Obsidian Flames

Obsidian Flames, released in August 2023, is the third main Scarlet & Violet series expansion centered around Fire-type and dark-themed Pokémon. The set's title references the volcanic Obsidian Fieldlands area of the Paldea region, and its card pool reflects this fiery theme with powerful Fire-type ex cards and dark, moody artwork. The set is headlined by the Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare (223/197), featuring the iconic Fire-type in obsidian-black armor with brilliant orange flames. This card is the crown jewel of Obsidian Flames and has become one of the most sought-after Charizard cards of the modern era. The Dark Terapagos Charizard ex Hyper Rare (228/197) offers an even rarer alternate version. Beyond Charizard, the set features the powerful Pidgeot ex SIR (225/197) with its searching ability that made it a competitive staple, and the beautiful Gloom Illustration Rare (198/197) which has become surprisingly popular among collectors for its charming artwork. The Scizor IR (205/197) and Cleffa IR offer additional chase targets. Obsidian Flames introduced the Terastal phenomenon to the TCG in a major way, with Terastallized Pokémon ex cards featuring crystal-like adornments. This mechanic would become a defining feature of the Scarlet & Violet era. For collectors, Obsidian Flames offers multiple Charizard chase cards, making it a must-buy for Charizard collectors. The Charizard ex SIR in PSA 10 has shown strong appreciation, while the more accessible IRs offer great entry points for budget-conscious collectors building their modern collections.