Alright, fellow collectors, get your binders ready, because the trip back to Unova is officially on! The brand-new Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt and White Flare expansions are about to drop internationally, and let me tell you, the hype is real. It feels like we’re finally getting the Unova glow-up we’ve all been waiting for, celebrating everything from the region’s epic legends to its most iconic trainers.
Now, here’s the important part to remember before you go hunting: this is a dual release. Just like the original games, the cards are split between the two sets. That means you’ll have Black Bolt boosters and White Flare boosters, and each one has exclusive cards you can’t find in the other. It’s a classic Yin and Yang situation!
The real story, though, is the art. The Pokémon Company has completely outdone itself, serving up some of the most jaw-dropping Special Illustration Rares and introducing the sleek new “Black & White Rares” that are, frankly, in a league of their own.
So, which cards are worth hunting for in which packs? We’re about to dive in and count down the top 10 chase cards from across both sets. Let’s get into it!
The Quick Rundown (Prices Correct as of July 2025 – JPN Markets)
| Rank | Card Name | Card Code | Rarity | Price (Ungraded) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zekrom ex | sv11B 174 | Black & White Rare | $312.49 |
| 2 | Reshiram ex | sv11W 174 | Black & White Rare | $308.14 |
| 3 | Reshiram ex | sv11W 168 | Special Illustration Rare | $193.31 |
| 4 | Zekrom ex | sv11B 169 | Special Illustration Rare | $183.44 |
| 5 | N’s Plot | sv11B 173 | Special Illustration Rare | $112.30 |
| 6 | Meloetta ex | sv11B 170 | Special Illustration Rare | $40.93 |
| 7 | Kyurem ex | sv11B 168 | Special Illustration Rare | $39.01 |
| 8 | Hydreigon ex | sv11W 171 | Special Illustration Rare | $37.96 |
| 9 | Serperior ex | sv11B 167 | Special Illustration Rare | $31.21 |
| 10 | Genesect ex | sv11B 172 | Special Illustration Rare | $28.95 |
#10: Genesect ex (sv11B 172 – Special Illustration Rare)
This is one for the sci-fi fans! Artist kantaro perfectly captures Genesect’s origin story. You’ve got the Paleozoic Pokémon trapped in some high-tech lab, bathed in the red glow of alert lights. It looks like a scene straight out of a movie, right before the breakout.
This artwork is so cool because it leans into the lore, reminding you that Genesect is a powerful, ancient creature modified into a living weapon. It’s a story-driven card you can get lost in.
Current Market Price Ungraded: $28.95
#9: Serperior ex (sv11B 167 – Special Illustration Rare)
Talk about a glow-up! From one extreme to the other, this Serperior art is pure peace and elegance. Ryota Murayama places the Regal Pokémon in a sun-dappled forest, looking calm and majestic, like royalty holding court. Remember choosing Snivy back in the day?
This feels like the ultimate payoff, seeing it looking so graceful and powerful. It’s a stunning, serene portrait that gives this fan-favorite starter the sophisticated artwork it has always earned.
Current Market Price Ungraded: $31.21
#8: Hydreigon ex (sv11W 171 – Special Illustration Rare)
Now this is a mood! This card finally gives Hydreigon the epic, menacing entrance it deserves. Artist takumi wada throws the Brutal Pokémon into a raging storm over a jagged, desolate landscape. You can almost feel the rain and hear the thunder. For any fan who loves seeing a Pokémon’s raw power on full display, this is it.
It’s not just a picture of Hydreigon; it’s the feeling of witnessing its terrifying might firsthand. A perfect “villain” card for any collection!
Current Market Price Ungraded: $37.96
#7: Kyurem ex (sv11B 168 – Special Illustration Rare)
The artist “chibi” is often known for their adorable, rounded art style, but this Kyurem ex is a testament to their versatility. The art here is sharp, crystalline, and breathtakingly cold. Kyurem is depicted surrounded by jagged shards of ice, giving the whole piece a stunningly geometric and almost abstract feel.
The cool colour palette of blues, whites, and greys perfectly captures the desolate power of the Boundary Pokémon. It feels less like a living creature and more like a force of nature, an ancient glacier given form.
It’s a beautifully clean and crisp illustration that captures the icy essence of Kyurem perfectly.
Current Market Price Ungraded: $39.01
#6: Meloetta ex (sv11B 170 – Special Illustration Rare)
This Meloetta ex Special Art Rare by LINNE is pure grace and serenity. The artwork is absolutely beautiful, with a soft, storybook quality that feels like a scene from a forgotten fairy tale.
