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Is Obsidian Flames Pokemon Worth Collecting? 2026 Investment Review

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Obsidian Flames Pokemon cards represent a mixed bag for collectors in 2026, with a significant divide between its top-tier chase cards and the broader set. The set’s highest-value cards, like the Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare, demonstrate strong grading potential with a 408.0% ROI, while other key pulls such as the Cleffa Illustration Rare boast an impressive 516.2% ROI on PSA 10 graded copies compared to raw prices. However, the overall investment picture requires careful consideration of these outliers.

Pokemon Obsidian Flames card volume is up 8% year-over-year, driven by strong demand for its top chase cards. Here are the cards fueling that growth, and whether the set warrants a place in your collection by 2026. The complete set’s estimated raw value, based on the top 8 chase cards alone, hovers around $905.57, but this figure is a floor, as commons and unlisted parallels significantly increase the actual cost to complete. The Charizard ex (Special Illustration Rare, #223) stands out with a substantial PSA 10 median price of $779.85, achieving a remarkable 6.9x multiplier over its raw price and a 408.0% grading ROI. Other high performers include the Cleffa Illustration Rare (#202) with a 10.4x multiplier and a 516.2% ROI, and the Ninetales Illustration Rare (#199) offering a 9.9x multiplier and a 461.8% ROI. The Pidgeot Ex [Great Ball League - Top Prize] (#164) is the notable exception, showing a negative grading ROI of -62.8%. Last updated: June 2026.

In This Article

• About Obsidian Flames

• The Top Chase Cards

• Individual Chase Card Spotlights

• Investment Analysis

• Worth Collecting? The Verdict

• Frequently Asked Questions

About Obsidian Flames

The Pokemon Obsidian Flames set, released in 2021, introduced a compelling array of Pokémon V, VMAX, and VSTAR cards, alongside powerful Trainer and Energy cards. While the exact card count for the complete set is not readily available, it is recognized for its diverse collection of full-art and alternate-art cards that have captured the attention of collectors and investors alike. The set’s appeal lies in its blend of popular Pokémon, especially Charizard, and the chase for highly stylized alternate arts, which often command significant premiums in the secondary market. Its release in 2021 positions it as a relatively modern addition to the Pokémon TCG, making it an accessible target for those looking to complete a contemporary collection or invest in cards with established market presence.

The Top Chase Cards

Obsidian Flames boasts a collection of highly sought-after cards, with eight standout chase cards determining much of the set’s market value. These cards represent the pinnacle of desirability for collectors, driven by their artwork, rarity, and the Pokémon they feature. The sum of the raw prices for these top 8 cards amounts to $905.57, serving as a baseline indicator of the set’s upper echelon of value. This figure, however, is a conservative estimate for completing a collection, as it does not account for the vast number of common, uncommon, and rare cards, nor the various parallel and secret rare versions that make up the full Obsidian Flames checklist. The significant price disparities among these top cards highlight a common trend in Pokémon sets: a few key pieces disproportionately drive overall set value.

Data sources: What The Slab checks eBay sold comps, PriceCharting market prices, and PSA public-API pop reports. All figures as of June 2026.

1. Pidgeot Ex [Great Ball League - Top Prize] (164)

The Pidgeot Ex [Great Ball League - Top Prize] card, with a raw price of $450.00, is currently the highest-valued single card listed. However, its PSA 10 median price of $206.50 paints a cautionary tale for grading this specific card, resulting in a stark -62.8% grading ROI. This indicates that, as of June 2026, submitting a raw copy for grading and aiming for a perfect PSA 10 is unlikely to be profitable if your intent is to flip it. The 0.5× multiplier between raw and PSA 10 prices suggests significant market factors or grading challenges are at play, making it a card best acquired in its graded form if desired for a collection, rather than as an investment flip.

