Pokémon TCG Set Guide
Every Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Set in Order
A complete chronological guide to all ten main Scarlet & Violet expansions and six special sets, with release dates, full checklist totals, Pokémon ex, Illustration Rares, Special Illustration Rares, ACE SPEC cards and the final Black Bolt and White Flare expansions.
Last updated: August 13, 2026
What are all the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet sets in order?
The complete English release order is Scarlet & Violet, Paldea Evolved, Obsidian Flames, 151, Paradox Rift, Paldean Fates, Temporal Forces, Twilight Masquerade, Shrouded Fable, Stellar Crown, Surging Sparks, Prismatic Evolutions, Journey Together, Destined Rivals, Black Bolt and White Flare. There are ten main expansions and six special expansions when Black Bolt and White Flare are counted separately.
Complete Scarlet & Violet Set List in Order
| # | Expansion | Release date | Complete checklist | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scarlet & Violet | March 31, 2023 | 258 | Main |
| 2 | Paldea Evolved | June 9, 2023 | 279 | Main |
| 3 | Obsidian Flames | August 11, 2023 | 230 | Main |
| 4 | 151 | September 22, 2023 | 207 | Special |
| 5 | Paradox Rift | November 3, 2023 | 266 | Main |
| 6 | Paldean Fates | January 26, 2024 | 245 | Special |
| 7 | Temporal Forces | March 22, 2024 | 218 | Main |
| 8 | Twilight Masquerade | May 24, 2024 | 226 | Main |
| 9 | Shrouded Fable | August 2, 2024 | 99 | Special |
| 10 | Stellar Crown | September 13, 2024 | 175 | Main |
| 11 | Surging Sparks | November 8, 2024 | 252 | Main |
| 12 | Prismatic Evolutions | January 17, 2025 | 180 | Special |
| 13 | Journey Together | March 28, 2025 | 190 | Main |
| 14 | Destined Rivals | May 30, 2025 | 244 | Main |
| 15 | Black Bolt | July 18, 2025 | 172 | Special |
| 16 | White Flare | July 18, 2025 | 173 | Special |
Checklist totals include every numbered card beyond the printed set denominator. Parallel foils and product-exclusive promotional cards are not added as separate checklist numbers.
What Is the Scarlet & Violet Pokémon TCG Era?
The Scarlet & Violet Series followed the Sword & Shield era and shifted the English Pokémon TCG to silver card borders. It brought back Pokémon ex, introduced Terastallized Pokémon ex and reorganized modern rarities around Illustration Rare, Special Illustration Rare, Ultra Rare and Hyper Rare cards.
The era began with the base expansion on March 31, 2023. Its final releases were the paired Black Bolt and White Flare special expansions on July 18, 2025. The separate Mega Evolution Series began afterward on September 26, 2025.
Black Bolt and White Flare are two sets
They launched together and share an Unova theme, but each has its own name, symbol and checklist. A complete era list should count them separately.
Scarlet & Violet Sets Released in 2023
1. Scarlet & Violet
The base set introduced the era’s silver borders and revived Pokémon ex. Miriam, Gardevoir ex, Miraidon ex and Koraidon ex received Special Illustration Rare treatments, while the Illustration Rare tier turned regular Pokémon into full-scene collector cards.
2. Paldea Evolved
Paldea Evolved expanded the Paldean Pokédex with Chien-Pao ex, Iono and the Paldea starters. Magikarp 203/193 became one of the era’s most recognizable Illustration Rares.
3. Obsidian Flames
Obsidian Flames centred on a Darkness-type Terastallized Charizard ex. Its compact secret section also includes Pidgeot ex and Ninetales Illustration Rare.
Scarlet & Violet—151
151 revisited the original Kanto Pokédex in National Pokédex order. Charizard ex, Blastoise ex, Venusaur ex, Zapdos ex and Alakazam ex headline its Special Illustration Rares.
4. Paradox Rift
Paradox Rift introduced Ancient and Future labels with Roaring Moon ex and Iron Valiant ex. Groudon, Steelix and the connected Plusle and Minun cards stand out among its Illustration Rares.
Shop Scarlet & Violet Pokémon Singles
Scarlet & Violet Sets Released in 2024
Paldean Fates
Paldean Fates is the era’s major Shiny Pokémon expansion. Shiny Rare and Shiny Ultra Rare cards fill much of the checklist, with Mew ex, Charizard ex and Gardevoir ex among the leading Special Illustration Rares.
