Justin Gauthier October 16, 2026

What Are the Best Pokémon Packs to Buy? (2026 Guide)

With so many Pokémon TCG expansion packs to choose from, selecting the best Pokémon packs to buy in 2026 can feel overwhelming. Some sets are collector favorites, known for high pull rates and valuable cards. Others showcase exceptional artwork and carry nostalgia.

Choosing the best Pokémon packs to buy depends on your unique goals as a collector. In this guide, however, we will focus on identifying the best Pokémon to buy for rare cards, highlighting ten contenders to top your list.

Key Takeaways

Choosing the best Pokémon to buy for rare cards requires understanding pull rates and how Pokémon probability metrics work.
There are no definitive best Pokémon packs to buy; rather, the best packs depend on your individual goals as a collector.
Examining the pull rates for different Pokémon expansion packs can help you decide which pack(s) best fit your goals and line up with your chase cards.
Some highly collectible packs include Scarlet & Violet 151, Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes, Sword & Shield Crown Zenith, and others.

Understanding Pull Rates

If you are immersed in Pokémon collecting culture, then you have almost certainly heard the term pull rate. Basically, the pull rate describes the likelihood of finding a particular type of card (like an Illustration Rare or Special Illustration Rare) inside a pack. They are typically expressed as a ratio, like 1 in 10 packs or 1 in 100 packs. A smaller second number means that the card type is easier to find.

It’s important to note that these pull rates are not official. They are determined by collectors and players who have opened thousands of Pokémon packs and recorded their results. Pull rates are not published by The Pokémon Company itself.

Like any probability, a pull rate represents an opportunity, not a guarantee. A pull rate of 1 in 10 for an Ultra Rare card does not mean you will definitely pull one if you open 10 packs. It is an expression of likelihood rather than certainty.

What is Your Goal as a Collector?

There is no one definitive answer to the question of what are the best Pokémon to buy? Instead, the best Pokémon packs to buy depend on your individual goals as a collector. Some common priorities include…

Chasing High-Value Cards: Collectors who love the chase will often focus on finding rare Pokémon cards with strong demand. These collectors typically prioritize sets with Special Illustration Rare cards, iconic Pokémon, and popular chase cards.

Completing a Set: Other collectors are focused on completing a particular set, acquiring every single card in a specific expansion, including reverse holos and secret rare cards. These collectors often focus on packs or Pokémon booster boxes at first and then switch to singles when they are missing just a few cards.

Collecting Your Favorite Pokémon: Some collectors get attached to a certain creature or character, focusing their collection on acquiring every version and cameo of a specific figure.

Showcasing Elite Artwork: Collectors who have a particular affinity for the artwork of Pokémon might build collections with a high percentage of Illustration Rare cards and Special Illustration Rares. Some Pokémon artwork enthusiasts even focus their collections around cards drawn by specific iconic artists, like Mitsuhiro Arita or Yuka Morii.

Enjoying the Pokémon Experience: There are also casual collectors who simply love the nostalgia and experience of Pokémon collecting. Opening Pokémon packs can bring a burst of nostalgia from childhood, and numerous collectors and players in the Pokémon community find value in this alone, preferring the mystery of a pack to purchasing singles.

Ranking the 10 Best Pokémon Packs to Buy For Rare Cards

While all different collector goals are valid and valuable, we are going to focus on the best Pokémon to buy for hard-to-find cards. These are some of the best Pokémon booster packs for collectors who are seeking premier pull rates and valuable chase cards.

1. Scarlet & Violet 151

Scarlet & Violet 151 is widely considered one of the best Pokémon packs to buy for collectors who grew up with the original Pokémon TCG. It features the first 151 Pokémon, combining nostalgia with modern card designs.

Chase Cards: Charizard ex, Blastoise ex, and Venusaur ex Special Illustration Rares

Pull Rates*:

Foil Energy: ~1 in 4 packs (25%)
Double Rare: ~1 in 8 packs (12.5%)
Illustration Rare: ~1 in 12 packs (8.3%)
Ultra Rare: ~1 in 16 packs (6.3%)
Special Illustration Rare: ~1 in 32 packs (3.1%)
Hyper Rare (Gold): ~1 in 51 packs (1.9%)

*Remember, pull rates represent probably, not a guarantee. You can think of the pull rate for Foil Energy cards, for example, as a 25% chance of pulling every time you open a pack – not a guarantee to pull one by the time you open four packs.

2. Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes

The Ascended Heroes pack is one of the best Pokémon to buy for rare cards, particularly for those who are interested in Mega Evolution Pokémon and Gen 1 nostalgia. These visually striking cards have powerful artwork, and there are some truly unique MHR/Gold cards.

