Pokémon TCG: Evolving Skies has cemented its status as a modern classic. Celebrated for its gorgeous Alternate Art cards and a lineup of fan-favorite Pokémon (especially the Eeveelutions and Rayquaza), this Sword & Shield-era set continues to break price records in 2025. But which cards truly reign supreme in value and collector appeal? Below we countdown the top ten Evolving Skies hits – ranked by raw current market value (mid-2025), and explore what makes each one so desirable to collectors.
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Series: Sword & Shield
Evolving Skies Release Date: August 27, 2021
Set Abbreviation: EVS
10. Sylveon V (Alternate Art) – $112.54
Card Number: #184/203
Rarity: Alternate Art
Sylveon V’s alternate art features a cheerful bakery scene that perfectly captures this Fairy-type’s charm. Collectors adore the card’s whimsical artwork, Sylveon happily serving treats, which adds personality and story to the card. As one of the rare Eeveelution alternate arts, it combines adorable visuals with Eevee nostalgia. Sylveon may not be the most powerful battler, but its popularity and ultra-rare pull rate make this card a sweet addition that holds its value in any collection.
9. Espeon V (Alternate Art) – $132.74
Card Number: #180/203
Rarity: Alternate Art
This artwork showcases Espeon’s psychic powers in a uniquely charming way, delighting fans of this Gen II Eeveelution. The card’s appeal comes from a mix of character popularity and art – Espeon has a devoted following, and seeing it portrayed in such a playful, storybook scene makes the card stand out. Low availability on the market (like all alt arts in Evolving Skies) further drives up its chase status for collectors seeking a complete Eeveelution set.
8. Rayquaza V (Alternate Art) – $203.85
Card Number: #194/203
Rarity: Alternate Art
Rayquaza has long been a popular star in the hobby, the name alone evokes nostalgia and excitement – and this full-art alternate version elevates that legacy with beautiful illustration. Whether or not it dominated the competitive scene, the sheer fan demand for Rayquaza and the scarcity of this card make it a must-have high-value pull from Evolving Skies.
7. Glaceon VMAX (Alternate Art Secret) – $260.60
Card Number: #209/203
Rarity: Alternate Art
This special art tells a story, and collectors love catching all the little details scattered throughout the illustration. As an Eeveelution VMAX, it was notoriously hard to pull, adding to its allure. Between Glaceon’s fan appeal (for its graceful design) and the card’s almost painting-like quality, this Secret Rare has firmly earned its spot among Evolving Skies’ most valuable treasures.
6. Umbreon V (Alternate Art) – $268.22
Card Number: #189/203
Rarity: Alternate Art
This card’s gothic, story-like artwork gives collectors even more reason to chase it. The scene – sometimes called “Mean Umbreon” to contrast with the famous “Moonbreon” – perfectly reflects Umbreon’s nocturnal mystique and makes the card feel like a miniature piece of Pokémon art. Given its limited print run and Umbreon’s fan appeal, it’s no surprise this is the priciest Eeveelution V card in the set and a jewel for collectors completing the alt art lineup.
5. Sylveon VMAX (Alternate Art Secret) – $272.70
Card Number: #212/203
Rarity: Alternate Art
The card’s joyful, pastel-hued artwork is instantly recognizable and appeals to collectors who appreciate the lighter, whimsical side of Pokémon card design. Sylveon itself enjoys considerable popularity (it’s an Eevee evolution, after all), and in towering VMAX form it commands even more attention. While it’s the most “affordable” of the VMAX alt arts in Evolving Skies, it’s still exceedingly rare to pull. The blend of vibrant art, beloved character, and scarcity keeps Sylveon VMAX Alt Art riding high on collectors’ wish lists.
4. Dragonite V (Alternate Art) – #192/203 – $286.42
Card Number: #192/203
Rarity: Alternate Art
Dragonite’s enduring popularity as an original Pokédex entry means collectors are naturally drawn to any premium card featuring it. Here, the combination of a beloved character and a delightful, storybook illustration makes for an irresistible chase card. Throw in the fact that it’s an ultra-rare pull, and this Dragonite becomes a prime target for those looking to add a centerpiece vintage-feel card to their modern collection.
3. Leafeon VMAX (Alternate Art Secret) – $356.90
Card Number: #205/203
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare
The peaceful farm backdrop and clever concept make the card a standout, even among other flashy VMAX cards. Leafeon may not usually top popularity polls, but this card’s pastoral charm and ultra-rare Secret Rare status have made it a surprise heavyweight in the market. It’s a perfect example of how an exceptional art design can elevate a card to grail status for collectors.
2. Rayquaza VMAX (Alternate Art Secret) – $664.56
Card Number: #218/203
Rarity: Alternate Art
Rayquaza VMAX’s alternate art is nothing short of legendary, both in design and desirability. This card portrays the emerald dragon in an explosive action scene high above the clouds (with trainer Zinnia subtly featured), showcasing Rayquaza’s epic presence. For many collectors, this card hits every note: Rayquaza carries immense nostalgia and prestige from the games, and its VMAX Secret Rare was among the hardest pulls in Evolving Skies. The card’s value reflects that perfect storm of character appeal, stunning artwork, and extreme rarity. Even after some market fluctuations, “Ray VMAX” remains one of the ultimate chase cards of the Sword & Shield era – second only to one.
1. Umbreon VMAX (Alternate Art Secret) – $1,363.16
Card Number: #215/203
Rarity: Alternate Art
The artwork is pure magic: Umbreon looms on a dark rooftop, reaching for the full moon, while other Pokémon gaze up in awe – a scene that perfectly captures the enigmatic allure of this Pokémon. Beyond its breathtaking visuals, the card’s scarcity is the stuff of legend (pull rates were astronomically low). Umbreon is a perennial fan-favorite, and crowning it with this cinematic, almost emotional artwork struck gold in the hobby. Prices have soared well past the $1k mark, reflecting how Moonbreon transcended a mere trading card to become an icon of the era. If you’re lucky enough to own one, it’s the kind of card you immediately sleeve, treasure, and maybe even consider grading – it truly stands at the summit of current Pokémon card collecting
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Why These Cards Lead the Market
What makes these cards dominate the market?
Beloved Characters: This set’s chases center on hugely popular Pokémon – Eeveelutions like Umbreon, Sylveon, and Leafeon, the iconic Rayquaza, and classic Dragonite. Cards featuring fan-favorite characters naturally see higher demand and long-term collectability.
Stunning Alt Arts: Each card boasts a unique full-art illustration that turns a collectible card into a mini art print. These designs (affectionately known as “alt arts”) range from dynamic action scenes to whimsical storybook vignettes, capturing fans’ imaginations and vastly outshining standard card art in appeal.
Final Thoughts
Evolving Skies is still that set – the one collectors talk about with a sparkle in their eye. Its top 10 cards showcase the perfect synergy of Pokémon popularity, artistic brilliance, and genuine rarity. Pulling any of these cards from a booster pack is extraordinarily unlikely (though the thrill keeps us buying packs!). Good hunting!
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