Organized crime syndicates, like Team Rocket, play a massive role in Pokemon’s history. While many of the Pokemon games make it impossible to join these villainous organizations, thePokemon TCGoffers cards themed after Team Rocket, Team Aqua, Team Plasma, and more.
Team Rocket is without a doubt the most famous antagonists in Pokemon, and they boast multiple English sets themed after their Pokemon and members, including the original Team Rocket Set, Team Rocket Returns, and most recently, Destined Rivals. Even Japanese sets likeThe Glory of Team Rocket command high prices,so it’s no surprise to see some of the best villain team cards fetching hundreds.
Cards are ordered according to theirTCGplayermarket prices. Cards without a market price are not included.
8Team Magma’s Groudon: Double Crisis (Ultra Rare) – $289.97
Exploding In Price
Even though there’s a strong roster of villain cards to come, Team Magma’s Groudon is impressive enough to warrant recognition asone of the most expensive cards in Double Crisis.While its counterpart card commands noticeably more money, both Groudon and Kyogre’s cards are gorgeous in their own right.
This Groudon card features a combination of Team Magma admins, like Courtney, along with some of their signature Pokemon. Camerupt, Claydol, and Zangoose aren’t particularly popular, but when combined with Groudon, these Pokemon complement each other in this gorgeous artwork.
7Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: Team Rocket Returns (Ultra Rare) – $300.00
A Powerful Original
From bright, beautiful scenes with a few buddies to a dark and serious Mewtwo card that can strike fear into any heart. Just one look at those red eyes will intimidate any Pokemon, as this version of Mewtwo might be the most terrifying interpretation we’ve ever seen of this Pokemon.
While its price sat on a relatively even ground, the release of The Glory of Team Rocket and Destined Rivals revived interest in Rocket’s Pokemon, like this Mewtwo. At $300, this Mewtwo isn’t cheap, but it’s likely to keep rising in price thanks to Pokemon’s increasing popularity combined with this card’s rarity.
6Rocket’s Entei ex: Team Rocket Returns (Ultra Rare) – $319.50
Super Hot Fire
Asone of the most valuable Entei cards ever,this gem from Team Rocket Returns is easily one of the most iconic depictions of this Pokemon, and gives us a clear view of all of Entei’s details, contrasting with the card’s sinister theme. While Entei is typically portrayed as an honorable, kind Pokemon, this version looks way more dangerous.
Most of the best villain team cards exceed this $300 plateau, but few can separate themselves from the pack forming around the benchmark. Entei isn’t the only Pokemon that hovers around the valuation, but the rest of these valuable villain cards will leave it behind.
5Team Aqua’s Kyogre EX: Double Crisis (Ultra Rare) – $324.43
Riding The Wave
Team Aqua’s Kyogre stands out as probably the more visually vibrant artwork between Kyogre and Groudon, thanks to the combination of different shades of blue that make this card pop. This card offers the exact antithesis of Kyogre, with Team Aqua admins, and Pokemon like Seviper, Sharpedo, and Walrein joining the legendary Kyogre.
This beautiful gem from Double Crisis might hold a humble placement among the best villain team Pokemon TCG cards for now, but the future is likely to be particularly kind to this card and its counterpart.
4Rocket’s Articuno ex: Team Rocket Returns (Ultra Rare) – $350.00
Nothing Cooler
Articuno is known for its affiliation with ice, but none of its depictions have ever been as cold as this fearsome artwork. The contrast between Articuno’s bright baby blue color palette and the dangerously dark red in the background creates an incredible scene that makes Articuno feel like a part of Team Rocket.
Team Rocket Returns made this style its main theme, as we’ve seen several cards from the set appear with almost identical backgrounds. While there’s not much variety, Articuno’s value is justified based on the way it perfectly pops against the dark red behind it.
3Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex: Destined Rivals (Special Illustration Rare) – $370.99
The Power Of Two
From vintage sets to modern gems, we move into Destined Rivals, as the set’s top card stands out thanks to its prominent combination of Mewtwo, and Team Rocket’s leader, Giovanni. Mewtwo and Giovanni are forever linked thanks to their roles in Pokemon: The First Movie.
This dangerous duo forms a perfect partnership on this striking card that gives both subjects their fair share of the spotlight. While the prices are sure to shift more, there’s no doubt thatthis card will remain the most valuable in Destined Rivals for a long time.
2Lugia EX (Team Plasma): Plasma Storm (Full Art) – $393.08
The Most Underrated Lugia
Lugia is well known as one of the most iconic Legendary Pokemon and is just as important in the Pokemon TCG, thanks to its appearance in iconic sets like Neo Genesis. However, while vintage cards are typically some of the most valuable, this card is quickly gaining ground.
While this Lugia might not stand out as one of the most popular artworks in the Pokemon TCG, it’s likely to continue rising in price as it becomes harder to find, particularly in good condition. Good luck getting your hands on this Lugia as it approaches its market value.
1Rocket’s Snorlax ex: Team Rocket Returns (Ultra Rare) – $577.08
Eating Your Money
Rocket’s Snorlax claims yet another title to add to its resume, as it was alreadythe most valuable card from EX Team Rocket Returns.Snorlax is easily one of the most beloved original Pokemon from Kanto, and this iteration stays true to Snorlax’s gluttonous personality, as not even Team Rocket can slow its hunger.
While there are plenty of beautiful cards that feature Pokemon and villainous organizations like Team Rocket and Team Aqua, it will be hard to overcome the massive values attached to some of the best vintage versions. Rocket’s Snorlax earns its place as the best villain team Pokemon TCG card.
