Paldea Evolved vs Obsidian Flames Booster Box: Which to Buy (2026)
By Dexhaul Team · October 30, 2026 · 5 min read
The Paldea Evolved vs Obsidian Flames booster box decision comes down to one thing: which cards you want most.
Obsidian Flames is the better buy for most collectors right now. It costs roughly $107 less per box at current market prices, and its Charizard ex (Tera Fire) remains the most recognisable pull target in the Scarlet and Violet era.
Buy Paldea Evolved if you specifically want the Gen 9 starter trio: Meowscarada ex, Skeledirge ex and Quaquaval ex all appear in this one set, and no other single SV booster box contains all three.
Paldea Evolved vs Obsidian Flames booster box at a glance
| Paldea Evolved (SV02) | Obsidian Flames (SV03) | |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | June 9, 2023 | August 11, 2023 |
| MSRP (booster box) | $161.64 | $161.64 |
| Packs per box | 36 | 36 |
| MSRP per pack | $4.49 | $4.49 |
| Observed market price | From $454.99 USD (Oct 29, 2026) | From $392.00 USD (Oct 29, 2026) |
| Market price per pack | $12.64 | $10.89 |
| Base set size | 193 cards | 197 cards |
| Total cards (with secret rares) | 279 | 230 |
| Key ex pulls | Meowscarada ex, Skeledirge ex, Quaquaval ex, Chien-Pao ex, Ting-Lu ex | Charizard ex (Tera), Tyranitar ex, Dragonite ex |
Both sets share the same MSRP and pack count. DexHaul's market-price-per-pack figure is calculated from the lowest observed booster-box price on October 29, 2026, divided by 36 packs. At that rate, Paldea Evolved carries a $1.75 per-pack premium over Obsidian Flames.
You can compare ETB formats for both sets in the Paldea Evolved vs Obsidian Flames ETB comparison.
On this page 5 sections
Where Paldea Evolved wins
The complete Gen 9 starter trio
Paldea Evolved is the only Scarlet and Violet booster box that contains all three final-evolution starters as ex cards: Meowscarada ex, Skeledirge ex and Quaquaval ex (per Bulbapedia). Collectors building a complete Gen 9 ex collection almost always need this box.
Ting-Lu ex and Chien-Pao ex also debut here. They round out the Treasures of Ruin quartet that runs across multiple SV sets.
Chien-Pao ex in the competitive meta
Chien-Pao ex is a tournament-level card in the SV Standard format. Players building or refreshing Chien-Pao ex decks routinely open Paldea Evolved boxes. Obsidian Flames has no equivalent current-format staple at the same prominence.
Larger secret rare pool
Paldea Evolved contains 279 total cards against Obsidian Flames' 230, per Bulbapedia's set entries. The larger rare pool translates to more variety in a full box-break across Special Illustration Rares, Hyper Rares and Illustration Rares.
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Where Obsidian Flames wins
The era-defining Charizard ex (Tera Fire)
Charizard ex appeared in the first Scarlet and Violet base set, but the Obsidian Flames version is different. Its Tera Fire typing gives it a black card back, and the Illustration Rare treatment in this set is one of the most-opened pull targets across all SV-era boxes.
Tyranitar ex and Dragonite ex add further depth for players and collectors. Dragonite ex in particular has seen renewed play interest.
Lower market price right now
At observed prices of $392.00 versus $499.00, Obsidian Flames costs $107 less per box. That works out to $1.75 per pack less at current market rates. For collectors planning to open several boxes, or anyone working to a tight budget, the gap matters.
Both sets launched at the same $161.64 MSRP (36 packs at $4.49 each, per official Pokémon TCG pricing). The market premium on Paldea Evolved reflects the sustained demand for the starter trio and Chien-Pao ex, not a difference in the product itself.
Which to buy: the deciding question
It comes down to what you plan to open and why.
The Gen 9 starter trio and Chien-Pao ex pull Paldea Evolved ahead for set completionists and competitive players. If those cards are your target, the premium is justified. Collectors who are not specifically chasing the starters have little reason to pay $107 more per box when Obsidian Flames delivers equal or greater pull variety at a lower price.
For gift buyers, Obsidian Flames is the easier recommendation: the Charizard pull is universally understood, and the lower price leaves room to add an extra pack or tin.
If you are comparing Elite Trainer Boxes rather than booster boxes, see the Paldea Evolved vs Obsidian Flames ETB guide, which covers the ETB-exclusive promo cards and accessories. For a broader look at recent SV-era boxes side by side, the price-per-pack comparison covers every current set.
Frequently asked questions
How many packs are in each booster box?
Both Paldea Evolved and Obsidian Flames booster boxes contain 36 packs. Each pack includes 10 cards and one basic Energy card.
Which set has more secret rares?
Paldea Evolved has the larger secret rare pool: 279 total cards versus 230 in Obsidian Flames, per Bulbapedia's set entries. The extra 86 cards beyond the 193-card base include Special Illustration Rares, Hyper Rares and Illustration Rares.
Obsidian Flames carries 33 additional cards beyond its 197-card base. More variety per box-break favours Paldea Evolved.
Is the Obsidian Flames Charizard ex a Tera type?
Yes. The Obsidian Flames Charizard ex is a Tera Fire type, distinguished by its black card back. It is a different card from the Charizard ex in the first Scarlet and Violet base set.
Why is Paldea Evolved more expensive than Obsidian Flames right now?
Market pricing reflects demand for specific cards in the set. Meowscarada ex, Skeledirge ex and Quaquaval ex attract collectors building a complete Gen 9 ex collection, and Chien-Pao ex has ongoing competitive demand. These factors sustain a premium above Obsidian Flames' current price.
Can I find a booster box cheaper than MSRP?
Both sets released in 2023 and are no longer in print at retail. Sealed booster boxes trade on the secondary market at prices set by independent sellers, which is why observed prices exceed the original $161.64 MSRP. DexHaul searches thousands of independent shops to surface the current range.
Browse Paldea Evolved, Obsidian Flames and every other Scarlet and Violet booster box from independent shops at DexHaul's booster box collection. Dexhaul is independent and not affiliated with The Pokémon Company.
Catch 'em all
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