Obsidian Flames Card List: Tera Charizard ex and the Best Chase Cards
A Dark-type Tera Charizard ex, gorgeous Illustration Rares and only 33 secret rares. Here's the Obsidian Flames card list.
4 min read
Pokémon guide
A Dark-type Charizard ex was always going to get people talking. Obsidian Flames gave us exactly that, and years later it’s still one of the sets collectors ask about most. If you want a clear Obsidian Flames card list guide that focuses on the cards that matter, here it is.
We’ll walk through the basics, the chase cards, how to collect it today and the products that are still around.
The Charizard ex Super-Premium Collection.
In this guide
Obsidian Flames at a glance
Scarlet & Violet, Obsidian Flames released in English on 11 August 2023. Its headline card is a Charizard ex with a Darkness-type Tera form, which was a big talking point at the time. It’s the English version of the Japanese set Ruler of the Black Flame.
Set size: 230 cards, with 197 in the main set and 33 secret rares.
Headline Pokémon: Charizard ex (Darkness-type Tera).
Japanese equivalent: Ruler of the Black Flame.
The Obsidian Flames card list has a big main set but relatively few secret rares, which makes the “full” set feel more achievable than many modern releases.
The chase cards on the Obsidian Flames card list
These are the cards collectors want most. We don’t include prices because they change, but this order reflects demand.
Charizard ex (223/197)
The Special Illustration Rare is the card of the set. A Tera Charizard with dark, dramatic artwork is pretty much everything a Charizard fan could want.
Charizard ex (228/197) and (215/197)
The gold Hyper Rare (228/197) and the Ultra Rare (215/197) give you two more ways to pull a Charizard. The Ultra Rare is much easier to find, so it’s a nice “I got one” card for younger collectors.
Ninetales, Cleffa and Gloom
The Illustration Rares of Ninetales (199/197), Cleffa (202/197) and Gloom (198/197) are some of the most charming cards of the Scarlet & Violet era. They’re affordable and look gorgeous in a binder.
Pidgeot ex (225/197)
Pidgeot ex was a competitive powerhouse, and its Special Illustration Rare is popular with players and collectors alike.
How to collect the Obsidian Flames card list
Start with the main set. 197 cards takes a while, but it’s very doable with trading.
Collect the Illustration Rares. If the full set feels like too much, the Illustration Rares make a beautiful, affordable mini collection.
Use a checklist. Keep the Obsidian Flames card list on your phone and tick cards off as you go.
Buy the Charizards as singles. Opening packs for the Special Illustration Rare can get very expensive.
Obsidian Flames is now a few years old, so English sealed products are getting harder to find. The Japanese version is often easier to track down.
We think so, particularly for Charizard fans and anyone who loves Illustration Rares. Flick through the Obsidian Flames card list and you’ll see why so many collectors still talk about it. The set has a proper headline card, a strong supporting cast and some of the most charming small Pokémon art of the era.
It also has real competitive history, with Charizard ex and Pidgeot ex shaping the format for a long time. If you played during that era, these cards will bring back memories.
Charizard collectors, players who remember the Charizard ex era and anyone who wants a big set with a manageable number of secret rares.
Tera Pokémon explained
If you’re newer to the hobby, Tera Pokémon ex can change type, just like in the Scarlet and Violet games. That’s why Obsidian Flames has a Darkness-type Charizard, even though Charizard is normally a Fire type. The Tera crystal design on the card shows which type it has become.
Caring for your cards
Dark artwork shows scratches and whitening more easily, so sleeve your best pulls straight away and keep them in top loaders. Store binders upright, away from sunlight and damp. It’s a small effort that keeps cards from the Obsidian Flames card list looking sharp for years.
A tip for trading
Because Charizard ex and Pidgeot ex were played so widely, you’ll find plenty of players with spare copies. Trading at a local league is often the cheapest way to fill gaps, and you’ll meet people who love the game as much as you do.
Frequently asked questions
How many cards are on the Obsidian Flames card list?
There are 230 cards: 197 in the main set and 33 secret rares.
When did Obsidian Flames come out?
It released in English on 11 August 2023.
What’s the best card in Obsidian Flames?
The Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare (223/197) is the most wanted card in the set.
See the official set page on pokemon.com, or find more guides on the TCG blog.
