The 9 biggest chase cards in Pokémon Black Bolt and White Flare

The release of Pokémon Black Bolt and Pokémon White Flare is just around the corner. Both sets have their official launch on July 18. We’re already seeing pack-opening videos popping up all over the shop, so it seemed high time we made a list of the very best cards you can hope to open in those packs.

As we’ve already seen, when it comes to expensive rare Pokémon cards, it looks like White Flare just slightly has the edge over Black Bolt, with its rarities valued a tiny bit more right now – based on the Japanese prices. But rest assured, both versions of this dual set have their fair share of beauties.

1 and 2. Black & White Legendaries

Japanese price (Reshiram): $275
Japanese price (Zekrom): $280

Starting out with the most famous cards from this release, the coveted Black & White rares. These monochrome versions of Reshiram ex and Zekrom ex with a unique treatment are obviously the most hyped up cards of all, and both will be worth a pretty penny. Interestingly, right now it’s Zekrom that commands the higher price tag, while that trend is reversed for the rest of the set. I guess Pokémon cards just look better in black!

It may seem obvious which belongs to which Pokémon set, but in the original Black and White video games, Reshiram was only catchable in Black, Zekrom in white. No such color-swapping exists here though. All the Zekroms are in the Black Bolt set and the Reshirams can be found in White Flare.

3. Reshiram ex SIR

From: White Flare
Japanese Price: $162

While there’s not much in it for the Secret Illustration Rares, Reshiram ex is coming out on top for the moment. There’s lots to love about the art in this one – the Legendary Pokémon and its fiery attacks fill the frame, looking plenty regal.

4. Zekrom ex SIR

From: Black Bolt
Japanese Price: $151

Zekrom ex is only a little way behind, though! While I personally have always preferred Reshiram’s design, I actually think Zekrom looks a little cooler here. There’s more dynamic movement suggested by its pose and, I don’t know, I guess I’ve always found lightning a bit cooler than fire.

5? Red Victini

Like the Mythical Pokémon itself this red Victini card is a bit of an odd duck. We’ve deliberately left out the Japanese price because the English card is distributed in a completely different way. In Japan, you can only get Black/White rarity Victini as a promo, with limited copies given away at tournaments and other events. But English versions of the card are appearing in packs.

That means, while the card might go for thousands in Japan, English-language variants won’t be as costly. And, if rumors are to be believed, Victini will be in both White Flare and Black Bolt, so the odds of finding one are doubled. That means we really can’t make too many guesses about how desirable this card will be, but our guess is it’s still going to be plenty rare.

6. Hilda SIR

From: White Flare
Japanese Price: $81

We’re onto the trainers, with Black & White’s female protagonist Hilda leading the charge. This is literally the first time Hilda has had a card in the Pokémon TCG, which goes some way to explaining the massive price tag. I particularly like the way the artist has included so much of her team, with Pignite, Zebstrika, and Unfezant all crammed onto the card.

7. N’s Plot SIR

From: Black Bolt
Japanese Price: $68

He may not have waifu tax working for him, but N is a famous enough character to still have plenty of draw. In fact, this green-haired antihero is probably one of the most well-written characters in the entire series (the competition isn’t super strong, I’ll admit).

It’s nice to get a quieter piece for N, and with ever-so-lovely lighting!

8. Hydreigon ex SIR

From: White Flare
Japanese Price: $33.60

I’ve already sung the praises of this artwork, and it looks like I wasn’t the only one who noticed how brilliant this card is. This is your POV three seconds before you’re devoured by this beastly dragon-type.

9. Kyurem ex SIR

From: Black Bolt
Japanese Price: $32.70

Personally I’m a little down on this Pokémon’s entire design, but Black Bolt absolutely did the best job possible with it by giving it these dangerous-looking but beautiful ice-cave surroundings.

That’s just a few of the best Pokémon cards in this set, however. We don’t have time to talk about Jellicent, Seismitoad, and a bunch of other brilliant Gen V cards in Black and White. You can see some of the best artwork in the set here, and let us know on Discord which cards you’re hoping to find!