Top Black Bolt & White Flare Chase Cards

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When Black Bolt and White Flare landed in the US on July 18, 2025, they introduced a massive celebration of Unova’s rich legacy — from Mythical icons to beloved Trainers. While the Black & White Rare (BWR) rarity stole headlines, there are plenty of other cards that have quickly become top-tier targets for collectors.

In this Collector’s Guide, we’re breaking down the most valuable cards in both sets based on the current singles market — highlighting what’s driving the demand, the stories behind the cards, and why these picks are dominating collector wishlists.

*Market values as of time of publishing

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Top 5 Most Valuable Cards – Black Bolt

1. Zekrom ex (BWR) #172 – $473.35

The definitive card of Black Bolt, this Zekrom ex Black White Rare captures the full weight of Zekrom’s power in a new monochrome style. With a sleek, stylized art treatment, it’s an immediate binder centerpiece. The card’s strong demand stems from its dual appeal — a Gen V mascot in its most visually commanding form.

2. Victini (BWR) #171 – $452.00

This Black & White Rare version of Victini is an instant standout — not just for its scarcity, but for its stunning monochrome foil treatment that elevates the Mythical’s charm to a new level. With radiant detailing and a minimalist, high-contrast finish, the card captures Victini’s iconic optimism in a premium format. As one of the rarest pulls in the entire set, it’s a grail-tier card for collectors chasing both artistic beauty and top-tier rarity.

3. Zekrom ex (SIR) #166 – $317.80

Zekrom’s Special Illustration Rare is a true showstopper — capturing the Legendary Dragon in a dynamic, cinematic pose as lightning cracks across the frame. The bold linework and rich contrast bring out every detail of Zekrom’s power, while the full-art composition adds a sense of movement rarely seen in modern cards.

4. N’s Plan (SIR Trainer) #170 – $124.27

This card hit the ground running thanks to its emotional resonance with longtime fans. Featuring a poignant, stylized depiction of N, this SAR Trainer taps into the most story-driven moments of the Black/White games. While it’s stabilized since launch, collector demand remains strong for this beloved character’s best card to date.

5. Kyurem ex (SIR) #165 – $111.67

Kyurem brings the chill with a textured SIR that spotlights its icy menace. Though it lags behind Zekrom in lore and demand, the artwork and type pairing still make it a valuable addition to any Gen V binder — especially with its rarity holding firm in the mid-tier chase range.

Top 5 Most Valuable Cards – White Flare

1. Victini (BWR) #172 – $499.99

Victini returns for a second BWR appearance. While the only visual distinction between the two versions is a single digit, the White Flare version has an early lead in terms of value due to the more difficult pull rate and lack of sales data.

2. Reshiram ex (BWR) #173 – $480.32

The white flame to Zekrom’s black bolt, Reshiram’s Black & White Rare radiates elegance and power in equal measure. Its crisp white foil treatment and embossed finish give the card an ethereal, almost sacred presence — a perfect match for the Legendary’s regal status. With pull rates among the lowest in the set and artwork that balances minimalism with majesty, this BWR is a crown jewel for high-end collectors and Unova devotees alike.

3. Reshiram ex (SIR) #166 – $238.08

Reshiram’s full-art variant leans heavily on classic Legendary energy, showing the Fire-type Dragon in an intense forward charge. With bold contrast and a radiant foil, it’s a top-tier pull that delivers value both visually and competitively.

4. Hydreigon ex (SIR) #169 – $152.46

Hydreigon’s chaotic triple-headed form is on full display in this SIR, rendered with heavy shadows and a moody atmosphere. It’s not quite as rare as the top-tier Legendaries, but fan love for Hydreigon keeps this card climbing. A great mid-range pickup for collectors focused on competitive Dragons.

5. Hilda (SIR Trainer) #171 – $77.98

Gen V fans pushed Hilda’s SAR into the top 5. With her first true full-art illustration in years, this card carries strong character appeal. While lower in rarity than the Pokémon SARs, Hilda’s popularity and strong art direction make it one of White Flare’s most sought-after Trainers.

Why These Cards Are Dominating the Market

Three factors are consistently pushing these cards to the top of collector priorities:

Art-Driven Value Special Illustration Rares (SIRs) have become the new gold standard in collector demand. Each of these cards leverages unique art styles, bold compositions, and lore-driven themes that create an emotional connection with collectors.

Character Popularity Legendary Pokémon like Zekrom and Reshiram carry massive legacy value, while characters like N, Hilda, and Victini appeal to both long-time players and newer fans. These familiar faces are pushing prices as fans chase memories and story significance.

Set Structure and Rarity With massive Secret Rare lineups and tightly packed chase tiers, Black Bolt and White Flare reward deep engagement. Pull rates for SIRs remain low enough to justify strong secondary market values — especially for standout cards with broad appeal.

Final Thoughts

Black Bolt and White Flare continue to prove themselves as powerhouse releases for modern collectors. Between groundbreaking artwork, powerful nostalgia, and tight rarity design, the sets offer some of the strongest collector value in years. Whether you're building a Gen V binder, chasing SARs, or eyeing high-end investments, these cards are already making history.