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With over 100 English sets released since 1999, choosing which sets to collect can be overwhelming. As someone who's been collecting since the beginning, I've watched each era bring something unique to the table. Here are my picks for the best set from each major era, and why they stand out.
Classic Era (1999-2003): Base Set
Why it's the best: This is where it all started. Base Set isn't just the most iconic Pokémon TCG set—it's arguably the most important trading card set of the modern era.
Standout cards:
| Card | Details |
|---|---|
 |
Charizard (4/102) The holy grail of Pokémon cards |
 |
Blastoise (2/102) Rain Dance changed the game |
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Venusaur (15/102) Completing the starter trio |
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Alakazam (1/102) Damage Swap was revolutionary |
Why collect it: Base Set cards have proven to be incredible investments. Even common cards hold value due to nostalgia. The artwork is simple but timeless, and owning a complete Base Set is a badge of honour in the collecting community.
Runner-up: Jungle - The first expansion set with beautiful artwork and the introduction of Scyther and Wigglytuff.
Neo Era (2000-2002): Neo Genesis
Why it's the best: Neo Genesis introduced the Johto region and brought revolutionary mechanics like Pokémon Powers and Baby Pokémon. The set feels like a perfect evolution of the original game.
Standout cards:
| Card | Details |
|---|---|
 |
Lugia (9/111) Stunning holographic artwork |
 |
Typhlosion (17/111) Fire Formation was devastating |
 |
Feraligatr (4/111) Riptide dominated tournaments |
 |
Pichu (12/111) The first Baby Pokémon |
Why collect it: Neo Genesis strikes the perfect balance between playability and collectability. The cards are still affordable compared to Base Set, but prices are steadily climbing as collectors recognise the era's importance.
Runner-up: Neo Destiny - The introduction of Shining Pokémon (Shining Charizard, anyone?) makes this incredibly desirable.
EX Era (2003-2007): EX FireRed & LeafGreen
Why it's the best: This set perfectly captures Kanto nostalgia whilst introducing the powerful EX mechanic. The full-art EX cards were groundbreaking for their time.
Standout cards:
| Card | Details |
|---|---|
 |
Charizard ex (105/112) A modern take on the classic |
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Blastoise ex (104/112) Incredible artwork |
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Venusaur ex (112/112) Gold Star rarity predecessor |
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Pidgeot (10/112) Quick Search changed competitive play |
Why collect it: FireRed & LeafGreen is criminally underrated. It combines nostalgia with modern card quality and mechanics. Prices are still reasonable, making it an excellent entry point for EX era collecting.
Runner-up: EX Deoxys - The introduction of Pokémon Star cards makes this set legendary.
Diamond & Pearl Era (2007-2010): Platinum
Why it's the best: Platinum refined everything that came before it. The set features gorgeous artwork, powerful Pokémon SP, and some of the best Secret Rares ever printed.
Standout cards:
| Card | Details |
|---|---|
 |
Shaymin LV.X (126/127) Set Up changed the game forever |
 |
Dialga G LV.X (122/127) Competitive staple |
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Giratina (28/127) Stunning reverse holo |
 |
Garchomp C LV.X (145/147) Secret Rare beauty |
Why collect it: Platinum represents the peak of the LV.X era. The cards are high quality, the gameplay was balanced, and the Secret Rares are absolutely stunning. This set is starting to appreciate significantly.
Runner-up: Supreme Victors - Charizard G LV.X is one of the most beautiful cards ever printed.
Black & White Era (2011-2013): Plasma Freeze
Why it's the best: Plasma Freeze is the most competitive set of the Black & White era, featuring Team Plasma cards and some of the most powerful trainers ever printed.
Standout cards:
| Card | Details |
|---|---|
 |
Thundurus EX (38/116) Format-defining card |
 |
Deoxys EX (53/116) Plasma badge synergy |
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Ghetsis (101/116) Controversial but powerful |
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Secret Rare Sigilyph (118/116) Gorgeous gold card |
Why collect it: If you want a set that was actually played, Plasma Freeze is it. Nearly every card saw competitive use, and the Full Art trainers are stunning. Prices are climbing as players recognise this era's importance.
Runner-up: Boundaries Crossed - The introduction of ACE SPEC cards and Landorus EX.
XY Era (2014-2016): XY Evolutions
Why it's the best: A controversial pick, but hear me out. Evolutions is a love letter to Base Set, featuring updated artwork of classic cards with modern mechanics and quality.
Standout cards:
| Card | Details |
|---|---|
 |
Charizard (11/108) Base Set homage with BREAK evolution |
 |
M Charizard EX (13/108) Stunning full art |
 |
Dragonite EX (72/108) Full art beauty |
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Flying Pikachu (110/108) Secret Rare nostalgia |
Why collect it: Evolutions bridges the gap between vintage and modern. It's affordable, widely available, and the nostalgia factor is unmatched. Perfect for new collectors who want a taste of Base Set without the price tag.