Chase Cards: Mega Gengar ex, Pikachu ex, and Mega Dragonite ex Special Illustration Rares

Pull Rates:

Double Rare: ~1 in 5 packs (20%)
Illustration Rare: ~1 in 9 packs (11.1%)
Ultra Rare: ~1 in 21 packs (4.8%)
Mega Attack Rare: ~1 in 29 packs (3.4%)
Special Illustration Rare: ~1 in 70 packs (1.4%)
Mega Hyper Rare (Gold): ~1 in 540 packs (0.2%)

3. Terastal Festival ex (Japanese)

Terastal Festival ex is a Japanese Pokémon expansion pack that is known for its Eevee evolutions and stunning Special Artwork Rare cards with incredible art. It is a strong choice for those who are looking for an entry point into Japanese Pokémon card collecting or anyone who is particularly interested in Eeveelution artworks.

Chase Cards: Umbreon ex and other Eeveelution Special Artwork Rare (SAR) cards

Pull Rates:

Double Rare: ~9 in 10 packs (90%)
ACE SPEC: ~1 in 10 packs (10%)
Art Rare: ~3 in 10 packs (30%)
Super Rare: ~1 in 30 packs (3.3%)
Ultra Rare: ~1 in 10 packs (10%)
Special Art Rare: ~1 in 10 packs (10%)

4. Scarlet & Violet Surging Sparks

The Scarlet & Violet Surging Sparks expansion pack is the eighth set in the Scarlet & Violet series. It features a tropical theme and the Terrarium setting. It has become a particularly popular pick in best Pokémon to buy for rare cards, especially for those chasing the Pikachu ex Special Illustration Rare.

Chase Cards: Pikachu ex and Latias ex Special Illustration Rares

Pull Rates:

Double Rare: ~1 in 6 packs (16.7%)
Illustration Rare: ~1 in 13 packs (7.7%)
Ultra Rare: ~1 in 15 packs (6.7%)
ACE SPEC Rare: ~1 in 20 packs (5%)
Special Illustration Rare: ~1 in 87 packs (1.1%)
Hyper Rare: ~1 in 188 packs (0.5%)

5. Mega Dream ex (Japanese)

This high-class Japanese Pokémon expansion pack was released in 2025 and is popular among those who like Mega Evolution Pokémon with special card treatments and a unique Japanese flair. As always, it is important to understand the different pull rate classes when comparing Japanese and English Pokémon booster pack releases.

Chase Cards: Mega Dragonite ex Mega Ultra Rare; Mega Dragonite ex, Mega Gengar ex, and Pikachu ex Special Illustration Rare

Pull Rates:

Art Rare: ~3 in 10 packs (30%)
Pokémon/Supporter SR: ~1 in 10 packs (10%)
Mega Attack Rare: ~1 in 10 packs (10%)
Item Super Rare: ~1 in 10 packs (10%)
Special Art Rare: ~1 in 27 packs (3.7%)
Mega Ultra Rare: ~1 in 500 packs (0.2%)

6. Sword & Shield Silver Tempest

The Sword & Shield Silver Tempest expansion pack is the 12th and final main expansion in the Sword & Shield series, and it was released in 2022. Its highly collectible Lugia V alternate art card and Trainer Gallery have made it particularly popular.

Chase Cards: Lugia V Ultra Rare, Lugia VSTAR Secret Rare, Lugia VSTAR Rainbow Rare

Pull Rates:

Ultra Rare: ~1 in 5 packs (20%)
Trainer Gallery: ~1 in 8 packs (12.5%)
Radiant Rare: ~1 in 22 packs (4.5%)
Secret Rare: ~1 in 45 packs (2.2%)

7. Scarlet & Violet Twilight Masquerade

Released in 2024, this pack is set in the land of Kitakami and features distinctive artwork as well as the highly collectible Greninja ex Super Illustration Rare card. Any collectors who love the Scarlet & Violet series are sure to appreciate this expansion pack’s memorable aesthetic.

Chase Cards: Greninja ex, Perrin ex, Carmine ex, and Kieran ex Super Illustration Rares

Pull Rates:

Double Rare: ~1 in 6 packs (16.7%)
Illustration Rare: ~1 in 13 packs (7.7%)
Ultra Rare: ~1 in 15 packs (6.7%)
ACE SPEC Rare: ~1 in 20 packs (5%)
Special Illustration Rare: ~1 in 86 packs (1.2%)
Hyper Rare: ~1 in 146 packs (0.7%)

8. Mega Evolution Chaos Rising

This Pokémon expansion pack represents the fourth major set in the Mega Evolution series, and is perfect for collectors who like this new era of Pokémon TCG. Those who have been following the Mega Evolution series will likely appreciate this opportunity to expand a modern Pokémon collection.

