Unova lovers can finally rejoice with the release of thePokemon TCG’sWhite Flare set, which features an array of Art Rares featuring half of allavailable Generation Five Pokemon.The other half of Unova’s roster is featured in the companion set, Black Bolt, which forms a complete set with White Flare.
The major choice between Zekrom (Black Bolt) and Reshiram (White Flare) will play a huge role in determining which set you prefer. However, you’ll also need to comb through the supporting cast of cards to pick your favorites, which brings us an agonizing choice, just like picking game versions all over again.
Cards are ordered according to theirTCGplayermarket prices, which are subject to change. Any cards without a market price were not included.
8Zorua (Art Rare) – $20.22
Another Moon ‘Mon
Zorua takes a page out of Munna’s book fromthe most valuable cards in Japan’s Black Bolt, as this Pokemon also appears with the moon in the background. While Zorua’s most expensive cards indicate that Zorua is way more popular than Munna, both Pokemon command similar prices in their respective sets.
If you’re a fan of Zorua and Zoroark, then you’ll want to open packs from White Flare rather than Black Bolt, as this set is home to all of your illusion Pokemon needs.
7Zoroark (Art Rare) – $25.66
A Family Business
Zoroark makes this a family affair, as both this Pokemon and its pre-evolved form make the cut as two of the most expensive cards in Japan’s White Flare. This Zoroark card is more muted, and the painting style gives this card an even more impressive level of detail.
If you look closely, you may see the hairs on Zoroark’s red mane blending into the black fur on its body. The combination of colors here helps Zoroark to stand out as the clear focus, as this card’s impressive artwork could’ve warranted categorization as a Special Art Rare.
6Oshawott (Art Rare) – $27.22
Don’t Get Caught Sleeping
Oshawott mimics its fellow starter, Snivy, as one of the most valuable cards in White Flare, as its counterpart stood tall in Black Bolt. While Snivy’s boastful personality was captured perfectly in its artwork, Oshawott’s love of naps couldn’t be clearer in this serene scene in the shade.
Slice of life moments like the one depicted on this Oshawott card offer great glimpses into the Pokemon’s personality, which justifies this card’s impressive price tag and placement among the best chase cards in White Flare.
5Hilda (Super Rare) – $34.96
All Eyes On Hilda
Hilda makes her first appearance in White Flare with this solid Super Rare that captures Hilda’s fiery love of Pokemon battles. Even if you don’t know anything about Hilda, this card’s artwork and Hilda’s spunky pose will help show you that she’s serious about battling.
However, while it’s nice to give Hilda her spotlight in this scene, there’s not much nuance to this card, so its price tag isn’t likely to creep up any higher. If you’re looking for an unusually detailed Hilda card, hang tight for what’s to come.
4Hydreigon ex (Special Art Rare) – $59.67
Another Hard-To-See Hydreigon
Hydreigon is a popular inclusion among some of the best Scarlet & Violet era sets, but its return suffers from a similar issue tothe one that the Hydreigon ex from Prismatic Evolutionsdid: it’s hard to see the Pokemon. In person, this card is gorgeous, and you can appreciate Hydreigon at the top, but on a screen, it’s understandable if you need to zoom in.
Hydreigon’s dark color palette is often combined with nighttime scenes; however, it’s difficult to discern the finer details of this Pokemon’s design when it’s placed so far away and in front of a background that’s similar to its existing color palette.
3Hilda (Special Art Rare) – $135.00
Bring Your Friends
As promised, there’s an even better Hilda card in White Flare, as this fabulous andexpensive full art traineris destined to be the best Hilda card in the set. When the same trainer has both a Super Rare and a Special Art Rare version, it’s obvious that they’ll be directly compared.
While Hilda’s Super Rare is nothing to scoff at, it’s missing the addition of a trio of Pokemon in the Special Art Rare. Cards that combine Pokemon and trainers into one scene are almost unanimously more valuable than their counterparts in the same set, and the same rings true here.
2Reshiram ex (Special Art Rare) – $200.77
Infused With The Essence Of N
Reshiram hasn’t had many new additions toits most valuable cards,but the release of Journey Together and now, White Flare, will change this Pokemon’s roster of cards forever. This Reshiram leans into an incredible level of detail, from the smoldering flames surrounding it to the green-tinted hair swirling around it.
Reshiram’s natural color palette is all-white, but the green hair is a reference to N, the trainer who canonically captures Reshiram in Pokemon Black and White. This reference to Reshiram’s rightful trainer is both a cool inclusion and a visually beautiful choice, as the green, red, and white colors work well together.
1Reshiram ex (Black White Rare) – $365.35
An Overwhelmingly Bright White Light
If you prefer a more traditional depiction of Reshiram and its original color palette, then you’ll be given exactly what you want withReshiram’s new most valuable card.
This card functions as a counterpart to the all-black Zekrom, forming a pair as the only two Black White Rares in the sets.
While the design makes it difficult to see Reshiram on the card, the card itself is incredibly bright and stands out more than any other card in White Flare. However, despite the unique design, expect to see this card’s value fall over time as the battle between Reshiram cards rages on.