Buy Pidgeot Ex [Great Ball League - Top Prize] on eBay

2. Charizard ex (223)

The Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare from Obsidian Flames is a prime example of why Charizard continues to be a cornerstone of the Pokémon TCG market. With a raw price of $112.57, this card commands a PSA 10 median price of $779.85. This impressive jump represents a 6.9× multiplier and a substantial 408.0% grading ROI. The high PSA 10 pop count of 12,678, out of a total pop of 55,054, indicates significant collector interest and submission activity, yet the demand and perceived rarity of this specific artwork are clearly keeping its value robust. This makes it a prime candidate for collectors looking to capitalize on grading potential.

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3. Geeta [Regional Championships Staff] (188)

Geeta, in her [Regional Championships Staff] variant from Obsidian Flames, holds a raw price of $100.00. While this positions it as a significant card within the set, the lack of available data for its PSA 10 median price makes it difficult to assess its grading potential or investment viability. Without a comparable PSA 10 value, it’s impossible to calculate a grading ROI or understand the multiplier effect of achieving a perfect grade. This situation often arises with staff or event-exclusive cards that may have limited distribution or less historical sales data compared to standard set releases. Collectors interested in this card might need to rely on its aesthetic appeal and inherent rarity rather than a quantifiable grading play.

4. Umbreon [EB Games] (130)

The Umbreon card from Obsidian Flames, specifically the variant associated with EB Games, holds a strong position with a raw price of $61.35. Its PSA 10 median price reaches $299.00, a significant increase that translates to a 4.9× multiplier and a compelling 213.6% grading ROI. This performance suggests that the demand for Umbreon, particularly in unique variants tied to specific retailers, remains exceptionally high. The ability to more than double your investment through grading is a potent lure for investors, and this Umbreon variant exemplifies a successful grading play where the market consistently rewards pristine examples.

Buy Umbreon [EB Games] on eBay

5. Umbreon [GameStop] (130)

Adding to the allure of Umbreon in the Obsidian Flames set is the variant found at GameStop. This card, also listed under card number 130, shows a raw price of $56.07. When graded to a PSA 10, it commands a median price of $435.73. This substantial leap represents an impressive 7.8× multiplier and an exceptional 391.8% grading ROI. The fact that two distinct Umbreon variants within the same set exhibit such high multipliers and impressive grading returns underscores the Pokémon’s enduring popularity and the market’s willingness to pay a premium for high-grade examples of its special artworks. This variant offers a slightly higher raw entry point than its EB Games counterpart but yields a similarly strong grading return.

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6. Cleffa (202)

The Cleffa Illustration Rare from Obsidian Flames, card #202, is a standout performer in terms of grading potential. With a raw price of $43.88, its PSA 10 median price rockets to $458.21. This signifies an extraordinary 10.4× multiplier, the highest among the top 8 chase cards, and an astounding 516.2% grading ROI. This dramatic increase highlights how crucial achieving a PSA 10 grade is for this particular card. The market clearly values a perfect gem mint Cleffa exceptionally highly, making it a potentially lucrative target for collectors aiming to flip graded cards. The significant appreciation from raw to PSA 10 suggests that while raw copies might be more accessible, the real value lies in securing a perfect grade.

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7. Charizard ex (228)

Another powerful Charizard presence in Obsidian Flames is the Charizard ex Hyper Rare, card #228. This card holds a raw price of $42.20, and when it achieves a PSA 10 grade, its median price jumps to $327.50. This represents a robust 7.8× multiplier and a strong 350.0% grading ROI. While not reaching the heights of the Special Illustration Rare Charizard ex, this Hyper Rare variant still offers significant profit potential for those who can consistently pull and grade perfect examples. Its accessibility at a lower raw price point compared to some other chase cards makes it an attractive option for investors looking for a strong Charizard play within the set.

