What Pokémon Packs Should You Buy? A Complete 2025 Guide
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What Pokémon Packs Should You Buy? A Complete 2025 Guide
If you're new to collecting — or returning after a long break — one of the biggest questions you’ll have is:
“What Pokémon packs should I buy?”
With so many sets, special releases, promos, and exclusives, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Some packs offer incredible chase cards, some are great for value, and some are best avoided if you’re on a budget.
This guide will walk you through the best Pokémon packs to buy in 2025, depending on your goals: investing, collecting, or just enjoying the thrill of opening something new.
1. Buy the Latest Set — Best for Value & Availability
For most collectors, the newest mainline set is the best place to start.
Why?
- Widely available
- Best price per booster
- You get the newest chase cards
- Great for building decks and binders
In 2025, popular sets include:
- Phantasmal Flames
- Temporal Forces
- Twilight Masquerade
These sets contain Special Illustration Rares, Gold cards, and strong competitive Trainers.
2. Special Sets & Mini-Series — Great for Chase Cards
Some Pokémon sets don’t come in standard booster boxes but instead appear in special products. These often contain premium hits and fan-favourite artwork.
Examples include:
- Holiday or anniversary sets
- Crown Zenith–style special releases
- Premium EX or collection boxes with exclusive promos
These sets typically have better pull rates for full arts, Special Illustration Rares (SIR), and showcase cards, making them very popular with collectors.
3. Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs) — Best for Beginners
ETBs are one of the most popular products for new collectors and returning players.
In a typical Elite Trainer Box you get:
- 8–10 booster packs (depending on the set)
- Card sleeves
- Dice and condition markers
- Promo card(s) in some sets
- A sturdy storage box and set booklet
ETBs are cost-effective and offer a mix of collecting and play accessories.
Some of the best ETBs to buy right now include:
- Scarlet & Violet premium-style ETBs
- Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box
- Crown Zenith ETB (still very in demand)
4. Booster Boxes — Best for Pull Rate & Bulk Value
If you want serious pack-opening value, booster boxes are king.
Benefits of booster boxes:
- Cheaper price per pack compared to singles or small products
- Best overall pull rates for a given set
- Ideal if you want to grade, resell, or trade singles
- Great for building full sets or competitive decks
Booster boxes are perfect for collectors who like volume and want the best chance at hitting the chase cards.
5. Collection Boxes — Best for Promos
Collection boxes aren’t always the best for pure pack value, but they can be amazing for:
- Exclusive promo cards
- Oversized cards for display
- Cool designs and themed artwork
- Mixed packs from different sets
Great examples include:
- Charizard EX Premium Collection
- Paldean Fates Collection Boxes
If you love unique promos and display pieces, collection boxes are a solid choice.
6. Avoid Mystery Boxes (Mostly)
You’ve probably seen them in supermarkets and toy stores — mystery cubes, mystery boxes, or packs advertising “20 cards + 1 holo”.
In most cases these contain:
- Bulk commons and uncommons
- Low-value or damaged cards
- Very low odds of any real hits
Unless it’s a trusted TCG brand or retailer offering a clearly described mystery product, it’s usually best to skip these and put your money into sealed product from official sets instead.
7. For Investment — Sealed Booster Boxes or ETBs
If your goal is more long-term and you’re thinking about investment potential, the products that tend to perform best once they go out of print are:
- Sealed booster boxes
- Sealed Elite Trainer Boxes
- Sealed holiday or special sets
Historically strong performers include:
- Hidden Fates
- Evolving Skies
- Crown Zenith
- Celebrations
Newer sets with strong potential include:
- Phantasmal Flames
- Obsidian Flames
- Paldean Fates
As always, nothing is guaranteed, but sealed product from popular sets has a good track record of rising in value once supply dries up.
8. Best Packs for Big Pulls (Chase Cards)
If you’re chasing big hits and high-value pulls, you’ll want sets known for strong Special Illustration Rares, Alt Arts, or Gold cards.
Top chase-focused sets include:
- Crown Zenith
- Evolving Skies
- Obsidian Flames
- Other Special Illustration Rare-heavy Scarlet & Violet sets
These sets regularly feature cards that can sell for £50–£300+ depending on condition and grading.
Final Takeaway: What Pokémon Packs Should You Buy?
Ultimately, the right packs depend on your goal:
💰 For value
- Mainline current-year sets
- Booster boxes for the best price per pack
🔥 For big pull potential
- Crown Zenith
- Evolving Skies
- Special Illustration Rare-heavy Scarlet & Violet sets
🎁 For beginners
- Elite Trainer Boxes
- Themed collection boxes
📈 For investment
- Sealed booster boxes
- Sealed ETBs
- Sealed holiday and special sets
Start with what fits your budget and collecting style — the main goal is to enjoy the hobby and have fun opening packs!
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