There are many exciting Pokemon TCG sets released every year, and the sheer volume of available cards can be overwhelming, whether you’re a new or seasoned fan.
If you’re a player, a collector, or simply looking to purchase some rare cards as a present for a loved one, it can be tricky trying to figure out the best sets.
We’ve got you covered with a curated list of the best Pokemon card packs to buy in 2025, looking at both standard expansion sets and special sets, too.
Best Pokemon card packs to buy (2025)
It’s essential to note that each expansion set typically offers a distinct range of products. We’ll be referencing Booster Packs specifically here, but make sure to check out Elite Trainer Boxes or ex Premium Collections if there’s a specific set that appeals to you.
With the Pokemon TCG hobby experiencing massive interest in 2025 due, in part, to a streak of incredibly popular set releases, getting hold of some products can be difficult. However, it’s still possible to find single packs for most sets at most retailers.
Mega Evolution
DEXERTORelease date: September 26, 2025
The announcement of this set hyped old-time fans, as it revived the Mega Evolution mechanic, which was absent from the game for a very long time. However, while Mega Evolutions are incredibly strong Pokemon, losing them in a match is more punishing, as one down means applying the 3-prize rule – instead of the usual 1 or 2.
Players looking to buy the Mega Evolution set can find different products in regular retailers:
Because this is a comeback for Megas, part of the excitement is in seeing how the metagame reacts to the newest additions, which include a particularly strong Mega Venusaur ex and the reprint of Forest of Vitality.
Related
Destined Rivals
Release date: May 30, 2025
The second main set of 2025, following Journey Together, Destined Rivals once more thrusts Team Rocket into the limelight.
The villainous group, led by Giovanni, hasn’t fronted a set since 2004’s EX Team Rocket Returns. As a result, Destined Rivals has explosive hype behind it to rival Prismatic Evolutions and boasts several chase cards.
The cream of the crop is an Illustration Rare of Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex, which features the Gen 1 legendary alongside Team Rocket’s leader.
Journey Together
Release date: March 28, 2025
The Journey Together set features a broad inclusion of playable cards and staples still legal in Standard formats, making it a strong value pick for both competitive players and collectors.
Its widespread availability and moderate price point contrast with recent premium-tier releases, giving those interested in this expansion alike a lower-risk entry into the current meta and sealed-box market.
Look out for Clefairy’s Special Illustration Rare, as it is considered the #1 chase card from the whole set. Other iconic pulls include the Special Illustration Rare for Salamence and Zoroark ex.
Prismatic Evolutions
Release date: January 17, 2025
Without hyperbole, Prismatic Evolutions has proven to be one of the most successful Pokemon TCG releases of the modern era. That’s largely thanks to the set’s focus on Eevee’s various Eeveelutions, with each getting its own Special Illustration Rare.
Due to the hype, getting hold of any Prismatic Evolutions products is tough without paying inflated prices, even at major retailers. If you’re willing to spend above RRP, single packs are available at the following retailers:
Just like Evolving Skies’ so-called ‘Moonbreon’, the Special Illustration Rare for Eevee’s Dark-type evolution, Umbreon, is the crown jewel of Prismatic Evolutions. While it’s the biggest chase card of the set, Eevee’s other evolutions are worth sleeving if pulled, too.
White Flare & Black Bolt
DEXERTORelease date: July 18, 2025
The simultaneous release of White Flare and Black Bolt became a big thing in the Pokemon TCG world because this expansion is the last of the Scarlet & Violet era. Plus, every Unova creature got an Illustration Rare or Special Illustration Rare between the two sets, which got collectors super hyped.
Players looking for these products can find them in different retailers:
This expansion introduced a stylized Black White rare treatment and brought back nostalgic Black & White-era foil vibes. Keep in mind that while Black Bolt includes Zekrom ex variants and cards like Palpitoad and Dwebble, White Flare has Reshiram ex variants, the trainer Hilda, and the likes of Litwick and Frillish.
Paldean Fates
The Pokemon CompanyRelease date: January 26, 2024
Paldean Fates is arguably one of the best Pokemon TCG sets that’s come out in recent years. It’s the equivalent of the Japanese set Shiny Treasure ex, and it features a plethora of gorgeous, Shiny designs.
If you’re a Shiny hunter, you need to check out this set. There are some stunning Illustration Rares and collector’s pieces in Paldean Fates, and we’d recommend picking up packs at:
The cards in this set are still worth looking at as competitive players, too. The Tera Charizard (234/091) is still one of the most valuable cards from Paldean Fates, and it’s a heavy-hitter to have in a deck.
151
The Pokemon CompanyRelease date: September 22, 2023
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet – 151 was an instant hit with long-time collectors when it came out, and it’s still climbing in popularity to this day.
Not only was this set a hit with players and competitive players, but it also incentivised several lapsed Pokemon TCG players to return to the game thanks to its nostalgic focus on the original 151 Kanto Pokemon and its strong aesthetic.
Secret Rares from the 151 set are worthwhile pieces to add to your collection, and there are plenty of competitively viable pieces in the set, too. You can pick up Booster Packs at:
Keep an eye out for Japanese 151 Booster Packs while you shop, too. The Japanese counterpart to the set is just as valuable to collectors, if not more so.
We’ll be sure to keep this article updated throughout the year, bringing you the best Pokemon packs to pick up and add to your collection.
Please note that if you click on a product link on this page, we may earn a small affiliate commission.