From the fiery fanfare surrounding Pokémon’s new Mega Evolution era comes a set packed with promise, steeped in the lore of some of the franchise’s most beloved favourites.
Phantasmal Flames — the second set in the new block, released on 14 November — shines a spotlight on the iconic Charizard evolution line, from Charmander right through to Mega Charizard X ex.
Despite being a smaller set compared to recent expansions, Phantasmal Flames carries some serious weight. It introduces a wealth of stunning art rares, as well as a welcome nod to the Mega Gengar line.
So, with Phantasmal Flames drawing from Japan’s Inferno X and the Mega Starter Decks such as Mega Gengar ex and Mega Diancie ex, the question is:
What are the most expensive cards in the set?
1. Mega Charizard X ex (Special Illustration Rare)
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No card in the Phantasmal Flames set ignites excitement quite like the Mega Charizard X ex Special Illustration Rare. Its artwork commands attention instantly, showcasing Mega Charizard X ex in full draconic grandeur — brooding black scales, electric-blue fangs, and a swirling inferno that pays homage to Charizard’s legendary alternate evolution.
To the side, Charmander, Charmeleon, and Charizard look upward in awe at one of the line’s final-stage forms. It’s another danciao design triumph in an era increasingly shaped by the artist’s bold interpretations of the Pokémon world.
And, of course, it comes as no surprise that a Charizard card has captured so much attention. Think Paldean Fates. Think Obsidian Flames. Think 151. This new print carries that same legacy — a striking piece of storytelling artwork that cements its place among modern favourites.
2. Mega Charizard X ex (Mega Hyper Rare)
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The next glowing gold Mega Hyper Rare in the mega block is Mega Charizard X ex, a card that embraces the prestige and power long associated with the generation one Fire-type starter line.
Illustrated by takuyoa, the artwork features the outline of Mega Charizard X ex emblazoned across a gold backdrop — wings unfurled, claws tensed, and its signature roar tearing toward the right side of the card. It’s a bold, stylised interpretation that gives the Ultra Rare rarity real impact.
The Ultra Rares introduced in this era have consistently carried significant weight with collectors, and pairing that rarity with one of the community’s most beloved Pokémon meant expectations were always going to be sky-high. Mega Charizard X ex delivers on that promise with flair.
3. Dawn (Special Illustration Rare)
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The Dawn Special Illustration Rare captures one of Sinnoh’s most beloved protagonists in a quiet, character-driven moment, rather than a high-action pose. It’s a gentle, reflective scene that highlights why Supporter Special Illustration Rares continue to resonate so strongly with collectors.
Here, Dawn is shown traversing the lands of Sinnoh, pushing her bike through a soft, atmospheric landscape. The art leans heavily into nostalgia — the same nostalgic pull that has made Supporter SIRs such consistent favourites throughout the Scarlet & Violet era.
Dawn’s enduring popularity plays a huge part in the appeal of this card. Fans who grew up with the Sinnoh games and anime regard her as one of the standout female leads, giving the artwork a powerful emotional draw similar to past hits like Iono or Serena.
That built-in affection has led even collectors who don’t typically chase Supporter SIRs to make an exception here, drawn in by the strength of the character and the storytelling behind the illustration.
4. Mega Charizard X ex (Full Art)
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With Phantasmal Flames centred so heavily on Mega Charizard X ex, it’s no surprise to see multiple versions of the iconic mega throughout the set — including this striking Full Art treatment.
Illustrated by takuyoa, this design embraces the new Full Art style introduced in Journey Together. It features a vivid, neon-infused take on Charizard, blending bold pink and green highlights. In the foreground, Mega Charizard X ex’s signature blue flames create a sharp contrast that helps the artwork truly pop.
The result is a distinctive, stylised interpretation that stands apart from the more traditional Charizard portrayals, offering collectors a fresh and vibrant twist on one of the Pokémon TCG’s most enduring favourites.
5. Mega Sharpedo ex (Special Illustration Rare)
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Mega Sharpedo ex surfaces in Phantasmal Flames with blockbuster energy, making it one of the set’s most eye-catching Special Illustration Rare cards.
Illustrated by nagimiso, the artwork is a full-on visual feeding frenzy. Sharpedo bursts upward from the depths, surrounded by luminous yellow and blue swirls that capture the chaos and velocity of a high-speed underwater pursuit.
Whether you’re a collector drawn to dramatic artwork or a trainer who enjoys a card with real cinematic flair, this Special Illustration Rare delivers in style — it’s the kind of design that practically has you humming the Jaws theme.
Mega Sharpedo ex has appeared once before back in the XY era, and much like its predecessor, this new version arrives with plenty of bite.
6. Mega Lopunny ex (Special Illustration Rare)
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The Mega Lopunny ex Special Illustration Rare bounces into Phantasmal Flames with dynamic, high-energy flair, standing out as one of the set’s most vibrant and expressive artworks.