5. Temporal Forces
Temporal Forces introduced ACE SPEC cards to the Scarlet & Violet Series. Walking Wake ex, Raging Bolt ex, Iron Crown ex and Iron Leaves ex continue the Ancient and Future theme.
6. Twilight Masquerade
Twilight Masquerade explores Kitakami and Ogerpon’s four masks. Greninja ex 214/167 became its signature chase, supported by Carmine, Perrin and multiple Ogerpon ex cards.
Shrouded Fable
This compact Kitakami special set focuses on Pecharunt and the Loyal Three. Its illustration lineup includes Persian, Houndoom, Cresselia and Duskull’s evolutionary family.
7. Stellar Crown
Stellar Crown introduced Stellar Tera Pokémon ex led by Terapagos ex. The set also features Squirtle and Bulbasaur Illustration Rares designed as companion scenes.
8. Surging Sparks
Surging Sparks brought the era to Alola with Stellar Tera Pikachu ex. Latias ex, Milotic ex, Hydreigon ex and Lisia’s Appeal add depth to its Special Illustration Rare lineup.
Scarlet & Violet Sets Released in 2025
Prismatic Evolutions
Prismatic Evolutions is built around Eevee and all eight Eeveelutions as Stellar Tera Pokémon ex. Umbreon ex, Sylveon ex and the rest of the Eeveelution Special Illustration Rares drive the set’s collector demand.
9. Journey Together
Journey Together reintroduced Trainer’s Pokémon, pairing named trainers with their partners. Lillie’s Clefairy ex, N’s Zoroark ex, Iono’s Bellibolt ex and Hop’s Zacian ex lead the theme.
10. Destined Rivals
Destined Rivals pits heroic Trainer’s Pokémon against Team Rocket. Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex, Cynthia’s Garchomp ex, Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex and Misty’s Psyduck are collector highlights.
Black Bolt
Black Bolt gives all 156 Unova Pokémon coverage across the paired release and is led by Zekrom ex. Its monochrome Black White Rare cards create a distinct end-of-era treatment.
White Flare
White Flare is Black Bolt’s companion expansion and is led by Reshiram ex. Together, the two checklists celebrate the Unova Pokédex with Illustration Rare or Special Illustration Rare artwork for every Unova Pokémon.
Every Special Scarlet & Violet Set
| Special expansion | Defining theme | Traditional booster box? |
|---|---|---|
| 151 | Original 151 Kanto Pokémon | No |
| Paldean Fates | Shiny Rare and Shiny Ultra Rare cards | No |
| Shrouded Fable | Pecharunt and the Loyal Three | No |
| Prismatic Evolutions | Eevee and all eight Eeveelutions | No |
| Black Bolt | Unova, Zekrom and Black White Rares | No |
| White Flare | Unova, Reshiram and Black White Rares | No |
Special expansions are usually sold through products such as Elite Trainer Boxes, collections, tins and booster bundles instead of standard 36-pack booster boxes.
Scarlet & Violet Rarity Symbols Explained
| Rarity | Symbol | Typical card style |
|---|---|---|
| Common | Black circle | Standard card |
| Uncommon | Black diamond | Standard card |
| Rare | Black star | Usually holographic |
| Double Rare | Two black stars | Pokémon ex |
| Illustration Rare | One gold star | Full-card illustrated Pokémon scene |
| Ultra Rare | Two silver stars | Full Art Pokémon ex or Supporter |
| Special Illustration Rare | Two gold stars | Premium illustrated Pokémon ex or Supporter |
| Hyper Rare | Three gold stars | Gold card treatment |
The printed denominator is not the complete total
A card numbered 203/193 belongs to Paldea Evolved even though 203 exceeds the denominator. Illustration Rares and other secret cards continue after the nominal main checklist.
Major Scarlet & Violet Card Mechanics
Pokémon ex
Pokémon ex returned as powerful multi-Prize Pokémon. Unlike the lowercase “ex” cards from the historical EX era, modern Scarlet & Violet Pokémon ex can evolve from regular Pokémon.
Terastallized and Stellar Tera Pokémon ex
Tera Pokémon ex represent the Terastal phenomenon from the video games. Stellar Tera Pokémon ex arrived later with multi-type attack costs and distinctive crystalline artwork.