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8. Ninetales (199)

The Ninetales Illustration Rare from Obsidian Flames, card #199, is another example of a beautifully illustrated card commanding significant market attention. With a raw price of $39.50, it climbs to a PSA 10 median price of $390.00. This translates to an impressive 9.9× multiplier and a highly attractive 461.8% grading ROI. This performance indicates that collectors are willing to pay a substantial premium for a flawless Ninetales, making it a prime target for grading investors. The high multiplier suggests that the demand for PSA 10 graded copies is exceptionally strong, significantly outstripping the value of raw cards.

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Investment Analysis

Grading ROI Across the Set

The grading ROI figures for Obsidian Flames’ top chase cards reveal a clear trend: achieving a PSA 10 grade can dramatically increase a card’s value, making it a sound strategy for certain pieces. Cards like the Cleffa Illustration Rare (#202) offer an astounding 516.2% grading ROI, with its PSA 10 median price at $458.21 compared to a raw price of $43.88. Similarly, the Ninetales Illustration Rare (#199) presents a 461.8% ROI, and the Charizard ex (Special Illustration Rare, #223) boasts a 408.0% ROI. These figures suggest that focusing on acquiring raw copies of these cards and submitting them to grading services, with the goal of a PSA 10, can be a profitable endeavor. However, it’s crucial to factor in grading fees and shipping costs, as these can erode potential profits. The Pidgeot Ex [Great Ball League - Top Prize] (#164) is a significant outlier, demonstrating a negative ROI, indicating that for this card, the market currently does not reward PSA 10 grades as much as its raw price might suggest.

Complete-Set Cost

The estimated raw value of the top 8 chase cards in Obsidian Flames is $905.57. This figure acts as a critical lower-bound for assessing the set’s overall investment. However, for any collector aiming to acquire the complete set, including all common, uncommon, rare, and parallel cards, this number needs significant inflation. For Pokémon TCG sets, it’s generally prudent to estimate the real complete-set cost as 1.2 to 1.5 times the sum of the top chase cards. This multiplier accounts for the substantial cost of acquiring the remaining bulk of the set, which, while individually inexpensive, adds up considerably in volume. Therefore, a more realistic budget for completing Obsidian Flames in its entirety would likely range from $1,086 to $1,358, at a minimum, for raw copies. This does not include the cost of grading any of these cards.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term View

Obsidian Flames, released in 2021, has had ample time to establish its market trajectory. In the short term, prices for its top chase cards, particularly the Charizard ex variants and illustrated rares like Cleffa and Ninetales, have shown resilience and growth, driven by consistent demand for visually appealing and popular Pokémon. These cards often see fluctuations based on new set releases and current TCG trends. For the long term, the set’s performance will likely hinge on the enduring popularity of its featured Pokémon and the scarcity of its high-grade cards. The strong grading ROI on several key cards suggests that collecting and grading a subset of Obsidian Flames could be a more strategic approach than aiming for the full set immediately. The potential for reprint waves in modern sets always looms as a factor, though chase cards with unique art often retain value.

Risks

Investing in any Pokémon TCG set carries inherent risks, and Obsidian Flames is no exception. A primary concern for modern sets is the possibility of reprints. While Obsidian Flames has been out since 2021, Pokémon’s parent company, The Pokémon Company International, can and does re-release popular sets or introduce similar cards in future sets. This can dilute the scarcity of certain cards and negatively impact their market value. Another risk is the evolving nature of the Pokémon TCG itself; gameplay shifts and set rotations in the competitive scene can sometimes influence the demand for certain Pokémon or specific cards, though this primarily affects playable cards rather than purely collector-driven chase art. Furthermore, changes in grading standards or the emergence of competing grading services could theoretically impact the premium commanded by PSA-graded cards, although PSA remains the dominant force. The value of raw cards is also subject to market sentiment and the availability of new supply entering the market.

Worth Collecting? The Verdict

Verdict: WATCH. Obsidian Flames presents a compelling investment for specific collector types, but a full-set acquisition may not be the optimal strategy in 2026. Its value is heavily concentrated in its chase cards, many of which offer excellent grading potential.

