It all started here. Sword & Shield Base Set kicked off a new era of Pokémon TCG, bringing the revolutionary V and VMAX card mechanic. Zacian V and Zamazenta V became the faces of the new generation – two legendary wolves from Galar that immediately dominated the competitive scene. The set contained 202 cards and laid the foundation for one of the most successful eras in TCG history.

Rebel Clash is one of the most underrated sets of the entire SWSH era – and that's exactly what makes it interesting. It introduced Boss's Orders, a trainer card that defined the competitive meta for years. Toxtricity VMAX with its punk-rock aesthetic became a fan favorite. What collectors often overlook: this set's ETB is among the fastest-growing in value, precisely because most people ignored it.

When you hear Darkness Ablaze, every collector thinks of one name: Charizard VMAX in Gigantamax form. This card (#20) became one of the most iconic cards of the entire SWSH era.

Vivid Voltage brought something we'd never seen before in Pokémon TCG – Amazing Rare cards. The main star was Pikachu VMAX Rainbow Rare.

Shining Fates was like Christmas for shiny Pokémon collectors. The Shiny Vault subset offered dozens of sparkling versions of popular Pokémon. The absolute queen of the set is Shiny Charizard VMAX ($350+).

Battle Styles brought a historic milestone to the SWSH era – the very first Alternate Art cards! Tyranitar V Alt Art became one of the most sought-after cards.

Chilling Reign is one of the most beautiful sets of the entire SWSH era. Blaziken VMAX Alt Art and Galarian Moltres V Alt Art rank among the most beautiful cards of the entire era.

Evolving Skies – the absolute king of the entire Sword & Shield era. All 8 Eevee evolutions received gorgeous Alternate Art versions. Umbreon VMAX Alt Art (~$600), the most expensive modern Pokémon card.

Pokémon TCG celebrates 25 years – and Celebrations is the celebration itself! The Classic Collection – reprints of the most iconic cards from the entire history.

Brilliant Stars introduced the VSTAR mechanic and the Trainer Gallery subset. The main star is Charizard VSTAR ($120).

Astral Radiance took us to the Hisui region – ancient Sinnoh from Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Lost Origin brought back the Lost Zone mechanic and Giratina VSTAR Alt Art ($150).

The last set of the era – and what a farewell gift! Crown Zenith bid goodbye to the Sword & Shield style. The Galarian Gallery subset offered dozens of gorgeous full-art cards.