Being aPokemon TCGcollector is complex, with hundreds of different Pokemon and reasons to enjoy the hobby. One of the most exciting parts of the Pokemon TCG is the adrenaline you get from the thrill ofpulling a beautiful card out of a pack.The thrill of the pull is unmatched, but certain sets can yield especially exciting moments.
The bestmodern sets offer rare, valuable cardsthat will excite collectors and investors alike, with several modern cards standing out thanks to sky-high values ranging from $100 to $1500.
We focus on modern sets that are still available on store shelves, or are relatively affordable and available on the secondary market.
8Silver Tempest (ENG)
Lugia’s Legacy
Silver Tempest is hanging on by a thread as it’s rarely seen in the wild, but is probably the onlydesirable Sword and Shield era setthat you may still find for decent prices. Despite its affordability, there’s a massively expensive chase card available in this set, as the Lugia V alternate art stands tall.
This card has seen a wide range of values over the years since its release, though it looks to be settling in comfortably around the $300 mark. Unfortunately, Silver Tempest is a big ‘all-or-nothing’ set, as you only want the Lugia V if you’re gunning for the rarest and most valuable options.
7Paldean Fates (ENG)
Mew’s Bubble
Paldean Fates doubles your chances at pulling a rare card, as this set is full of valuable options,though the top two chase cards are way ahead of the rest in value. Mew and Charizard are the two top chase cards, and their beautiful Special Illustration Rares (SIRs) are worthy of their massive price tags.
There are a few other valuable cards in this set, like the shiny Gardevoir ex, but there are dozens of others you’ll be happy to pull if you’re just a shiny Pokemon collector. This set probably offers thebest balance between valuable money and exciting consolation prizes.
6Scarlet & Violet: 151 (ENG)
The GOATs Assemble
151 seems destined to be one of the most memorable sets of theentire Scarlet & Violet era, boasting dozens of valuable cardsto chase after, with plenty of decent hits in the $11-19 range, and another dozen or so options above that, led by the iconic Charizard ex.
With beloved Kantonian Pokemon like Charizard, Pikachu, Blastoise, Alakazam, and Venusaur all receiving their own Special Illustration and Illustration Rares. A few noticeable Pokemon are missing (like Gengar) from the collection of SIRs and IRs, but most of the popular options are covered.
5Terastal Festival ex (JP)
An Alternative Eeveelution Solution
While the English version of this set has been flying off store shelves since its release, Terastal Festival ex set the tone, as this set is still somewhat difficult to find. Luckily, reprints have helped to increase the supply of this product in the short term, meaning you should be able to get your hands on a box or two without much issue.
Even though the card values are lower than the English cards, this product offers a solid return on your investment if you’re lucky enough to pull one of the desirable cards. More than anything, these cards aregreat second choices if the English equivalents are too expensive.
4Surging Sparks (ENG)
Pikachu Rising
Surging Sparks set the Pokemon TCG market on fire when it released, as the set was nearly impossible to find and even harder to afford singles from, as prices soared. While this set is still fairly expensive, there will be further prints, and despite the temporary drops in price that come after, these cards will remain beautiful forever.
A set like this with beautiful cards and popular Pokemon will always be in demand, so if you want to resell your hits, then you’ll make a nice profit from pulling either Latias ex or Pikachu ex. The consolation prizes might not compare, but the top Pokemon more than compensate.
3Black Bolt & White Flare (JP)
Every Unovan Pokemon Appears
Black Bolt and White Flare are some of the few sets that share the same translation in English and Japanese, but this set has yet another distinction that may shock you. Every single Pokemon from the Unova region appears across these two sets, split roughly in half across each product.
Study themost valuable cards from Black Boltto decide if you’d prefer to take your chances with Zekrom and its crew, or reviewReshiram’s riveting lineup of powerful trainers and Pokemon to see if White Flareis more appealing.
2Destined Rivals (ENG)
Team Rocket’s Return
Team Rocket is one of the most popular entities in the entire Pokemon franchise, so it’s no surprise to see a modern set themed around them receiving so much hype and equal demand.The most valuable cards from this setare worth hundreds, though their prices still need time to find their post-release footing.
From Team Rocket’s Mewtwo to Cynthia’s Garchomp and Ethan’s Ho-Oh, the collection of incredible SIRs and equally impressive IRs will blow you away. While the prices will continue to shift, the estimated values of the top chase cards is astounding, with Mewtwo likely to settle well above the $200 plateau when all is said and done.
1Prismatic Evolutions (ENG)
Eeveelutions For Everyone
While it was nearly impossible to find on shelves for more than a few minutes at the start of 2025, Prismatic Evolutions received a reprint that saw it appearing in retail stores across the world far more often. Unfortunately, there’s still a huge demand, and this set often sells out, but it’s becoming more affordable and attainable as prices drop.
Despite the focus on printing this set,the most valuable cards have dropped in price,but many cards remain firmly above the $100 mark, indicating that this set will continue to cost a lot. If you’re able to get some packs to open, prepare to experience the ultimate thrill if you pull one of the Eeveelutions Special Art Rares.
