beautiful collection centerpieces without breaking the bank. Pidgeot ex SIR (#225) is also more affordable ($30-40) than Charizard while still commanding respect.
🔥 Bottom Line: Obsidian Flames has transformed from "impossible Charizard chase" into one of the most balanced modern sets. With strong pull rates (1 in 32 for any SIR), affordable chase cards ($45-65 for Charizard), and great depth beyond the dragon, this set rewards both sealed product openers and singles buyers. Whether you're chasing Charizard or building a competitive deck, Obsidian Flames delivers value in 2026.
Where to Buy
🇺🇸 United States
Obsidian Flames is available at major retailers and the Pokémon Center.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
UK collectors can find Obsidian Flames at official retailers and major game stores.