Pokémon chase cards: What to look for

What are Pokémon chase cards?

Pokémon chase cards are the most sought-after cards in a particular set, often because of their rarity, artwork, character or collector demand. The term is used by collectors rather than officially defined by The Pokémon Company and there's no single rule for what qualifies.

Some chase cards command the highest prices in their sets, while others become favourites because of their artwork or the Pokémon featured. Collectors identify potential chase cards before a set launches, but demand can change once the packs are opened and cards begin trading.

A chase card isn't necessarily the rarest or most valuable card in a set. What collectors want most can differ and a card's current popularity doesn't guarantee its future value.

Learn more about Pokémon card rarity

What makes a chase card desirable?

Here are some of the traits that could make a chase card valuable:

• Character demand: Popular Pokémon such as Charizard, Pikachu, Gengar and Umbreon can draw attention quickly.
• Artwork and treatment: Alternate art and gold cards stand apart from standard prints.
• Rarity: Higher rarity tiers appear in fewer packs.
• Set role: Some cards become the face of an expansion.
• Condition: Copies in better condition can be viewed differently from played ones.

How do you read a card's identifiers and artwork?

Three details identify most modern cards: the collector number, the rarity symbol and the set. Here's how to read the card:

1. Find the collector number. It sits near the bottom of the card and looks like 277/217, for example. The first figure is the card's number and the second is the advertised set size. A first figure higher than the second points to a card outside the main numbered run.
2. Check the rarity symbol. One gold star typically marks an Illustration Rare, two gold stars a Special Illustration Rare and three gold stars a Hyper Rare.
3. Read the artwork. Illustration Rare cards are alternate art versions of common, uncommon or rare Pokémon. Special Illustration Rares are alternate art for Pokémon ex or Supporter cards. Hyper Rares are full art foil cards with gilded borders.
4. Confirm the set. The same Pokémon can appear in several sets, so the set name and number point to the exact print.

Top Pokémon chase cards by set in 2026

The following are some of the most sought-after Special Illustration Rare Pokémon cards from 2026 sets, based on collector interest and coverage in gaming publications.

These cards can be found in eligible booster packs or bought on the secondary market, although no pack guarantees a particular card. The examples aren't ranked and collector demand can change over time.

Ascended Heroes

• Mega Gengar ex (284/217): Gengar eclipsing the sky with a menacing grin.
• Pikachu ex (277/217): Pikachu wearing a sparkling, stellar-style crown.
• Lillie's Clefairy ex (280/217): Lillie hugging her Clefairy.
• Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex (281/217): Mewtwo towering over Giovanni against a dramatic red background.
• Mega Dragonite ex (290/217): Mega Dragonite soaring among stars alongside Dratini and Dragonair.

Perfect Order

• Meowth ex (121/088): Meowth leaping forward against a colourful, patterned background.
• Mega Zygarde ex (120/088): Mega Zygarde surrounded by its other forms and Zygarde Cells.

Chaos Rising

• Mega Greninja ex (116/086): Mega Greninja in its Ninja Spinner form, surrounded by its evolution line.
• Cinccino ex (119/086): Cinccino lounging among patterned cushions in a playful pastel illustration.
• AZ's Tranquility (120/086): AZ sitting with his Floette in a flower-filled garden.
• Roxie's Performance (121/086): Roxie playing her guitar against a vibrant, punk-inspired background.

Pitch Black

• Mega Darkrai ex (116/084): Mega Darkrai surrounded by swirling energy in dark, sketch-like artwork.
• Morpeko ex (117/084): Morpeko leaping forward in Hangry Mode against a neon-pink background.

Delta Reign

• Mega Rayquaza ex (138/103): Mega Rayquaza surrounded by swirling green, orange and gold artwork.
  

What should collectors weigh before chasing a card?

Chasing a card can cost time and money and remember, no sealed pack guarantees a specific pull. 

• Packs are random: Packs inside boxed products are the same as packs sold individually, so a box doesn't raise the chance of a particular card.
• Singles are another route: Some collectors buy a specific card directly instead of opening packs.
• Condition and prices vary: Check the exact print and condition before you buy.
• Budget first: Decide how much you're comfortable spending before you start.

Check out the best Pokémon cards to buy by budget and goal

How does online card ripping work?

Online card ripping lets you open trading card packs through a website or app, without physically handling the packs yourself. Depending on the platform, you might watch someone open real packs on a livestream or open a digital pack that reveals cards from an existing collection.

Once the cards are revealed, they're added to your collection or assigned to you according to the platform's rules. If they're backed by real physical cards, you may be able to have them shipped to you, keep them in storage or sell them back to the provider.

Fees, odds, shipping rules and buyback terms are set by each operator, make sure you read them first.

Crypto.com Rips pairs digital pack openings with physical collectible cards. After a reveal, each card shows its details and a buyback quote that's locked for 48 hours. You can sell back to receive money in your fiat wallet, request delivery of the physical card or hold it until it sells automatically at the quoted price.

Your first Rips, on us

Card collectibles have taken off as hobbyists and first-timers alike amass their collections or flip it for gains. 

Try your hand at the Rips experience and get your first 5 packs free of charge. Find out more details.

* Availability may vary by jurisdiction.

How to explore Pokémon packs in the Crypto.com App

1. Create an account by signing up on the Crypto.com App.
2. Go to Rips in the App to browse pack categories and prices, including Pokémon.
3. Open a pack to reveal each card with its details and buyback quote.
4. Visit our Learn Hub for articles on card ripping, Pokémon rips and more.
   

FAQs about Pokémon chase cards

What are Pokémon chase cards?

Pokémon chase cards are the most sought-after cards in a particular set, often because of their rarity, artwork or popularity among collectors. It's an informal term rather than an official Pokémon rarity classification.

What are the top Pokémon chase cards in 2026?

Notable examples include Mega Gengar ex from Ascended Heroes, Mega Greninja ex from Chaos Rising and Mega Rayquaza ex from Delta Reign. Collector demand changes over time, so there's no definitive ranking.

How can you tell the rarity of a Pokémon card?

Check the rarity symbol near the card's collector number. One gold star indicates an Illustration Rare, two gold stars a Special Illustration Rare and three gold stars a Hyper Rare. These symbols identify official rarity categories, not whether a card is considered a chase card.

Are chase cards always the most valuable cards in a set?

No, a chase card may be popular because of its artwork or the Pokémon featured, even if another card sells for more. Market prices can also change as collector demand shifts.

Does a booster pack guarantee a chase card?

No, booster packs contain a random selection of cards and opening one doesn't guarantee a particular Pokémon or chase card. Even buying multiple packs won't guarantee that you'll find the card you're looking for.

Can you buy a specific chase card without opening packs?

Yes, you can buy individual Pokémon cards through card shops or secondary marketplaces. Check the card's set number and condition to make sure you're buying the version you want.

Important information: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice.

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