Pokemon TCG Booster Pack Tier List: Best Sets To Collect

Nov 17, 2025 by Alex Braham 57 views

Hey there, fellow Pokemon TCG enthusiasts! Ever found yourself staring at a wall of booster packs, wondering which ones are worth your hard-earned cash? You're not alone! With so many sets out there, it can be tough to know which ones are packed with the most valuable and exciting cards. That's why we've put together this comprehensive Pokemon TCG booster pack tier list to help you make the best choices for your collection and your wallet.

In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of Pokemon TCG booster packs, ranking them from the absolute must-haves to the ones you might want to skip. We'll consider factors like the set's overall value, the desirability of the chase cards, the playability of the cards in the current meta, and even the set's overall aesthetic appeal. So, buckle up and get ready to become a booster pack pro!

Why a Pokemon TCG Booster Pack Tier List Matters

Before we jump into the tiers, let's talk about why a tier list is even important. Guys, the Pokemon TCG is more than just a game; it's a hobby, a passion, and for some, even an investment. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a competitive player, or just starting your journey, knowing which booster packs offer the best bang for your buck is crucial.

Maximize Your Collection: A tier list helps you prioritize the sets that contain the cards you're most likely to want, whether it's for completing your Pokedex, building a killer deck, or snagging those stunning alternate art cards.
Informed Investment: Some booster packs appreciate in value over time, especially if they contain rare and sought-after cards. Knowing which sets have the potential for long-term growth can help you make smart investment decisions.
Avoid Disappointment: Let's face it, nobody likes opening a booster pack and feeling like they've wasted their money. A tier list can help you steer clear of sets that are known for having a lower pull rate or less desirable cards.
Stay Up-to-Date: The Pokemon TCG is constantly evolving, with new sets being released every few months. A tier list keeps you in the loop on the latest and greatest sets, as well as the ones that are starting to lose their luster.

Our Tier List Criteria

To ensure our tier list is as objective and helpful as possible, we've established a set of criteria for evaluating each booster pack. We've considered a variety of factors that contribute to a set's overall desirability and value.

Card Value: This is a big one! We look at the average market price of the set's most valuable cards, including chase cards, alternate art cards, and playable staples.
Pull Rates: How easy is it to pull the good stuff? Sets with higher pull rates for valuable cards tend to rank higher on our list.
Playability: Are the cards in the set competitively viable? Sets that contain cards that see a lot of play in the TCG meta are highly sought after.
Artwork and Design: Let's be honest, some cards are just plain gorgeous! We consider the overall aesthetic appeal of the set, including the artwork, card design, and rarity distribution.
Set Size and Composition: A well-balanced set with a good mix of Pokemon, trainers, and energy cards is generally more desirable than a set that's heavy on one type of card.
Nostalgia and Collectibility: Some sets hold a special place in the hearts of collectors due to their nostalgic value or unique themes. We factor in these elements as well.

The Pokemon TCG Booster Pack Tier List

Alright, guys, let's get to the good stuff! Here's our comprehensive Pokemon TCG booster pack tier list, broken down into five tiers: S, A, B, C, and D. Keep in mind that this list is based on our current evaluation and market conditions, and it's always subject to change as new sets are released and the meta evolves.

S-Tier: The Absolute Must-Haves

These are the cream of the crop, the sets that every serious collector and player should be chasing. S-tier sets are packed with valuable cards, have high pull rates for desirable cards, and often feature stunning artwork and designs. These sets are considered the best of the best in the Pokemon TCG world. They are not only fun to open but also represent a solid investment for the future.

