The 10 Most Expensive Cards in Burning Shadows
Released in August 2017, Burning Shadows marked an exciting chapter in the Pokémon Trading Card Game's continual evolution, taking place during the XY era and bridging into the Sun & Moon series. This set is notable for its introduction of unique mechanics like the 'Burn' condition and the revival of Dark-type Pokémon, something fans had been clamoring for since the days of Team Rocket. It features a blend of beloved characters and new faces, making it a kind of nostalgia trip for veterans while still appealing to new players. The set has also become infamous for the elusive chase cards that spice up the experience of cracking packs, with players and collectors alike hoping to pull some of the rarest cards, which has led to inflated prices on the secondary market. With key cards like Charizard-GX and others carrying hefty price tags, it’s no wonder that Burning Shadows has left an indelible mark on the TCG landscape. Let’s dive into the ten most expensive cards that define this set, showcasing why they command such staggering prices.
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Charizard-GX
#150 · Rare Rainbow · Holofoil
Market Price

Charizard-GX (#150), the king of chase cards and a perennial fan favorite, reigns supreme with a staggering price of $487.17 for its Holofoil Rare Rainbow variant. Why the hefty price tag? Demand is sky-high, thanks to Charizard's legendary status in the Pokémon universe—he's like the Michael Jordan of Pokémon. The artwork, crafted by the talented 5ban Graphics, features Charizard in a vibrant, fiery display that practically jumps off the card. With its fierce pose and dynamic colors, it’s a true visual feast. In competitive play, Charizard-GX boasts a powerful GX attack, “Crimson Storm,” which does a whopping 300 damage. However, its playability is often overshadowed by its collector appeal. Historically, this card has seen wild fluctuations in price, with collectors willing to pay top dollar for a chance at a holy grail. Pulling one is like winning the lottery, as the odds are notoriously low; many have opened countless packs only to walk away empty-handed. If there's a single card to invest in from this set, this is it—just don’t lose your mind when the price tag pops up on your screen.
Fairy Energy
#169 · Rare Secret · Holofoil
Market Price

Next up, we have the Fairy Energy (#169) at a jaw-dropping $77.87 for its Holofoil Rare Secret variant. Yes, you read that right—an energy card! It’s a rarity in the TCG community that a simple energy card can fetch this much. Why? It’s entirely about scarcity and collector appeal. The artwork is subtly enchanting, showcasing whimsical swirls and pastel colors that evoke the gentle essence of Fairy-type Pokémon. With beautiful illustrations, it’s artistic enough to frame and hang on your wall. While it may not carry the competitive weight of other heavy hitters, it’s a sought-after collector item simply because it’s Fairy Energy—a type that’s been phased out in recent sets. Pricewise, it has been climbing steadily, making it a solid hold for collectors. If you find one in your local shop, consider snatching it up. It might just be the surprise MVP of investments in this set!
Wicke
#147 · Rare Ultra · Holofoil
Market Price

Wicke (#147) sits at $52.38 for its Holofoil Rare Ultra variant, making it a strong contender in both playability and collector value. As a Trainer card, Wicke allows players to shuffle their hand into their deck and draw five cards, a refreshing way to recycle your resources in tight games. The artwork, illustrated by Mizue, features Wicke looking engaging and vibrant, capturing her personality perfectly. While it may not be the flashiest card, its utility in competitive play has made it a staple in certain deck archetypes, especially those that like to recycle resources. Overall, this card's price is on the rise, as players and collectors alike recognize its dual appeal. If you’re building a deck that thrives on hand management, this card could give you that crucial edge. Plus, it’s always fun to throw in a collector item that also plays nicely in the game!
Darkness Energy
#168 · Rare Secret · Holofoil
Market Price

Darkness Energy (#168) comes in hot with a price of $46.89 for its Holofoil Rare Secret variant. Much like its Fairy counterpart, it’s astonishing how energy cards can attract such high valuations. The artwork here is slick, featuring deep, rich blacks with subtle hints of purple that really make it pop. As a Rare Secret, its scarcity gives it a collector's appeal far beyond just its functionality. While not competitive in the same way a Pokémon would be, it nevertheless sees play in many Dark-type decks that require special energy to fuel their strategies. Its price has steadily increased, especially as collectors hunt down missing pieces for their set. If you’re lucky enough to find one, it’s worth picking up—not just for your deck but as a fun collector item that blends perfectly with your dark-themed Pokémon.
Gardevoir-GX
#159 · Rare Rainbow · Holofoil
Market Price

Gardevoir-GX (#159) commands $46.47 for its Holofoil Rare Rainbow variant, and for good reason. This card is beautifully illustrated with Gardevoir emanating an ethereal glow, showcasing the stunning artistry of five-time Pokémon TCG illustrator, Kawayoo. A staple in many competitive decks, Gardevoir-GX can dish out solid damage while also providing psychic type support, making it a fan-favorite for players. Its notable attack, “Infinite Force,” allows for serious punch power depending on the energy attached, providing flexibility and adaptability in battle. Over the years, its price has seen fluctuations, yet it remains a solid investment for both competitive players and collectors. The pull rates are relatively steady, making it a sought-after prize for pack openers. If you’re a Gardevoir fan, this card is a must-have, blending both competitive strength and stunning artwork.
Acerola
#142 · Rare Ultra · Holofoil
Market Price