Ancient and Future cards
Paradox Rift introduced Ancient and Future labels that connect Pokémon, Trainers and deck engines.
ACE SPEC cards
ACE SPEC cards returned in Temporal Forces. A deck may include only one ACE SPEC card total, making each a powerful one-per-deck choice.
Trainer’s Pokémon
Journey Together and Destined Rivals restored named partnerships such as N’s Zoroark ex and Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex.
Notable Cards From Every Main Scarlet & Violet Set
| Set | Notable cards | Defining feature |
|---|---|---|
| Scarlet & Violet | Miriam, Gardevoir ex, Miraidon ex | Pokémon ex and new rarities |
| Paldea Evolved | Magikarp, Iono, Chien-Pao ex | Large Illustration Rare roster |
| Obsidian Flames | Charizard ex, Pidgeot ex, Ninetales | Darkness-type Tera Charizard |
| Paradox Rift | Roaring Moon ex, Iron Valiant ex, Groudon | Ancient and Future debut |
| Temporal Forces | Walking Wake ex, Raging Bolt ex, Iron Crown ex | ACE SPEC return |
| Twilight Masquerade | Greninja ex, Carmine, Perrin | Ogerpon and Kitakami |
| Stellar Crown | Terapagos ex, Squirtle, Bulbasaur | Stellar Tera debut |
| Surging Sparks | Pikachu ex, Latias ex, Milotic ex | Alola and Stellar Tera |
| Journey Together | Lillie’s Clefairy ex, N’s Zoroark ex | Trainer’s Pokémon return |
| Destined Rivals | Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex, Cynthia’s Garchomp ex | Team Rocket versus Trainers |
How to Identify a Scarlet & Violet Card
- Look for the expansion code and collector number at the bottom-left of the card.
- Check the rarity symbol beside the collector number.
- Match the exact artwork. A Pokémon may have regular, Full Art, Illustration Rare and Special Illustration Rare versions.
- Do not use only the Pokémon’s name. Search the full name plus collector number.
- Compare the same condition and language before valuing the card.
For step-by-step help, use our Pokémon set and card-number guide and fake Pokémon card guide.
How to Collect Scarlet & Violet Pokémon Cards
Pick a focused collection
Strong projects include Illustration Rares, Special Illustration Rares, Shiny Pokémon from Paldean Fates, all 151 Kanto Pokémon, Eeveelutions from Prismatic Evolutions or paired Black Bolt and White Flare Unova cards.
Build the correct checklist
Decide whether “master set” includes reverse holos, promotional stamps and product-exclusive promos. These variants can expand a project well beyond the numbered checklist.
Buy singles when precision matters
Opening packs is entertaining, but singles let you target exact card numbers and conditions. Browse our in-stock Pokémon singles when filling checklist gaps.
Protect the condition
Review our Pokémon card condition guide and storage guide before handling higher-rarity cards.
Price and grade carefully
Use exact sold comparisons with our price-checking guide. For expensive Special Illustration Rares, read whether you should grade your Pokémon cards.
Find Scarlet & Violet Cards at Game 3
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Scarlet & Violet sets are there?
There are 16 English expansions when ten main sets and six special sets are counted, with Black Bolt and White Flare treated as separate expansions.
What was the first Scarlet & Violet set?
The Scarlet & Violet base expansion released on March 31, 2023.
What was the final Scarlet & Violet set?
Black Bolt and White Flare were the final Scarlet & Violet expansions. Both released on July 18, 2025.
Is Prismatic Evolutions a special set?
Yes. Prismatic Evolutions is a special expansion and was not released in traditional 36-pack booster boxes.
Are Black Bolt and White Flare one set or two?
They are two separate special expansions with different checklists, even though they released on the same date and share an Unova theme.
Which Scarlet & Violet set has the original 151 Pokémon?
Scarlet & Violet—151 is the Kanto-focused special expansion released on September 22, 2023.
Which set introduced ACE SPEC cards?
Temporal Forces returned ACE SPEC cards to the Pokémon TCG on March 22, 2024.
Did Mega Evolution belong to the Scarlet & Violet Series?
No. Mega Evolution began a separate Pokémon TCG series after Scarlet & Violet.
Sources and Editorial Method
Release order and official dates were checked against the Pokémon TCG expansion archive and individual official expansion pages. Complete numbered checklist totals were cross-checked using published card checklists. Black Bolt and White Flare are counted separately because each is an independent expansion.