Meloetta is pictured in its Aria Forme, surrounded by soft-petaled flowers and gently falling autumn leaves, all bathed in warm, gentle sunlight. The painterly style is delicate and expressive, capturing a moment of quiet, joyful performance.
It’s such a peaceful and elegant card that perfectly embodies the Mythical Pokémon’s musical nature. This is the kind of art that just makes you smile; it’s a beautiful, calming piece for any collection.
Current Market Price Ungraded: $40.93
#5: N’s Plot (Supporter – sv11B 173 – Special Illustration Rare)
Wow, just wow. Artist REND has absolutely knocked it out of the park with this N Special Art Rare. This isn’t just a card; it’s a wave of nostalgia for anyone who played Pokémon Black & White. The art captures that iconic, contemplative moment on the Ferris wheel, with N looking up, lost in thought.
The background is a gorgeous blur of carnival lights, creating a beautiful bokeh effect that makes the whole scene feel like a cherished memory. The clean lines and soft colouring perfectly portray N’s gentle but conflicted nature.
This is a storyteller’s card, an instant classic that’s less about the game mechanic and all about capturing the heart of a beloved character.
Current Market Price Ungraded: $112.30
#4: Zekrom ex (sv11B 169 – Special Illustration Rare)
This Special Art Rare by Danciao is an explosive, roaring storm. This is the Zekrom of Ideals in all its glory! The artwork is pure, unadulterated energy, with Zekrom crackling with vibrant blue lightning that illuminates the entire scene.
You can almost hear the thunderclap.
The painterly style gives the illustration a sense of chaotic motion, perfectly capturing the raw, untamed power of this legendary dragon. It’s a stunning contrast to the other Zekrom, showing how two different artists can interpret the same Pokémon to create completely different, yet equally amazing, works of art. An absolute must-have for any Zekrom fan.
Current Market Price Ungraded: $183.44
#3: Reshiram ex (sv11W 168 – Special Illustration Rare)
And here’s the magnificent beast in its full glory! If the other Reshiram was about quiet truth, this one, by artist kawayoo, is all about passionate, fiery power. You can see the energy pouring off it, surrounded by a storm of flames and glowing embers.
This is the Reshiram we remember from the epic battles in Black & White, unleashing its Blue Flare. It’s a dynamic, emotional, and absolutely beautiful piece that captures the soul of the legendary dragon
Current Market Price Ungraded: $193.31
#2: Reshiram ex (sv11W 174 – Black & White Rare)
Hope your binder is ready for some serious style. This Reshiram isn’t just a card; it’s a statement piece. 5ban Graphics strips everything away but the “Vast White Pokémon” itself, rendering it in a stunning, textured, monochrome design.
It feels so clean, ethereal, and high-concept. For fans, it’s a unique and artistic take that embodies Reshiram’s connection to Truth—pure, elegant, and powerful. It’s the definition of a modern classic.
Current Market Price Ungraded: $308.14
#1: Zekrom ex (sv11B 174 – Black & White Rare)
Okay, now this is something else entirely. This Zekrom ex is part of a new “Black & White Rare” (BWR) rarity, and it is absolutely menacing in the best way possible. The artist, takuyoa, has created a version of Zekrom that looks like it was forged from shadow and obsidian.
The entire card is dominated by this incredible black-on-black textured foil that makes the Pokémon look like it’s been etched directly into the card. The minimal hints of green and blue in its core and eyes just make the darkness more profound. It’s such a bold, intimidating, and unique take on a legendary Pokémon. Forget raw power; this card feels like a final boss.
Current Market Price Ungraded: $312.49
Conclusion
The split between sv11B and sv11W is remarkably even, with sv11B claiming 6 cards and sv11W taking 4. However, sv11W punches above its weight in terms of value – it captures 3 of the top 4 most expensive cards, including both premium Black & White Rare slots.
The legendary dragons absolutely dominate the premium tier, with Zekrom and Reshiram claiming the top 4 spots and accounting for over $1,000 of combined value. This reflects both the enduring popularity of these Generation 5 legendaries and the powerful nostalgia factor for Black & White era fans.
The fact that each dragon has both a Special Illustration Rare and a Black & White Rare variant shows how Pokémon Company strategically leverages popular characters across multiple premium rarities.
Depending on the pull rates for White Flare & Black Bolt, Black & White Rares at $300+ could be particularly volatile – these could either become long-term chase cards if the new rarity proves popular, or crash hard if collectors decide the premium isn’t justified.