Sword & Shield - Evolving Skies: Oh, Evolving Skies, you magnificent beast! This set is arguably the king of the Sword & Shield era, thanks to its incredible lineup of Eeveelution VMAX and V alternate art cards. Sylveon VMAX, Umbreon VMAX, Rayquaza VMAX – the list goes on! The pull rates can be a bit challenging, but the potential rewards are astronomical. The artwork is simply breathtaking, capturing the essence of these beloved Pokemon in stunning detail. This set is not just about value; it's about the experience of opening packs and the thrill of the chase. For collectors and players alike, Evolving Skies represents the pinnacle of Pokemon TCG design and desirability. If you're looking to add some serious firepower to your collection, Evolving Skies is the place to start.
Sword & Shield - Celebrations: Celebrations is a special anniversary set that's loaded with nostalgia and value. It features a mix of classic Pokemon cards from the TCG's history, as well as new cards with a retro aesthetic. The pull rates are generally very generous, making it a fun set to open, especially for those looking to relive the early days of Pokemon. The set's unique design and focus on iconic Pokemon make it a must-have for any long-time fan. Celebrations not only honors the legacy of the Pokemon TCG but also provides a fresh and exciting experience for both seasoned collectors and newcomers. The blend of old and new, combined with the thrill of pulling rare and sought-after cards, makes Celebrations a true S-tier set.
Sun & Moon - Cosmic Eclipse: Cosmic Eclipse is a powerhouse set from the Sun & Moon era, featuring a plethora of powerful GX cards and stunning full art trainers. The set is known for its high playability and its beautiful artwork, making it a favorite among competitive players and collectors alike. Cosmic Eclipse's blend of competitive viability and aesthetic appeal places it firmly in the S-tier. The set's impact on the metagame and its lasting popularity among collectors make it a standout release in the Sun & Moon era. If you're looking for cards that are both fun to play with and visually stunning, Cosmic Eclipse is a must-have addition to your collection.

A-Tier: Excellent Sets with Great Potential

A-tier sets are still fantastic choices, offering a great balance of value, playability, and collectibility. These sets may not be quite as hyped as S-tier sets, but they still contain plenty of desirable cards and offer a satisfying opening experience. These sets are well worth your investment and can provide a significant boost to your collection or deck. They often represent excellent value for money, offering a good chance of pulling valuable cards without the premium price tag of S-tier sets.

Sword & Shield - Brilliant Stars: Brilliant Stars introduced the VSTAR mechanic to the TCG, and it did so with a bang! This set is home to the Charizard VSTAR, one of the most sought-after cards in the Sword & Shield era. But Brilliant Stars offers more than just Charizard; it's also packed with other powerful Pokemon V and VMAX cards, as well as stunning full art trainers. The set's overall value and playability make it a solid A-tier choice. Brilliant Stars stands out for its strong lineup of Pokemon cards and its introduction of the VSTAR mechanic, which has become a staple in competitive play. The set's blend of power and beauty makes it a favorite among collectors and players alike.
Sword & Shield - Lost Origin: Lost Origin is a set that's gaining popularity thanks to its stunning Giratina VSTAR and other powerful Lost Zone-themed cards. The set's unique mechanic and its focus on the spooky and mysterious Lost Zone make it a standout in the Sword & Shield era. Lost Origin is a set that rewards strategic play and offers a unique twist on the Pokemon TCG formula. The set's dark and intriguing themes, combined with its powerful cards, make it a must-have for players and collectors looking for something a little different.
Sun & Moon - Burning Shadows: Burning Shadows is a classic set from the Sun & Moon era, featuring the iconic Charizard GX. The set is also home to other powerful Pokemon GX cards and valuable trainer cards, making it a strong contender for the A-tier. Burning Shadows holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors due to its iconic Charizard card and its overall strong lineup of Pokemon and trainers. The set's lasting appeal and its impact on the metagame make it a valuable addition to any collection.

B-Tier: Good Sets with Some Gems

B-tier sets are decent choices that offer some value and excitement, but they may not be as consistently rewarding as the higher tiers. These sets often have a few standout cards, but the overall card pool may be less desirable or the pull rates may be less favorable. B-tier sets are good options for rounding out your collection or trying your luck at pulling a specific card, but they may not be the best choice if you're looking for maximum value.

Sword & Shield - Fusion Strike: Fusion Strike is a set with a massive card list, which can make pulling specific cards a bit challenging. However, the set does have some valuable cards, including Mew VMAX and Genesect V. The set's unique Fusion Strike mechanic also adds an interesting twist to gameplay. Fusion Strike is a set that rewards patience and persistence, offering the potential for great pulls but requiring a bit more effort to find the gems. The set's massive card list and its focus on the Fusion Strike mechanic make it a unique addition to the Sword & Shield era.
Sword & Shield - Astral Radiance: Astral Radiance introduced the Radiant Pokemon to the TCG, and it also features some stunning Hisuian Pokemon. The set has some valuable cards, including Machamp VMAX and Darkrai VSTAR, but the overall value is somewhat lower compared to the A and S-tier sets. Astral Radiance is a set that showcases the beauty and mystery of the Hisui region, offering collectors and players a chance to explore new Pokemon and mechanics. The set's stunning artwork and its introduction of Radiant Pokemon make it a worthwhile addition to any collection.
Sun & Moon - Ultra Prism: Ultra Prism is a set that's known for its strong Prism Star cards, which can have a significant impact on gameplay. The set also features some valuable Pokemon GX cards, but the overall value is somewhat lower compared to other Sun & Moon era sets. Ultra Prism is a set that rewards strategic deck building and offers players a chance to experiment with powerful Prism Star cards. The set's unique mechanics and its focus on competitive play make it a solid choice for those looking to enhance their decks.

