If you have been collecting Pokémon cards for a while, you certainly know Darkness Ablaze. This set brought a new wave of hype with it in August 2020, mainly because of the iconic Charizard VMAX. But what makes Darkness Ablaze still so interesting for collectors and investors years later? Let's look at the main items, the hype then and now, and the valuable chase cards.
What is Darkness Ablaze?
Darkness Ablaze is a set in the Sword & Shield series and was released in August 2020. The set introduced some of the most iconic VMAX cards, among them Charizard VMAX, Rillaboom VMAX and Salamence VMAX. The artwork is impressive and many cards have a holofoil finish that catches your eye immediately.
What we personally find interesting about Darkness Ablaze is that the set offers a perfect mix of playable cards and collector's items. For players there are strong V and VMAX cards, while collectors can hunt for the rare Secret Rares and Full Art cards.
Which Darkness Ablaze products are there?
Darkness Ablaze came out with a broad range of products. This is what you can expect:
- Booster Packs: every pack contains 10 cards, with a chance at a holo or VMAX card.
- Booster Boxes: contain 36 packs, ideal for collectors who want to maximise their chances of pulling a Charizard VMAX.
- Elite Trainer Boxes: filled with 8 packs, sleeves and other accessories with an Eternatus theme.
- Theme Decks: for players who want to start with a playable deck straight away.
What we like about the Darkness Ablaze items is the use of Eternatus as the theme. The artwork on the Elite Trainer Box is a real eye-catcher and a must-have for collectors.
Hype then and now
At release Darkness Ablaze was an instant hit. The Charizard VMAX caused a genuine rush, which meant booster boxes sold out in no time. But how does that look now?
The hype around Darkness Ablaze has cooled off a little, but the set stays in demand. The Charizard VMAX in particular remains one of the most coveted cards, certainly in PSA 10 quality. What we find interesting is that some cards from the set, such as the Rillaboom Secret Rare, are still rising in value.
Chase cards and prices of Darkness Ablaze
The chase cards in Darkness Ablaze are without a doubt the Charizard VMAX, Rillaboom Secret Rare and Salamence VMAX. Here are the current prices:
Raw prices (ungraded):
- Charizard VMAX: €29 - €50
Graded prices (PSA 10):
- Charizard VMAX (PSA 10): €100 - €500
What we personally find striking is that the Charizard VMAX in PSA 10 still reaches prices above €400. That makes Darkness Ablaze an interesting set for investors looking for long-term value.
Our conclusion? Darkness Ablaze is not only a nostalgic set for collectors, but also a set that still offers opportunities for investment. Whether you go for the Charizard VMAX or other Secret Rares, this set stays worth keeping an eye on.