Acerola (#142) comes in at $45.20 for its Holofoil Rare Ultra variant. As a Trainer card, Acerola allows you to return a Pokémon and all cards attached to it back to your hand. This can be a game-changer, saving crucial Pokémon from the discard pile and keeping your strategy alive in tight matches. The artwork, illustrated by Megumi Mizutani, is both captivating and functional, showcasing a lively Acerola alongside her adorable Altered Forme of Hoopa. In competitive contexts, this card enjoys popularity within various decks that benefit from strategic retreating. Its recent price increases show that players are catching on to Acerola's utility. If you’ve got an eye on competitive play and want to keep your hand versatile, this is a great card to pick up. Plus, as a long-time fan, it’s fantastic to have such a useful card with beautiful artwork!
Darkrai-GX
#158 · Rare Rainbow · Holofoil
Market Price

Darkrai-GX (#158) sits at $37.56 for its Holofoil Rare Rainbow variant, and it’s a card that packs a punch, both in artwork and playability. This card features Darkrai in a dark, mystical aura, giving it an alluring quality that draws both collectors and players. Darkrai can manipulate the game state with its ability, ‘Dark Cloak,’ and its attacks can wreak havoc on opponents. This card found favor in many Darkness-type decks, often as a powerful attacker. Its price has been on a slight uptick as it gains traction in competitive circles, making it a wise pick for those looking to invest. However, pulling one from a pack can feel like trying to catch the elusive Pokémon itself. It’s a well-balanced card that caters to those who appreciate both strategy and aesthetics, making it a must-have in any serious collection.
Fire Energy
#167 · Rare Secret · Holofoil
Market Price

The Fire Energy (#167) rounds up the energy cards at $28.11 for its Holofoil Rare Secret variant. Like the other energy cards, this one captures the essence of its type brilliantly, with fiery art that crackles with energy and vibrancy. While energy cards are typically the unsung heroes, they have become increasingly valuable due to their rarity in this set. It’s an essential piece for any Fire-type deck and has seen an uptick in collector interest, so its price has risen steadily. If you're a Fire-type enthusiast, this card deserves a place in your collection. Just be mindful—while it may not be the flashiest card, it serves its purpose while still looking good doing it. It’s a fun pickup for any serious player or collector who appreciates the artistry behind energy cards.
Machamp-GX
#154 · Rare Rainbow · Holofoil
Market Price

Machamp-GX (#154) comes in at $27.63 for its Holofoil Rare Rainbow variant, showcasing Machamp in all its glory as a fighting powerhouse. The illustration features Machamp in a dynamic pose, giving off an aura of strength and determination—classic Machamp vibes. In competitive play, Machamp-GX boasts powerful attacks and can fit into Fighting-type decks with ease. While it may not be a top-tier card like some others, it still shines in certain strategies, making it a popular choice among players. Prices have remained relatively stable, but there’s always potential for growth, especially if a Machamp deck gains prominence in tournament play. Pulling one from a pack can feel rewarding, considering its attractive design and competitive capabilities. For those who love the Fighting-type and want a card that blends nostalgia with competitiveness, Machamp-GX is a solid addition.
Marshadow-GX
#156 · Rare Rainbow · Holofoil
Market Price

Marshadow-GX (#156) rounds out our list at $25.06 for its Holofoil Rare Rainbow variant. Marshadow has become a fan favorite for its dual-type capabilities and ability to disrupt opponents effectively. The artwork, featuring Marshadow in a shadowy, mystical pose, is both captivating and fitting for this sneaky Pokémon. In terms of competitive play, Marshadow-GX can surprise opponents with its unique attacks, making it a worthwhile addition to special energy decks. While its price is relatively lower compared to other cards in this set, it’s been holding steady due to its versatile playability. The pull rates are decent, but don’t expect to find it in every pack. If you’re drafting or building a deck, this card packs a punch without breaking the bank. A smart pickup for players and collectors alike, Marshadow-GX is underrated, making it a potential gem in the long run.
The Burning Shadows set remains a treasure trove for collectors and players alike, with a strong market presence driven by nostalgia and competitive capabilities. Charizard-GX leads the charge, but cards like Wicke and Gardevoir-GX showcase that utility and artwork can go hand-in-hand for value. While some energy cards like Fairy and Darkness are surprisingly valuable, it’s worth considering their scarcity even if they don’t get the competitive spotlight. For potential investments, keep an eye on cards that show signs of growth like Machamp-GX and Acerola, as they could yield solid returns in the long run. This set is worth exploring for both ripping packs and investing, especially for those who want to blend gameplay and art. So go ahead, sift through your collection or the local card shop—these cards might just add some serious fire to your portfolio.
Prices updated automatically. Last article refresh: April 8, 2026
Market prices sourced from TCGPlayer. Affiliate links may earn us a commission at no cost to you.
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