Chase Cards: Mega Greninja ex, Cinccino ex, and Roxie’s Performance Special Illustration Rares

Pull Rates:

Double Rare: ~1 in 5 packs (20%)
Illustration Rare: ~1 in 9 packs (11.1%)
Ultra Rare: ~1 in 12 packs (8.3%)
Special Illustration Rare: ~1 in 86 packs (1.2%)
Mega Hyper Rare (Gold): ~1 in 956 packs (0.1%)

9. Shiny Treasure ex

Shiny Treasure ex is a Japanese set of high-class Pokémon cards that will likely appeal to Japanese TCG enthusiasts. It features an extensive collection of shiny Pokémon, including the highly collectible shiny Charizard Special Art Rare. Any Pokémon collectors who love discovering unique special art variants will have fun opening these packs.

Chase Cards: Charizard ex and Mew ex Special Art Rare, Pikachu S Holo Baby Shiny

Pull Rates:

Double Rare: ~9 in 10 packs (90%)
Baby Shiny: ~3 in 10 packs (30%)
Shiny Super Rare: ~1 in 10 packs (10%)
Super Rare: ~1 in 30 packs (3.3%)
Art Rare: ~1 in 10 packs (10%)
Special Art Rare: ~1 in 30 packs (3.3%)

10. Sword & Shield Crown Zenith

Considered the grand finale of the Sword & Shield era, this expansion pack is best known for the 70-card Galarian Gallery subset. Compared with other Pokémon booster packs, the Sword & Shield Crown Zenith set has fewer individual chase cards and a larger swath of enjoyable, collectible art cards that make opening any pack fun.

Chase Cards: Mewtwo VSTAR, Giratina VSTAR, Arceus VSTAR, and many others

Pull Rates:

Galarian Gallery Card: ~1 in 3 packs (33.3%)
Ultra Rare: ~1 in 5 packs (20%)
Normal Pokémon V: ~1 in 8 packs (12.5%)
Pokémon VMAX or VSTAR: ~1 in 19 packs (5.3%)
Gold Secret Rare: ~1 in 125 packs (0.8%)
Secret Rare Pikachu: ~1 in 133 packs (0.75%)

Are There Any Packs or Sets With Notoriously Low Pull Rates?

Some Pokémon sets have notoriously low pull rates and poor chase card odds, which is important to know for those who are seeking the best Pokémon packs to buy. Some of the sets with more challenging pull rates include Sword & Shield Evolving Skies, the original set of Mega Evolution one, Temporal Forces, Sword & Shield Battle Styles, and Vintage/EX era sets.

Shop All the Best Pokémon Card Packs to Buy in 2026 at Danireon

At Danireon, we have the answer to what are the best Pokémon to buy. No matter what your collecting goals are, we have a wide range of Pokémon expansion packs as well as single cards, top-loading binders, and all of the accessories you need to help you grow your collection. Whether you are looking to buy Pokémon cards in Canada or the United States, shop all of the best Pokémon to buy for rare cards and so much more today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Pokémon packs have the best pull rates?

Some of the best Pokémon to buy for rare cards are those with strong pull rates for Special Illustration Rare cards and other highly collectible or special edition cards. These packs include Scarlet & Violet 151, later Mega Evolution series packs, and some Sword & Shield packs, especially Crown Zenith and Silver Tempest.

Am I guaranteed to get a certain pull rate?

Pull rates for Pokémon cards represent an average, or probability, rather than a guarantee. For instance, a 1-in-25 pull rate means that you are likely to pull one of a certain category of card if you open 25 packs. It does not mean that you are guaranteed to do so; basically, each pack has a 4% chance of yielding that card category in this scenario.

Is there anything else that matters besides pull rates?

Pull rates are only one part of the equation when it comes to choosing the best Pokémon packs to buy. You should also consider your individual goals and preferences as a collector. For instance, some collectors prioritize certain kinds of art or artists, others love the unique aesthetic of shiny packs, and others still appreciate Trainer Gallery features. There is something for everyone in the world of Pokémon TCG collecting.

What is the best store to buy Pokémon packs?

Danireon is the best story to buy Pokémon packs as well as sealed sets and single cards. Our inventory spans a wide range of cards and expansion packs as booster boxes. We have many of the best Pokémon to buy for rare cards in our inventory, as well as plenty of Special Illustration Rare and even select Hyper Rare cards. What are the best Pokémon to buy? Discover the world of rare Pokémon collecting at Danireon today.