Obsidian Flames: Complete Set Guide for EV03 (2023)

Obsidian Flames: The Set That Set the Pokemon TCG on Fire in 2023

Released on August 11, 2023, Obsidian Flames (original name: Scarlet & Violet - Obsidian Flames, internal code EV03) is the third expansion in the Scarlet & Violet block. Within just a few weeks of release, this set became one of the most talked-about of the year, driven by a brand-new mechanic, stunning artwork and, above all, a Tera Type Charizard that sent the market into a frenzy.

If you are wondering why everyone is still talking about this set in 2024 and 2025, this guide is for you. We cover the set composition, the cards to watch, available sealed products and the price trends worth keeping in mind.

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The Standout Mechanic: Tera Type Arrives in the TCG

Obsidian Flames introduces Tera Type Pokemon ex on a large scale to the Western format. The twist? These cards carry a different type from the one the Pokemon has in the video games, creating visual and strategic surprises.

The most striking example is the Charizard ex Tera Type Darkness. Charizard, normally a Fire/Flying type, becomes a Darkness type Pokemon here. That detail, seemingly minor, is precisely what makes it a visually unique and highly desirable card for collectors.

This mechanic creates a new collecting dynamic: Tera Type variants allow iconic Pokemon to be reimagined from a completely fresh angle, something the artists leaned into fully throughout this set.

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How Many Cards Are in Obsidian Flames?

The set is generous with content:

• 197 cards in the base numbering
• 228 cards in total in the English version (including secret rares)
• 230 cards by the English count, including 33 Secret Rares

This abundance of secret cards is characteristic of the Scarlet & Violet block, which leans heavily on premium finishes - gold cards, illustrated cards, black-bordered cards - to satisfy both collectors and competitive players.

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The Chase Cards You Absolutely Need to Know

Here are the cards that hold the bulk of the set's value and that every serious collector needs to identify.

🔥 Charizard ex - Four Faces of a Giant

The Charizard ex SAR 223/197 deserves its own paragraph. Its full-page Tera Type Darkness illustration, with a dark background and dramatic composition, makes it one of the most visually striking cards in the entire Scarlet & Violet block. It is regularly cited as one of the most iconic cards of the modern TCG era. Its secondary market price on Cardmarket has sat significantly above retail since release. If you want to track its value in real time, the PokéItem app lets you add it to your collection and get notified of price movements.

🦅 Pidgeot ex Alternative Rare 225/197

Often overshadowed by Charizard, the Pidgeot ex Special Illustration Rare is a genuine gem. Its colorful and dynamic artwork stands in sharp contrast to the darker tone of the main chase card. It appeals equally to long-time collectors who have nostalgia for Pidgeot and to newcomers drawn in by the illustration.

💜 Iono SAR 226/197

Trainer SAR cards tend to be undervalued at a set's release, then appreciate steadily over time. The Iono SAR 226/197 fits that profile perfectly: polished artwork, limited print run among the secret rares and sustained demand from collectors who target character cards.

🦊 Ninetales Illustration Rare and Jigglypuff Illustration Rare

Two Illustration Rares (formerly known as Alt Arts in TCG slang) that round out the trio of cards to watch. The Ninetales IR plays on warm color palettes and Gen 1 nostalgia, while the Jigglypuff IR wins people over with its fairy-tale, calming atmosphere. Both cards have distinct fan bases and hold steady demand.

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Available Sealed Products

Obsidian Flames received an extensive sealed product lineup, which is standard for major Scarlet & Violet block expansions.

36-Booster Booster Box EV03

The standard format for players and retailers. A booster box contains 36 packs and remains the best cost-per-pack ratio for pulling cards in volume.

Elite Trainer Box (ETB)

The flagship product for collectors. It contains:

• 9 Obsidian Flames boosters
• 1 promo card Charmander SVP044
• Sleeves in the set's colors
• Accessories (storage box, damage counters, etc.)

The retail price at launch was 54.99 EUR at major retailers (Fnac, Cultura, Leclerc, Auchan). The problem: the ETB sold out almost everywhere very quickly, and the secondary market price climbed well above retail, exceeding 149.99 EUR according to some sources in 2026. That gap is typical of EV03 boxes, which have become collectible items in their own right.

Practical tip: If you are looking to invest in an Obsidian Flames ETB, compare prices in real time and track your collection with PokéItem to avoid overpaying relative to market trends.

EV03 Three-Pack Blister

The three-pack blister offers 3 boosters alongside a promo card - Eevee or Greavard depending on the version. An accessible format for getting started or giving as a gift without breaking the bank.

Single Booster Blister

Four different blister designs: Charizard, Dragonite, Tyranitar and Revavroom. The Charizard blister is naturally the most sought-after and the hardest to find at retail.

Build and Battle Stadium

A product aimed at competitive players, offering a solid volume of boosters and gameplay materials. Less focused on pure collecting, but useful for anyone who also wants to build decks.

Prerelease Kit

Distributed at preview events held at partner stores, this kit contains 4 boosters plus an Evolution promo booster. A nice keepsake for those who attended the launch events.

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Why Is Obsidian Flames a Strategic Set for Collectors?

The Charizard Concentration: Advantage or Risk?

Obsidian Flames is inseparable from Charizard, the most collected Pokemon in the TCG across all generations. Having four different variants in a single set creates concentrated and sustained demand, but also a degree of volatility: if Charizard loses popularity (an unlikely but real scenario), several cards could suffer at the same time.

On the flip side, that concentration guarantees a high long-term value floor for the rarest pieces. The SAR 223/197 in particular benefits from a winning combination: Charizard plus a one-of-a-kind Tera Type plus exceptional artwork.

Illustration Rares: An Increasingly Sought-After Category

The Scarlet & Violet block brought Illustration Rares and Special Illustration Rares (SAR) to a mainstream audience. Obsidian Flames is one of the first sets where that format reaches a clear artistic maturity. As a result, the IR and SAR cards from this set remain solid picks for anyone building a portfolio of modern cards.

Sealed vs Singles: Which Should You Prioritize?

• Sealed: If you can find an ETB at retail price, the upside potential is real given the product's growing scarcity.
• Singles: The Charizard ex SAR remains the centerpiece to target, but its high price calls for patience and active price monitoring.

To never miss a price movement, add your acquisitions to your collection on PokéItem - the tool tracks Cardmarket prices and gives you a clear picture of your TCG portfolio's value.

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In Summary: Obsidian Flames, a Reference Set in the EV Block

Obsidian Flames (EV03) checks every box of a great expansion: a well-executed new mechanic, an iconic chase card (the Charizard ex SAR Tera Type Darkness), a range of products for every budget and sustained demand well beyond the release window.

Whether you are a collector, an investor or a player, this set deserves a place on your TCG radar. Watch the prices, be patient with sealed products that are now scarce at retail and focus your efforts on cards with strong long-term potential.

Prices move fast on sets like this - always check live prices on Cardmarket before buying or selling, and use PokéItem to centralize your Obsidian Flames collection tracking.