Pokémon Chase Cards: What They Are and Why Collectors Want Them
Introduction
Every new Pokémon TCG set comes with cards that everyone talks about. These are the cards collectors and players desperately want to pull, often becoming the most valuable and desirable cards in the set. They are known as chase cards.
In this guide, you will learn what chase cards are, why they exist, which ones are the most famous, and how they influence the market for singles and sealed products. By the end, you will know how to spot Pokémon chase cards and decide if chasing them is worth it.
What Are Pokémon Chase Cards?
Chase cards are the rarest and most desirable cards in a set. They are usually ultra rares, secret rares, or special illustration rares that feature iconic Pokémon or stunning artwork.
The term “chase” comes from the idea that collectors buy packs, boxes, and cases hoping to “chase down” these cards. Because they are difficult to pull, they often become the most expensive singles on the secondary market.
Key examples of chase card types include:
- Alternate art illustration rares
- Gold secret rares
- Popular holo rares like Charizard or Pikachu
- Shiny Pokémon in special sets
Why Do Chase Cards Exist?
Chase cards are intentional. The Pokémon Company designs them to create excitement around each set. If every card had the same rarity, there would be no incentive to keep buying booster packs.
By including one or two cards that are much harder to pull, sets gain long-term interest and maintain sealed product value. Collectors and players continue to buy packs in search of these rare pulls.
Famous Pokémon Chase Cards
Some chase cards have become legendary because of their rarity, artwork, or value.
Umbreon VMAX Alternate Art (Moonbreon)
From Evolving Skies, this card shows Umbreon reaching for the moon. Its rarity and artwork made it one of the most expensive modern chase cards.
Charizard Illustration Rare
From Scarlet & Violet 151, this card combines the franchise’s most iconic Pokémon with detailed artwork. It quickly became a must-have for collectors.
Pikachu Gold Rare
From Celebrations, this gold foil Pikachu celebrates the franchise’s anniversary and has strong appeal to fans.
Shiny Charizard GX
From Hidden Fates, this shiny black Charizard became one of the biggest chase cards of the 2010s.
👉 Pokémon Card Rarity Explained
How Chase Cards Affect the Market
Chase cards do not just influence collectors — they also impact sealed product prices.
- Booster boxes with strong chase cards (like Evolving Skies or Hidden Fates) often increase in price on the secondary market because people keep buying them long after release.
- Singles of chase cards hold higher values and are often graded to preserve condition.
- Weaker sets without big chase cards usually drop in value quickly.
This dynamic makes chase cards central to both the collecting and investment side of the TCG.
Should You Chase Chase Cards?
Opening packs in search of a chase card is exciting, but it can also be expensive. The odds of pulling a chase card are usually very low — sometimes 1 in 500 packs or worse.
Pros of chasing cards through packs:
- Fun and exciting when you hit
- Supports the thrill of the hobby
- You get other cards along the way
Cons:
- Odds are stacked against you
- Singles are usually cheaper than ripping packs
- Can lead to overspending
For collectors who simply want the card, buying the single directly is often more cost-effective. For those who enjoy the thrill, sealed product chasing is part of the fun.
Tips for Collecting Chase Cards
- Know the chase cards before buying – Each set has known chase cards, usually revealed in set lists.
- Track pull rates – Some collectors share pull data online to estimate odds.
- Protect valuable pulls – Sleeve and top-load chase cards immediately.
- Consider grading – PSA or CGC can increase long-term value.
- Buy singles smartly – If you want one specific card, buying it outright saves money compared to chasing packs.
FAQs: Pokémon Chase Cards
What makes a card a chase card?
It is usually the rarest or most desirable card in a set, often a secret rare or illustration rare.
Are chase cards always valuable?
Most are, but value depends on popularity, rarity, and demand.
What are the hardest chase cards to pull?
Cards like Moonbreon from Evolving Skies or shiny Charizard from Hidden Fates have very low pull rates.
Do all sets have chase cards?
Yes, though some sets have stronger ones than others.
Is it better to buy or pull a chase card?
For cost, buying is usually smarter. For fun, chasing is part of the hobby.
Conclusion
Chase cards are the crown jewels of every Pokémon TCG set. They drive excitement, influence sealed product prices, and create lasting memories for collectors.
From Moonbreon to shiny Charizards, each generation of cards has its legends. Whether you choose to chase them through packs or buy them as singles, understanding how Pokémon chase cards work will help you collect smarter and enjoy the hobby more.