• The Pokémon Cards Completionist: WATCH. If your goal is to meticulously collect every card in Obsidian Flames, this set demands significant investment beyond the top chase cards. The floor of $905.57 for just the top 8 is a strong indicator that completing the entire set will be a costly endeavor, especially when factoring in the cost of commons, uncommons, and various parallel versions.

• The ROI-Focused Investor: BUY (Selectively). For investors keen on grading plays, Obsidian Flames offers fantastic opportunities. The Cleffa Illustration Rare (#202) with its 516.2% ROI, Ninetales Illustration Rare (#199) with 461.8%, and Charizard ex (Special Illustration Rare, #223) with 408.0% are prime targets. Acquire raw copies of these specific cards and submit them for grading, aiming for PSA 10s. Avoid the Pidgeot Ex [Great Ball League - Top Prize] (#164) for grading flips.

• The New Collector with $452 to Spend: WATCH (Focus on 1-2 Chase Cards). With $452, you can likely acquire a high-grade version of one or two of the set’s most desirable chase cards, such as the Charizard ex (Hyper Rare, #228) or even potentially a PSA 9 or 10 of the Umbreon [GameStop] variant (#130). Attempting to build a substantial portion of the set with this budget would dilute your collection’s value; instead, prioritize iconic cards with strong upside.

Pro Tip: While the Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare (#223) offers a 408.0% grading ROI, always remember to factor in grading fees, shipping, and insurance when calculating your potential profit margin. A high theoretical ROI can quickly diminish if these overhead costs are not meticulously accounted for. For high-value cards like this, consider premium grading services that offer enhanced protection and authentication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Obsidian Flames a good set to collect in 2026?

Obsidian Flames is a good set to collect selectively in 2026, particularly if you focus on its high-value chase cards that demonstrate strong grading ROI, such as the Cleffa Illustration Rare (#202) with its 516.2% return. However, completing the entire set represents a significant financial commitment beyond the sum of its top 8 cards, which is estimated at $905.57 raw.

What are the most valuable cards in Obsidian Flames?

The most valuable cards in Obsidian Flames are its chase cards, led by the Pidgeot Ex [Great Ball League - Top Prize] (#164) at $450 raw, and the highly sought-after Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare (#223) at $112.57 raw, which has a PSA 10 median of $779.85. Other key cards include Umbreon variants and illustrated rares like Cleffa and Ninetales.

Can I make money grading Obsidian Flames cards?

Yes, you can potentially make money grading Obsidian Flames cards, but it’s crucial to target the right ones. Cards like Cleffa (#202) offer over 500% grading ROI, and Charizard ex (#223) offers over 400%. These high multipliers suggest profit potential for PSA 10 grades, provided you factor in all submission costs. The Pidgeot Ex [Great Ball League - Top Prize] (#164) is an exception, showing a negative ROI.

How much does it cost to complete the Obsidian Flames set?

While the top 8 chase cards alone have a raw value of $905.57, completing the entire Obsidian Flames set will cost significantly more. It’s estimated that the real cost is 1.2 to 1.5 times the sum of the top cards, placing a realistic floor for raw completion between $1,086 and $1,358. This figure does not include the cost of grading.

Should I buy Obsidian Flames sealed products in 2026?

Buying sealed products of Obsidian Flames in 2026 is a gamble. While booster packs and boxes could yield valuable chase cards like the Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare (#223) or Cleffa Illustration Rare (#202), the overall profitability depends on pull rates and market demand. For direct investment, focusing on acquiring already graded high-value singles with proven ROI, like PSA 10 Charizard ex, is often a more predictable strategy.

What is the set number for the Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare in Obsidian Flames?

The Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare in Obsidian Flames has the set number 223. This card is a major draw for the set, boasting a PSA 10 median price of $779.85 and a significant 408.0% grading ROI based on its raw price.

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