Paldea Evolved: Top 5 Chase Cards

Released in June 2023, Paldea Evolved expanded the Scarlet & Violet card pool with new ex Pokemon and deepened the Illustration Rare lineup that collectors had fallen in love with. But one card from this set became something else entirely — not just the top pull of the set, but one of the most celebrated artwork cards in the history of the modern TCG.

Here are the five cards driving the most collector demand in Paldea Evolved.

1. Magikarp — Illustration Rare (~$268)

This is the card. The Paldea Evolved Magikarp Illustration Rare features a ukiyo-e woodblock print-style artwork — a style typically associated with classical Japanese paintings — depicting a leaping Magikarp among crashing waves. It's a jaw-dropping departure from standard Pokemon card design, and it became an instant icon of the SV era.

Magikarp is often dismissed as a "weak" Pokemon, which makes the gravity and artistry of this card feel all the more unexpected. The contrast between the Pokemon's reputation and the artwork's prestige is a big part of what makes it so memorable — and so valuable.

If there's one card from Paldea Evolved worth hunting, it's this one.

2. Iono — Special Illustration Rare (~$50)

Iono debuted as the breakout fan-favourite character of the Scarlet & Violet generation — and her Special Illustration Rare in Paldea Evolved is her first major card appearance. The SIR depicts her in a characteristically energetic pose, capturing the streamer energy she embodies in the games.

Iono would go on to appear in multiple subsequent sets, and her cards consistently command a premium across all of them. This first SIR remains a fan-favourite pick.

3. Raichu — Illustration Rare (~$47)

The Raichu Illustration Rare from Paldea Evolved is the kind of peaceful, nostalgic card that resonates deeply with long-time collectors. Depicting Raichu in a serene, domestic setting — far from the usual battle-ready poses — it captures the everyday side of Pokemon life that some of the era's best artwork explored.

Raichu's status as one of the most recognisable Kanto Pokemon ensures consistent collector demand.

4. Maushold — Illustration Rare (~$44)

A new Gen 9 family-themed Pokemon in a warm, cosy domestic scene — Maushold's Illustration Rare is exactly the kind of charming slice-of-life card that defines the best of the SV art direction. The card punches well above its rarity expectations purely on the strength of its artwork.

5. Tyranitar — Illustration Rare (~$43)

Tyranitar is a fan-favourite pseudo-legendary from Gold and Silver, and its Paldea Evolved Illustration Rare takes a surprising approach: rather than a battle scene, it shows Tyranitar in an unusually calm, contemplative moment. The contrast between the Pokemon's fearsome reputation and the gentle, almost philosophical artwork is what makes this card stand out.

What Makes Paldea Evolved Worth Opening?

Beyond the top 5, Paldea Evolved has a solid spread of valuable Illustration Rares throughout the set. Cards like Arcanine ex, Baxcalibur, and Skeledirge ex contribute to an overall strong pull rate of meaningful hits.

The Magikarp IR is the clear dominant card — one of those rare cases where a single card defines an entire set's legacy. Whether you're hunting it or trying to complete the full set, tracking your collection helps you see exactly what you still need.

Track your Paldea Evolved collection on ReverseHolo →