Scarlet & Violet Base Set Top 10 Cards: Best Hits and Chase Cards (September 2026)
Scarlet & Violet Base has not historically been regarded as one of the top sets of the era, but that doesn't change the fact that there are loads of excellent chase cards. From story-telling to legendary artists, this set is packed full of chases and grails that any collector would be lucky to have!
Here's a countdown of the ten cards driving the most action right now, ranked by current market value as of September 2026. Whether you're rebuilding a binder or hunting your next big pull, these are the cards you're chasing.
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10) Miriam (Special Illustration Rare) — $23.08
Miriam has seen a dramatic shift since release when she was one of the top 3 chases in the set. There's still something to be said about the artwork being reminiscent of the "Golden Ratio," making this a great chase for artwork collectors.
Card Number: #251/198 | Rarity: Special Illustration Rare
9) Koraidon ex (Illustration Rare) — $23.59
Koraidon ex joins the list as Scarlet's own box art Legendary. Its Dino Cry Ability lets you power up a Basic Fighting Pokémon straight from the discard pile at the cost of ending your turn. The art puts Koraidon mid-roar in a sunlit jungle clearing, a small companion Pokémon tucked in beside it. Wild Impact hits for a massive 220 damage, though the Pokémon can't swing again the following turn.
Card Number: #247/198 | Rarity: Illustration Rare
8) Miraidon ex (Special Illustration Rare) — $24.17
Miraidon ex joins its fellow box art Legendary Koraidon ex, mentioned just above, on this list. It also features Dachsbun, the evolved form of Fidough, up next on this list, set in a futuristic city that matches the vibe of the Future Paradox Pokémon itself.
Card Number: #244/198 | Rarity: Special Illustration Rare
7) Fidough (Illustration Rare) — $24.82
One of the first "cozy" cards of the Scarlet & Violet era, this Fidough IR feels like a combination of adorable and curious. Almost as though it's wondering why it's ears are for sale in a bakery.
Card Number: #213/198 | Rarity: Illustration Rare
6) Riolu (Illustration Rare) — $33.27
This entry features the lovable Lucario basic, Riolu. His mischievous lack of care attitude in a destroyed room really showcases the nature of this little scamp perfectly.
Card Number: #215/198 | Rarity: Illustration Rare
5) Slowpoke (Illustration Rare) — $39.50
This derpy little Gen 1 favorite, previously a cameo in the Wiglett card, is a much more subtle card. Slowpoke sticking its head out of a garage on an empty sidewalk surrounding a cobblestone road still allows it to pop with its color against a dull colorless background.
Market Value: #204/198 | Rarity: Illustration Rare
4) Kirlia (Illustration Rare) – $39.57
Obviously, the middle stage evolution is going to be the lower value of the three, but it's still in the Top 5 Scarlet & Violet Chase Cards due to the story all three cards tell of Kirlia, and the other two growing with the family. This is one of the most popular story-telling card arts for very good reason.
Card Number: #212/198 | Rarity: Illustration Rare
3) Ralts (Illustration Rare) — $44.69
Following up on the Kirlia, Ralts takes this spot because it begins the aforementioned story that's become the gold standard for story-telling card lines. A journey beginning for a family with their little companion Pokémon by their side.
Card Number: #211/198 | Rarity: Illustration Rare
2) Drowzee (Illustration Rare) — $57.77
Komiya does it once again with this incredible artwork of Drowzee sitting alone by streetlight while surrounded by terrified carnival-goers. This card was allegedly subject to a pump & dump scheme where the value shot up and eventually settled back down still in the top 3 after people started realizing how detailed and incredible the card art was.
Card Number: #210/198 | Rarity: Illustration Rare
1) Gardevoir ex (Special Illustration Rare) — $70.08
The top Scarlet & Violet Chase Card is none other than Gardevoir ex, finishing up the story with the family being elderly. This in a way showcases how timeless Gardevoir is as a Pokémon, since she showcases elegance and grace with a youthful look alongside the elderly couple.
Card Number: #245/198 | Rarity: Special Illustration Rare
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Final Thoughts
Scarlet and Violet base has proven that collectors respond to more than just playability. Art-driven designs, nostalgic picks, and even surprising underdogs like Drowzee have all found their place. The set balances premium content with accessibility, giving casual fans and dedicated collectors plenty to chase.
If you are exploring more from this era, check out our writeups on Obsidian Flames and Stellar Crown. For a look at one of the biggest modern sets, don't miss our Evolving Skies top 10.
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