Paldea Evolved vs Obsidian Flames ETB: Which to Buy (2026)

Buy Paldea Evolved (SV02) if you want the full Paldea starter evolution line in one box. Buy Obsidian Flames (SV03) if the black Tera Charizard ex is the card you're after.

Both ETBs launched at a $49.99 MSRP and include nine booster packs with the same accessories bundle. The difference is entirely in the sets they pull from. Paldea Evolved introduced Meowscarada ex, Skeledirge ex, and Quaquaval ex as playable ex cards for the first time. Obsidian Flames unveiled the Tera-type mechanic with the most iconic card in recent memory: a black crystalline Charizard ex unlike any version of the character that came before it.

Both sets are now secondary market only. Read what each ETB offers, then use the comparison table below to decide.

At a glance

Where Paldea Evolved wins

The complete starter evolution trio

Paldea Evolved is the first and only SV-era set to put all three Paldea final-form starters in a single expansion. Meowscarada ex, Skeledirge ex, and Quaquaval ex each appear with full-art and Special Illustration Rare variants. For players building Grass, Fire, or Water decks around the Paldea starter line, SV02 is the primary source set.

The set also introduces Chien-Pao ex and Ting-Lu ex, two of the Treasures of Ruin Paradox Pokémon from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Serebii's Paldea Evolved set page lists 279 cards total across all rarity tiers. That larger pool means more collector targets and a wider spread of usable trainer support cards than Obsidian Flames.

More ex card variety per box

The SV02 ex lineup spans five distinct Pokémon families: Meowscarada, Skeledirge, Quaquaval, Chien-Pao, and Ting-Lu. Obsidian Flames concentrates most of its ex slots on one mechanic (Tera type) and one mascot (Charizard). Buyers who want ex cards from a range of types and playstyles get more variety per pull from Paldea Evolved than from OBF.

Buy Now

One detail that surprises buyers

The ETB sleeves feature Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, the unevolved base-form starters, rather than Meowscarada, Skeledirge, or Quaquaval. If you're buying the Paldea Evolved ETB specifically to get evolved-form sleeves, they aren't included. The sleeve artwork was finalized months before release, and Pokémon Company went with the unevolved starters for the SV02 accessories bundle. See the Paldea Evolved booster box guide for a full look at the SV02 product lineup.

Where Obsidian Flames wins

The black Tera Charizard ex

Obsidian Flames contains one of the most recognized cards in modern Pokémon TCG: a Tera Flying-type Charizard ex with a black crystalline overlay. The black coloring comes from the Terastal phenomenon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, where a Pokémon's type temporarily changes during battle. On the card, this means Charizard appears not as Fire/Flying but as a pure Flying type, depicted encased in dark crystal rather than the orange coloring most collectors expect.

Both the standard Charizard ex and its Special Illustration Rare variant are the primary chase targets. The Obsidian Flames ETB contents guide covers exactly what's in the box and both ETB versions side by side.

Buy Now

The definitive Tera-type set

Obsidian Flames was the first full SV expansion to dedicate its entire ex card lineup to the Tera-type mechanic. Every featured ex, including Tyranitar ex, Vaporeon ex, Jolteon ex, and Flareon ex, uses the new Tera-type card frame. For collectors building around the Scarlet and Violet mechanical identity, OBF is the foundational set for that theme.

At 230 cards, the set is smaller than Paldea Evolved. Fewer total cards concentrates the high-rarity slots: most packs that produce a hit will point toward one of the Tera ex cards, with Charizard as the apex target. Buyers who prefer fewer targets but higher relative pull rates for the specific cards they want may find this focus appealing.

The deciding question

Three questions settle it for most buyers.

Do you play the TCG or collect sealed products Players building SV-era decks will find more raw card utility in Paldea Evolved: the starter ex cards slot directly into Grass, Fire, and Water strategies, and Chien-Pao ex and Ting-Lu ex both had competitive relevance in the SV Standard format. Collectors focused on iconic singular cards should prioritize Obsidian Flames and accept that the Charizard ex is the reason for the premium price.

Which starter line matters to you Paldea Evolved is the only place to pull Meowscarada ex, Skeledirge ex, and Quaquaval ex from a standard booster. Obsidian Flames has no Paldea starter representation. If you missed the SV01 base set and want to build a starter-themed deck or display, SV02 is the one to buy.

Are you also considering other SV-era ETBs If budget allows only one, Obsidian Flames delivers the higher collector ceiling because of Charizard's sustained demand. If you want the broadest collection of SV-era ex cards from a single box purchase, Paldea Evolved offers more distinct Pokémon families. For a broader look at all current Elite Trainer Box options, browse the full Elite Trainer Box collection on DexHaul.

Frequently asked questions

How many packs are in the Paldea Evolved and Obsidian Flames ETBs?

Both standard ETBs include nine booster packs. The Pokémon Center exclusive versions of each include 11 packs plus exclusive foil promo cards, and were sold only through the Pokémon Center store.

Which ETB has the black Charizard card?

Obsidian Flames (SV03). The Tera Flying-type Charizard ex is exclusive to OBF and does not appear in Paldea Evolved. If the black Charizard ex is your target, Obsidian Flames is the correct set.

Does Paldea Evolved have a promo card?

Yes. The standard Paldea Evolved ETB includes a foil Pikachu promo card. The Pokémon Center exclusive version includes two Pikachu promo cards, one with a Pokémon Center logo stamp. Obsidian Flames includes a foil Charmander promo in the standard ETB.

Which ETB is better for a beginner?

At current secondary market prices, neither ETB is the most efficient way to start collecting. Both are significantly above their $49.99 MSRP. A newer SV-era ETB at or near retail is a better first purchase. See the Trainer's Toolkit vs ETB guide if you're deciding between entry-level sealed options.

Is there an ETB that covers both Paldea Evolved and Obsidian Flames content?

No. Each ETB contains only packs from its own set. Buying both is the only way to pull cards from SV02 and SV03 in one collection.