If you’re hunting the best Pokémon packs to buy for rare cards, the trick is simple: pick sets with strong “hit profiles” and chase cards the hobby actually cares about — not just whatever’s sitting on the shelf.
In this guide we’ll break down a handful of sets that give collectors a better shot at rare, high-value pulls — whether you’re ripping for fun, building a PC, or taking the “maybe this becomes a banger long-term” approach.
Before we dive in: pull rates for physical packs aren’t officially “locked in” by Pokémon in a way collectors can verify publicly, so the stats below are community / large-sample estimates. (They’re still super handy for comparing sets — just don’t treat them like commandments carved into a Master Ball.)
Top Current Sets With Strong Pull Potential
Paldean Fates
Paldean Fates is a modern favourite for one big reason: it’s loaded with Shiny hits. You’re not just chasing one unicorn — you’ve got a whole shiny subset, which means more chances to pull something that feels like a win.
Why collectors love it
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A big Shiny subset = more “hit moments” and more chase variants that tend to outperform regular rares in demand.
Estimated pull-rate highlights (per pack)
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Shiny Rare: ~1 in 4 packs (TCGplayer)
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Shiny Ultra Rare (Full Art): ~1 in 13 packs (TCGplayer)
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Illustration Rare: ~1 in 14 packs (TCGplayer)
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Special Illustration Rare: ~1 in 58 packs (TCGplayer)
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Gold / Hyper Rare: ~1 in 62 packs (TCGplayer)
If your goal is “open packs and actually see cool stuff,” Paldean Fates is one of the best Pokémon booster packs for rare cards right now.
Temporal Forces
Temporal Forces is a set with real value density — especially when you factor in cards that collectors and players want. This one’s a great pick if you like opening a set where multiple rarity tiers feel relevant.
Why it’s spicy
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ACE SPEC cards help keep openings interesting, and Special Illustration Rares are legitimate chase.
Estimated pull-rate highlights (per pack)
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ACE SPEC Rare: ~1 in 20 packs (TCGplayer)
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Illustration Rare: ~1 in 13 packs (ThePriceDex)
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Special Illustration Rare: ~1 in 85 packs (ThePriceDex)
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Hyper Rare: ~1 in 139 packs (ThePriceDex)
Collector note: if you’re only chasing the absolute top-end (SIR/Hyper), Temporal Forces can feel tough — but the ACE SPEC layer softens the pain a bit.
Phantasmal Flames
Phantasmal Flames is the newest 2025 set in this list, and it’s bringing peak “chase culture” energy — with multiple Charizard ex variants leading the charge. Historically, Charizard chase cards are some of the best performers in long-term hobby demand, and this set leans all the way into that.
Why collectors are ripping it
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Strong overall pull rates for mid-to-upper tiers, with a very clear top-end chase ladder (aka: you know what you’re hunting). (TCGplayer)
Estimated pull-rate highlights (per pack)
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Special Illustration Rare (any): ~1 in 80 packs (TCGplayer)
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Mega Charizard ex SIR (specific chase example): ~1 in 400 packs (PokéBeach)
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Mega Hyper Rare (top tier chase example): ~1 in 1,260 packs (PokéBeach)
If you’re the kind of collector who loves a big chase… this set is basically saying, “Hello, I am your financial decision-making test.”
Beloved Older Sets With Proven Value for Rares
Hidden Fates
Hidden Fates is hobby royalty. It’s one of the most iconic modern-era chase sets thanks to its Shiny Vault and the legendary shiny hits that collectors still hunt (and grade) years later.
Why it still matters
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Big shiny appeal + nostalgia + proven collector demand. When people say “they don’t make ’em like they used to,” Hidden Fates is often what they’re thinking of.
Estimated pull-rate highlights (community data)
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Shiny Pokémon-GX: ~1 in 9 packs (community estimate from large openings) (Reddit)
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Baby shinies: ~1 in 4 packs (community estimate) (Elite Fourum)
Important reality check: Hidden Fates can be amazing… and it can also be an elite-level reminder that chasing one specific card is a journey. Budget accordingly.
Crown Zenith
Crown Zenith is a “rip and feel good about it” set. It has a stack of art-driven hits (hello, Galarian Gallery) and a reputation for giving collectors enough action per session to keep things fun.
Why it’s a favourite
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The set is packed with gorgeous variants, and the overall hit profile is strong — perfect for collectors hunting unique cards.
Estimated pull-rate highlights (per pack)
If you want a set that’s just fun to open (and doesn’t feel like you’re walking into a boss fight every pack), Crown Zenith is a great shout.
Catch All The Cards You Need at Cherry!
Whether you’re chasing rare pulls or playing it smart and grabbing the singles you actually want, you’ve got options:
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