C-Tier: Average Sets with Limited Appeal

C-tier sets are generally considered average, with limited appeal for collectors and players. These sets may have a few decent cards, but the overall card pool is often less desirable, and the pull rates may be less favorable. C-tier sets are best avoided unless you're specifically targeting a particular card or you find them on sale at a significant discount. These sets may not provide the best return on investment, and they may not offer the most exciting opening experience.

Sword & Shield - Chilling Reign: Chilling Reign is a set that introduced the Single Strike and Rapid Strike styles to the TCG, but it doesn't have as many high-value cards as other Sword & Shield era sets. The set does have some decent cards, but the overall desirability is lower. Chilling Reign is a set that laid the groundwork for the Single Strike and Rapid Strike mechanics, but it's often overshadowed by other sets in the Sword & Shield era. The set's historical significance and its unique gameplay mechanics may appeal to some collectors and players, but it's generally not considered a top-tier set.
Sword & Shield - Battle Styles: Battle Styles is another set that focuses on the Single Strike and Rapid Strike styles, but it also lacks a significant number of high-value cards. The set is generally considered one of the weaker sets in the Sword & Shield era. Battle Styles is a set that showcases the diversity of Pokemon battle styles, but it's often overlooked due to its lack of high-value cards and its somewhat limited appeal. The set's unique theme may attract some collectors, but it's generally not considered a must-have set.
Sun & Moon - Guardians Rising: Guardians Rising is a set that has some decent cards, but it's often overshadowed by other sets in the Sun & Moon era. The set's overall value and playability are somewhat lower compared to the higher-tier sets. Guardians Rising is a set that has its moments, but it's often overshadowed by the more popular and valuable sets in the Sun & Moon era. The set's decent lineup of cards may appeal to some collectors, but it's generally not considered a top-tier set.

D-Tier: Sets to Avoid

D-tier sets are the bottom of the barrel, sets that you should generally avoid unless you have a very specific reason to open them. These sets often have very few valuable cards, low pull rates, and an overall lack of appeal. Opening D-tier sets is usually a waste of money, as the chances of pulling anything worthwhile are slim. These sets may be best left to gather dust on the shelves.

Sword & Shield - Shining Fates: While Shining Fates is a set with a lot of shiny Pokemon, the pull rates are notoriously low, making it difficult to pull the cards you want. The set is also a special set, which means it's often more expensive than regular sets. Shining Fates is a set that promises a lot of shiny Pokemon, but its low pull rates and high price make it a risky investment. The set's focus on shiny Pokemon may appeal to some collectors, but it's generally not considered a worthwhile set to open.
Sword & Shield - Champion's Path: Champion's Path is another special set with notoriously low pull rates, particularly for the Charizard VMAX. The set is also smaller than regular sets, which means there are fewer cards to collect. Champion's Path is a set that's notorious for its low pull rates, especially for the coveted Charizard VMAX. The set's limited card pool and its challenging pull rates make it a set that's best avoided unless you're feeling extremely lucky.
Sun & Moon - Crimson Invasion: Crimson Invasion is generally considered one of the weakest sets in the Sun & Moon era, with very few valuable cards and a lackluster card pool. The set is best avoided unless you're a completist collector or you find it on sale for a very low price. Crimson Invasion is a set that's often overlooked due to its lack of valuable cards and its overall weak lineup. The set's limited appeal makes it a set that's best left untouched unless you have a specific reason to open it.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks! Our comprehensive Pokemon TCG booster pack tier list. We hope this guide has been helpful in navigating the vast and exciting world of Pokemon cards. Remember, this list is just a starting point, and the best sets for you will ultimately depend on your personal preferences, collecting goals, and budget. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the thrill of the chase!

Keep in mind that the Pokemon TCG market is constantly evolving, so it's always a good idea to stay informed about the latest sets and trends. Happy collecting, and may your pulls be ever in your favor!