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 important to note that each expansion set usually has a different variety of products on offer. 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.
Prismatic Evolutions and Journey Together, in particular, continue to see high demand, but it’s still possible to find single packs for most sets at most retailers.
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 first main set release of 2025, Journey Together marks the return of Partner Pokemon first introduced in the Wizards of the Coast era.
While not subject to the same level of hype as Prismatic Evolutions, Journey Together has been similarly well-received in terms of playability and collectability, making it very sought-after. Packs are available at the following retailers:
Some of the most sought-after cards in Journey Together include the Ultra and Special Illustration Rare versions of Lillie’s Clefairy and N’s Reshiram. Neither card fetches prices in the same league as Prismatic Evolutions but they’re absolutely worth holding onto if pulled.
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 their 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.
Surging Sparks
Release date: November 8, 2024
Surging Sparks was released on November 8, 2024, to product shortages and excited players. However, with the release of Prismatic Evolutions, a change in attention has made these packs less difficult to obtain.
Additionally, Surging Sparks has an excellent card list that features powerful options like Archaludon ex, Pikachu ex, and Latias ex. You can find packs at:
Twilight Masquerade
The Pokemon CompanyRelease date: May 24, 2024
Twilight Masquerade came out on May 24, 2024, and it was well received by players. If you’re hunting for cards with strong narrative appeal, unique designs, and powerful Attacks, this is arguably the best expansion set to pick up Booster Packs from.
This expansion set takes heavy inspiration from the Pokemon Scarlet & Violet DLC, featuring fan-favorite Pokemon like Ogerpon. You can pick up Booster Packs at:
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 to 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.
Paradox Rift
The Pokemon CompanyRelease date: November 3, 2023
The Paradox Rift expansion set came out in late 2023 and it made waves in the community. There are some seriously beautiful cards in the Paradox Rift, with some gorgeous Paradox designs and Tera Pokemon taking center stage.
There is some real value to be had with Paradox Rift as a player, too. The Paradox Pokemon in the set like Brute Bonnet offer some powerful Abilities and Attacks, and they can be a lot of fun to build creative decks around, too.
The main places that we’d suggest getting Paradox Rift Booster Packs at (as well as other Pokemon TCG products like the ETB from this expansion set) include:
If you do end up pulling any chase cards from a Paradox Rift Booster Pack, sleeve it and hang onto it – there could be some real value in these cards down the line. Additionally, they’re now becoming extra relevant with the addition of Stellar Tera-type Pokemon to the game.
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 incentivized several lapsed Pokemon TCG players to come back to the game thanks to the 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 from a collector’s perspective, if not more so.
Scarlet & Violet
The Pokemon CompanyRelease date: March 31, 2023
The Pokemon Trading Card Game entered a new era with the Scarlet & Violet base set, which launched in March 2023. While base sets don’t always go down well with the community, the Scarlet & Violet base set has some popular cards.
One of the most interesting things about the Scarlet & Violet base set is that it introduced new card rarities and classifications. Rarities like Special Illustration Rares and Double Rares existed in some capacity before the SV release, but this expansion base set made rarities a lot clearer.
Aside from the artistic aspect of this base set, there are also some great cards to check out as a competitive player. If you’re keen on checking out these cards, you can find Booster Packs at:
The Elite Trainer Box for the base set is also worth checking out, and you’ll be able to find it at the linked locations as well.
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.
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