Mega Lopunny ex is shown mid-leap, radiating acrobatic confidence with bold magenta strokes and neon accents that give the illustration a lively, pop-art feel. It’s a striking interpretation that captures the Pokémon’s rapid, unpredictable style.
Kinu Nishimura’s artwork leans heavily into attitude and personality, giving the card a graffiti-inspired aesthetic that resonates with fans who love character-driven illustration. The playful yet fierce pose feels like a celebration of Pokémon with bold, offbeat charm.
The combination of kinetic art and disruptive gameplay traits ensures this card has earned plenty of admirers — especially among collectors who appreciate underdog Pokémon presented with standout style.
7. Rotom ex (Special Illustration Rare)
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The Rotom ex Special Illustration Rare brings this quirky Pokémon to life with a punchy, distinctive art style that perfectly matches its playful gimmick.
Illustrated by Yoshimi Miyoshi, the card presents a clever dashboard-style layout showcasing several of Rotom’s alternate forms. Mow Rotom sits at the top, Heat Rotom appears on the left, and Wash Rotom anchors the bottom — all rendered with bold, cartoon-inspired colour.
With so much attention on Mega Charizard X ex in this set, it would be easy for Rotom ex to fly under the radar. But this unique, characterful artwork ensures it’s anything but overlooked. Collectors who appreciate creative interpretations of fan-favourite Pokémon will find plenty to love here.
8. Meowth (Illustration Rare)
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The Meowth Illustration Rare delivers a charming throwback among modern cards, capturing the nostalgic feel of early Pokémon and the gritty GameBoy era that first introduced us to Kanto.
Illustrated by Uninori, the artwork shows Meowth stretched across a tree branch, perched high above a dense forest canopy. In the distance, the classic boxed-out rooftops of Kanto peek through the foliage, grounding the scene in unmistakable first-generation nostalgia.
The washed-out, desaturated colouring ties the entire piece together, echoing the visual style of early Pokémon media and giving the card a wonderfully retro tone that longtime fans will immediately recognise.
9. Piplup (Illustration Rare)
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The Piplup Illustration Rare is a clear favourite among collectors who love cute, character-driven cards, placing the beloved Water-type starter in a peaceful arctic wilderness.
Piplup may not belong to the elite group of top-tier collector Pokémon, but it has always maintained a loyal fanbase — and this artwork taps perfectly into that charm.
With its soft, wintry atmosphere and gentle nod to earlier generations, this Illustration Rare feels destined to earn a place in many binder pages. Perhaps Piplup is enjoying a moment in the spotlight once again… whether in the sun or the snow.
10. Dawn (Ultra Rare)
embed::[[Dawn (me2-118)]]
Dawn makes a second appearance in Phantasmal Flames with this vibrant Full Art Supporter card, bringing a burst of colour and personality to the set.
Illustrated by Yuu Nishida, the artwork shows Dawn clutching her bag with confident determination — a pose full of the verve and upbeat energy that fans associate with the iconic Pokémon Coordinator from the Sinnoh region.
Collectors who enjoy Supporter cards with strong character presence will appreciate this version of Dawn, which adds another expressive artwork to her growing lineup of fan-favourite prints.
What else should you look out for?
Alongside the big hitters, Phantasmal Flames includes several standout artworks that collectors shouldn’t overlook.
Dewgong (Illustration Rare)
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Dewgong finally receives its first-ever Full Art card in TCG history, despite debuting all the way back in the Base Set. Illustrated by satoma, the artwork shows Dewgong gazing up at the aurora borealis — a serene, icy contrast in a set dominated by fire and intensity.
Wigglytuff (Illustration Rare)
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Wigglytuff also gets some love with a new Illustration Rare by REND, an artist with a fast-growing cult following. The piece carries a commercial, almost storyboard-like style, with Wigglytuff pressed among a chorus of singing Jigglypuff. It’s whimsical, warm, and instantly memorable.
Ambipom (Illustration Rare)
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Ambipom brings a burst of colour to the set, depicted lounging amid a cluster of vibrant berries. It’s a playful composition that adds levity to the shadow-and-flame theme dominating the expansion.
Ludicolo (Illustration Rare)
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Ludicolo dances into view with samba-like energy, delivering one of the set’s most joyful artworks. The lively palette and spirited pose bring a refreshing splash of fun to the collection.
Final Thoughts
Phantasmal Flames closes out 2025 with style, cementing the Mega Evolution era as one of the most exciting periods the Pokémon TCG has seen in years.
These powerful Pokémon are shaping both the competitive landscape and the collector scene — and their current market performance reflects just how impactful they’ve become.
So, will you be chasing the Charizards, or has something else in Phantasmal Flames caught your eye?
Shop the Phantasmal Flames set and all things Pokémon TCG — including booster boxes and Elite Trainer Boxes — right here at Gathering Games.
