Obsidian Flames vs Twilight Masquerade ETB: Which to Buy (2026)
By Dexhaul Team · October 20, 2026 · 6 min read
Buy Obsidian Flames if you want Charizard ex, a lower original MSRP, and a set anchored by one of the most searched cards in the SV era. Buy Twilight Masquerade if you want eight distinct Ogerpon ex collector targets, a competitive staple promo, and current market prices that often undercut OBF.
Both are standard SV-era Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs) with 9 booster packs. The meaningful differences sit in the MSRP, the promo card, and the kind of chase experience each set delivers.
At a glance
| Obsidian Flames (SV03) | Twilight Masquerade (SV06) | |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | August 11, 2023 | May 24, 2024 |
| MSRP | $49.99 USD (Bulbapedia) | $59.99 USD (tcg.pokemon.com) |
| Packs (standard retail) | 9 | 9 |
| MSRP per pack | $5.56 | $6.67 |
| Promo card | Full-art foil Charmander | Full-art Teal Mask Ogerpon ex |
| Pokémon Center Exclusive | 11 packs, different promo | 11 packs, PC-stamped promo |
| Observed price (Oct 2026) | $119–$125 USD (standard) | $98–$125 USD (standard) |
| Primary chase | Charizard ex (four rarities) | Eight Ogerpon ex variants |
The $10 MSRP gap is the sharpest difference. At launch, Twilight Masquerade cost more per pack than any prior SV-era ETB. Secondary market prices have since compressed the gap: standard copies of both sets trade in overlapping ranges as of October 2026, which means the original launch price is now less relevant than what independent shops are actually asking.
For a full rundown of each set's contents and accessories, see the Obsidian Flames ETB guide and the Twilight Masquerade ETB guide.
On this page 5 sections
Where Obsidian Flames wins
The Charizard ex lineup
Obsidian Flames is the only main-series SV set where Charizard ex appears at every rarity tier, from Double Rare through to Hyper Rare. The Special Illustration Rare (223/197) depicts Charizard Terastallized into the Darkness type, a black crystalline frame replacing the usual fire palette. That visual contrast is a big part of why OBF remains one of the most-searched SV expansions nearly three years after launch.
Lower original MSRP
At $49.99, OBF launched at the standard SV ETB price point. Twilight Masquerade was the first SV ETB to come in at $59.99, a $10 increase that reflected The Pokémon Company's broader MSRP adjustment across later SV sets. If you are buying sealed at current shop prices rather than at MSRP, this matters less. But if you find sealed copies closer to original retail, OBF offers a better-value entry.
A Gen 1 promo
The Charmander promo inside the standard OBF ETB is a full-art foil featuring the original starter. Charmander has broader mainstream recognition than Ogerpon, and the promo's popularity reflects that. For gifts or casual collectors, the name recognition alone gives OBF an edge.
Where Twilight Masquerade wins
Eight collector targets from one Pokémon
Ogerpon appears in four distinct mask forms in the Scarlet and Violet DLC, and each form has both a standard ex card and a Special Illustration Rare in Twilight Masquerade. That is eight Ogerpon ex variants from a single species, more than any other Pokémon received in the entire SV run. Collectors completing the full set need to track eight specific cards, which makes the set more replayable for those who enjoy hunting specific SIRs rather than cracking packs for the highest-value single.
Secondary market prices
Standard copies of the TWM ETB were observed at $98–$125 USD from independent shops in October 2026. The lower end of that range sits below OBF's current floor. Despite launching $10 higher at MSRP, Twilight Masquerade now offers more affordable entry at the bottom of the independent market. Buyers comparing specific shops may find TWM the cheaper option outright.
Wellspring Mask Ogerpon ex and competitive play
The Wellspring Mask form of Ogerpon ex became a competitive staple following TWM's release. Its Aqua Return ability, which returns it to your hand after attacking, gave players a flexible attacker that avoided sitting exposed in the active spot. That competitive demand contributed to the SIR version commanding a higher price than the other three mask SIRs. Players building competitive decks have a practical reason to open TWM beyond pure collection.
The deciding question
If you are opening packs to chase one specific card, OBF is the cleaner choice. Charizard ex is a single, clearly defined target across four rarity tiers, so you know exactly what you are hunting from the first pack. Twilight Masquerade spreads the value across eight Ogerpon ex variants. That is a richer collection experience, but a less efficient chase if you have a particular SIR in mind.
If you are buying as a gift for a casual Pokémon fan, OBF's Charizard theme has near-universal recognition across age groups. Ogerpon is beloved by players of the DLC, but less familiar to fans who have not played Scarlet and Violet recently.
If you are a competitive player, TWM is the stronger pick. Wellspring Mask Ogerpon ex saw significant tournament play in 2024–2025, and the SIR is a meaningful pull from an ETB. OBF's competitive contributions were concentrated in 2023 formats that have since rotated out of Standard.
If you want TWM at a lower commitment, the Booster Bundle (6 packs) is available from independent shops for less than the ETB. You forgo the promo card and sleeves, but the packs themselves are identical. OBF does not have an equivalent Booster Bundle format.
Both sets sit in the same format tier as older SV-era releases alongside sets like Paldea Evolved. Buyers comparing multiple SV ETBs can use our Elite Trainer Box collection to compare current shop prices across all formats.
Frequently asked questions
Which set has better pull rates?
Both are standard 9-pack SV-era ETBs with comparable odds. Neither ETB guarantees a specific SIR. The difference is in what you are chasing: OBF offers a single-Pokémon target across four tiers, while TWM distributes value across eight Ogerpon ex variants.
Does the OBF ETB come in different versions?
Yes. The standard retail version contains 9 packs and a full-art foil Charmander promo. The Pokémon Center Exclusive version ships with 11 packs and a different promo card. Both launched at $49.99 MSRP on August 11, 2023.
Does the TWM ETB come in different versions?
The standard retail ETB comes in two sleeve variants: Walking Wake or Iron Leaves design. A Pokémon Center Exclusive version also exists with 11 packs and a PC-stamped promo. All versions launched at $59.99 MSRP on May 24, 2024.
Is the Charizard ex from OBF still worth buying?
The Charizard ex SIR (223/197) was observed at approximately $110 from independent shops in October 2026. Prices on singles vary and DexHaul is independent and unofficial, so check current listings for the most accurate figure before purchasing.
Which ETB should I buy first?
Buy OBF first if Charizard is the draw. Buy TWM first if you are chasing Ogerpon ex for competitive play or want the Teal Mask Ogerpon ex promo for your collection. At today's secondary market prices, TWM's lower floor makes it accessible without committing to the full OBF price range.
DexHaul is an independent, unofficial Pokémon search engine, not affiliated with The Pokémon Company. Browse current ETB listings from independent shops, including Obsidian Flames and Twilight Masquerade sealed products, at DexHaul's Elite Trainer Box collection. Prices above were observed from independent merchant listings on October 20, 2026.