3 min read

The upcoming set Scarlet & Violet – Black Bolt & White Flare promises to become one of the most unique Pokémon TCG sets of the year. This set is entirely about the battle between light and darkness, with powerful Pokémon that each have their own style and effect. But what makes this set so special? And which cards should you absolutely keep an eye on? Let's dive in.

No booster boxes, but plenty of products

What stands out straight away about Black Bolt & White Flare is that no traditional booster boxes are being released. Instead, the set focuses on special releases such as ETBs, blisters, binders and collector sets.

That makes the set harder to complete, but it does raise the collectible value of the individual cards. The promo cards that sit exclusively in certain products are especially sought after.

Chase cards in Black Bolt & White Flare

As you know, every new Pokémon set comes down to that one rare card everybody wants. In Black Bolt & White Flare there are a few cards that are already seen as chase cards. Here they are:

Black Bolt chase cards

  • Zekrom ex (BWR): new 'Black White Rare' rarity with a monochrome background. This card has a menacing look and an intense holofoil effect.
  • Serperior ex (SIR): Special Illustration Rare with unique artwork. A must-have for fans of the Unova starters.
  • Kyurem ex: powerful ex card with impressive attacks. This card can play a key role in tournament decks.
  • Thundurus (IR): Illustration Rare with a striking design. A dynamic card with a lightning bolt running right across it.
  • Victini (Promo): available through the Card File Set. This promo card has a unique shine that you only find in this set.

White Flare chase cards

  • Reshiram ex (BWR): the counterpart to Zekrom, with an equally impressive rarity.
  • Emboar (IR): Illustration Rare of the Fire-type starter. The artwork is lively and full of action.
  • Samurott (IR): Illustration Rare of the Water-type starter. A card with deep colours and intense holo effects.
  • Tornadus (IR): Illustration Rare with a dynamic pose. This card feels like a miniature work of art.
  • Victini (Promo): available through the Victini Illustration Collection. This promo card shows Victini in a sparkling, almost magical design.

Regular cards in Black Bolt & White Flare

Besides the chase cards, a fair number of regular cards have been revealed as well. Here is the list:

Black Bolt regular cards:

  • Snivy
  • Servine
  • Serperior ex
  • Victini
  • Kyurem ex
  • Tynamo
  • Eelektrik
  • Eelektross
  • Thundurus
  • Zekrom ex
  • Landorus
  • Air Balloon (Trainer)
  • Professor's Research (Professor Juniper) (Trainer)
  • Prism Energy (Special Energy card)

White Flare regular cards:

  • Tepig
  • Pignite
  • Emboar
  • Reshiram ex
  • Oshawott
  • Dewott
  • Samurott
  • Lillipup
  • Herdier
  • Stoutland
  • Tornadus
  • Cheren (Trainer)
  • Energy Retrieval (Trainer)
  • Hilda (Trainer)
  • Ignition Energy (Special Energy card)

Why are these cards so unique?

What makes this set truly unique is that the cards do not come in traditional booster boxes. They are only spread through special products such as ETBs, blisters and binders. That makes collecting certain cards a good deal more challenging, but also more interesting.

The promo cards of Victini, Thundurus and Tornadus in particular are expected to be very popular. These cards have a unique shine and are only released in specific products.

Our personal favourites

As collectors we are especially excited about the Zekrom ex (BWR) and Reshiram ex (BWR) cards. The new 'Black White Rare' rarity is a visual spectacle, with intense holofoil effects and a dark, almost sinister look.

On top of that, we expect the Victini promo cards to rise in value quickly. These cards not only have a unique shine, they are also hard to get hold of. They sit only in the Illustration Collection, which means you have to invest a fair bit to complete them.