The 10 Most Expensive Cards in Darkness Ablaze

Charizard VMAX (#20) is the superstar of Darkness Ablaze, and it commands a staggering price of $46.00 for good reason. This card is the embodiment of a chase card—high demand, limited supply. Charizard has been a perennial favorite since the dawn of Pokémon time, and when you combine that with the majestic design by artist Kagemaru Himeno, it becomes a collector’s dream. The artwork just screams epic—a dazzling, fiery Charizard soaring through the sky, encapsulating the essence of what fans adore. On the competitive side, Charizard VMAX doesn’t just sit in a binder; it sees substantial play in top-tier decks. With its ability to dish out a massive 300 damage with its G-Max Wildfire attack, it’s a staple in fire-centric strategies. But let’s talk history: this card’s price has been a rollercoaster. After some initial hype, it has settled down somewhat, but there’s still strong demand, keeping it among the highest-priced cards. Pulling this beauty isn’t easy, either—expect a tough hunt in packs. Overall, if you’ve got this in your collection, congratulations—you’ve got a dragon-sized trophy that even Mewtwo would envy.

Butterfree VMAX (#190) may not have the historical heft of Charizard, but at $15.73, it’s a gem in the set. Its Rainbow Rare variant, with its vibrant swirl of colors, captures the eye and the imagination. The artwork by the legendary artist Mitsuhiro Arita is both whimsical and mesmerizing. Imagine a party of butterflies in a psychedelic dream—this card definitely brings those vibes! From a competitive angle, Butterfree VMAX is seen as a bit of a dark horse. While it may not dominate tournaments, its ability to spread Special Conditions can disrupt your opponent's strategy. It’s more of a niche card, but sometimes, that’s what makes it fun to play. Its price has seen some impressive growth since release. It’s not as easy to pull as you'd think, either, which adds to its allure. So, if you’ve got a Butterfree VMAX, don’t overlook this colorful powerhouse; it’s got more value than the average butterfly!

Salamence VMAX (#194) is flying high with a current price of $14.41. It’s a powerful dragon Pokémon, and just like Charizard, it carries the cool factor. The artwork, again by the talented Kagemaru Himeno, showcases Salamence soaring through the clouds with a fierce expression that screams 'I mean business.' In the competitive scene, Salamence VMAX can hold its own. With the ability to hit for 200 damage with its G-Max Hurricane, it’s a force to be reckoned with. Many players use it as a finisher, especially in decks that can build up energy quickly. The price has been fairly stable, but it’s likely driven by both nostalgia and competitive viability. Pull rates have been decent, but not overwhelming, making it an exciting chase for collectors. If you're hunting for a card that blends playability with collectability, Salamence VMAX is a solid choice.

Scizor VMAX (#193) is the underdog of Darkness Ablaze, priced at $11.18. The artwork illustrates Scizor in all its metallic glory, with a sleek design that screams 'cool but deadly.' This card blends aesthetic value with functionality; it's a shining example of Pokémon TCG artistry. The artist has effectively captured Scizor’s essence—sharp, striking, and ready to cut through the competition. Competitive-wise, Scizor VMAX can dish out some serious damage, especially when paired with the right tools in a Metal-type deck. Its G-Max Scissors attack is a solid performer, allowing it to shine in certain matchups. Historically, this card has seen a bit of fluctuation, but it has found a comfortable place in the market. Pull rates are decent, making it a fun find in packs. If you’re a collector with a taste for the sharp and edgy, Scizor VMAX should not be overlooked.

Eternatus VMAX (#192) is priced right around $10.71, and let’s face it, this card is a dark powerhouse. The artwork presents Eternatus as an imposing figure, draped in purple and black—a true embodiment of its dark-type roots. The artist has really captured its menacing aura, making it a must-have for anyone who loves villainous Pokémon. In the competitive realm, Eternatus VMAX has made quite a splash. With its ability to pull off crazy damage with Eternal Zone, it can bring 300 damage to the table. Decks built around Eternatus are often competitive staples, giving it both playability and desirability. Its price has been on a steady climb since its release, reflecting its rise in popularity. Plus, it’s not the easiest card to pull, adding to its chase factor. If you can snag one, you’re looking at a card that could hold value and might even appreciate over time—definitely a strong contender in both play and collection.