Runner-up: Roaring Skies - Shaymin EX and incredible Secret Rares make this highly sought after.
Sun & Moon Era (2017-2020): Cosmic Eclipse
Why it's the best: Cosmic Eclipse is the perfect finale to the Sun & Moon era, featuring TAG TEAM GX cards, Character Rares, and some of the most beautiful Full Arts ever printed.
Standout cards:
| Card | Details |
|---|---|
 |
Lillie's Full Force (230/236) Iconic character art |
 |
Pikachu & Zekrom GX (162/181) Rainbow Rare perfection |
 |
Naganadel & Guzzlord GX (158/236) Alternate art masterpiece |
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Solgaleo & Lunala GX (216/236) Legendary duo |
Why collect it: Cosmic Eclipse has everything: competitive cards, stunning artwork, and incredible variety. The Character Rare subset is one of the best things to happen to modern Pokémon cards. Prices are already climbing significantly.
Runner-up: Hidden Fates - Shiny Vault cards and Charizard GX make this extremely valuable.
Sword & Shield Era (2020-2023): Evolving Skies
Why it's the best: Evolving Skies is widely considered the best modern set. The Eeveelution alternate arts are legendary, and the set is packed with value from top to bottom.
Standout cards:
| Card | Details |
|---|---|
 |
Umbreon VMAX (215/203) The crown jewel, worth £500+ |
 |
Rayquaza VMAX (218/203) Stunning alternate art |
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Sylveon VMAX (212/203) Eeveelution perfection |
 |
Glaceon VMAX (209/203) Beautiful winter scene |
Why collect it: Evolving Skies is an investment-grade set. The alternate arts are museum-quality, and demand far exceeds supply. If you can only collect one modern set, make it this one. Booster boxes have already doubled in price.
Runner-up: Brilliant Stars - Charizard VSTAR and Arceus VSTAR make this incredibly strong.
Scarlet & Violet Era (2023-Present): 151
Why it's the best: 151 is pure nostalgia done right. Every card features an original Kanto Pokémon with modern mechanics and absolutely gorgeous artwork. The Master Ball reverse holos are instant classics.
Standout cards:
| Card | Details |
|---|---|
 |
Charizard ex (199/165) Special illustration rare perfection |
 |
Mew ex (151/165) The set's namesake in full glory |
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Erika's Invitation (196/165) Stunning character art |
 |
Master Ball reverse holos Any Pokémon in this pattern is gold |
Why collect it: 151 combines everything collectors love: nostalgia, beautiful artwork, and genuine scarcity. The Master Ball pattern is one of the best chase elements ever created. Prices are holding strong, and this set will be remembered as a modern classic.
Runner-up: Obsidian Flames - Charizard ex and strong trainer support make this excellent.
Special mention: Paldean Fates deserves recognition for one card that captured the entire collecting community's imagination:
| Card | Details |
|---|---|
 |
Mew ex (232/091) The "Bubble Mew" - One of the most sought-after modern cards. This Special Illustration Rare features Mew playfully floating in bubbles, and collectors absolutely lost their minds over it. Despite being released in 2024, it's still commanding premium prices and shows no signs of slowing down. |
Mega Evolution Era (2025-Present): Mega Evolution
Why it's the best: The Mega Evolution era has just begun, but the first set is already making waves. Bringing back Mega Evolution mechanics with modern card quality is a masterstroke.
Standout cards:
| Card | Details |
|---|---|
 |
Mega Lucario ex (188/188) Gold Secret Rare beauty |
 |
Mega Gardevoir ex (187/188) Stunning artwork |
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Mega Venusaur ex (177/188) Special Art Rare perfection |
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Lillie's Determination (184/188) Character card excellence |
Why collect it: Mega Evolution taps into Gen 6 nostalgia whilst introducing fresh mechanics. The Secret Rares are already commanding premium prices, and as the first set of a new era, it will always be significant. Early adoption could pay off handsomely.
Runner-up: Too early to say, but Phantasmal Flames looks promising with those Charizard cards.
Final Thoughts: Building Your Collection
The "best" set is ultimately subjective and depends on what you value:
- Investment potential: Base Set, Evolving Skies, 151
- Artwork: Cosmic Eclipse, Evolving Skies, Mega Evolution
- Playability: Plasma Freeze, Platinum, Cosmic Eclipse
- Nostalgia: Base Set, Neo Genesis, Evolutions, 151
- Affordability: FireRed & LeafGreen, Evolutions, Platinum
My advice? Pick an era that resonates with you personally. The sets you'll enjoy collecting most are the ones connected to your own Pokémon journey. Whether that's the cards you opened as a kid or the generation that brought you back to the game, collect what makes you happy.
And remember: the best set is the one you're actually collecting. Don't just chase value—chase the cards that make you smile when you pull them from a pack or slot them into your binder.
What's your pick for the best set from each era? Let me know in the comments below!
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