Charizard V (#19) is the little sibling to the big Charizard VMAX, but at $6.99, it’s no slouch. The artwork is classic, featuring Charizard in a more grounded, yet equally striking pose, perfect for fans who love the OG vibes. It’s a fitting homage to the original, designed by the same artist, Kagemaru Himeno, who knows how to make the card pop. While it’s not as competitive as its VMAX counterpart, Charizard V still sees play, often as a supporting card in decks that rely on speed and damage output. Its price has held strong, driven by nostalgia and the persisting chase for anything Charizard-related. Pulling this card is easier compared to the VMAX, but it still carries enough value that you’ll feel a little thrill when you reveal it from a pack. It’s a solid card to have, especially if you're building a Charizard collection—after all, who doesn’t want a family portrait?

Rillaboom (#197) stands out in this set as a rare secret with a price tag of $6.63. The artwork is vibrant, showcasing Rillaboom in its natural habitat, surrounded by drums and foliage. It’s a fun representation, capturing the character’s personality. The artist has done a fantastic job of bringing Rillaboom’s lively spirit to life. From a gameplay perspective, Rillaboom is a solid option for Grass-type decks, thanks to its ability to ramp energy into play quickly. This can give players a significant advantage as they set up powerful attacks. It’s been steadily climbing in price, showing strong demand and the potential for future appreciation. Pull rates have been more favorable than some of the other higher-valued cards, which helps its visibility in the market. If you’re looking for a card that balances collectability with competitive use, Rillaboom might be worth grabbing while it’s still on the rise.

Centiskorch VMAX (#191) is priced at $6.60, and it’s a fiery beast worth exploring. The artwork is dynamic, featuring Centiskorch swirling in flames, which is visually stunning and captures the card’s fiery abilities. It’s another great piece by the talented artist, with colors that pop off the card. Centiskorch VMAX has gained traction in competitive play, especially in decks that focus on fire types. Its G-Max Centiferno attack can deal 40x damage, scaling up with the number of Fire Energy in play, making it a card with potential for big numbers. The price has fluctuated a bit, but it’s showing signs of stability. Pull rates have been decent, adding a nice layer of excitement when ripping packs. If you enjoy fiery Pokémon and want a card that combines aesthetics with potential power, Centiskorch VMAX is definitely worth considering.

Coalossal (#198) is a rare secret that currently sits at $5.64, and while it may not have the same level of hype as some of its counterparts, it’s a solid card nonetheless. The artwork depicts Coalossal in a coal-filled environment, and you can almost feel the heat emanating from the card. It’s a fitting representation of its rock/steel typing, and the detail is impressive. In play, Coalossal can be a strategic choice, especially with its ability to accelerate Energy attachments. This card can be a pivotal piece in specific deck builds, helping you gain that edge in matches. The price has held relatively steady since its release, and it’s still a bit under the radar. Pull rates are decent, making it a fun find in packs. If you’re building a collection or just looking for a versatile card, Coalossal is a great, budget-friendly option that could surprise you in play.

Houndoom V (#178) rounds out our list at $4.89, but don't let the price fool you—this card has character. The artwork shows Houndoom in a menacing pose, flames licking at its feet, making it a striking addition to any collection. It exudes personality, and the artist has really captured its fierce nature. This card may not see as much competitive play, but it does have its niche in Fire-type decks, offering some nice utility with its ability to fetch Fire energy. Houndoom V’s price has been stable, likely buoyed by collectors who appreciate its design and those looking to fill out their Fire decks. Pull rates are decent, so you’ll probably find it while hunting through packs. For those who enjoy the darker side of Pokémon or just want a solid card, Houndoom V is a great addition without breaking the bank.