The Pokémon TCG world is buzzing with anticipation for the landmark release of Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt and Scarlet & Violet—White Flare on July 18.1 As the first-ever split set release, these expansions are a massive tribute to the Unova region, featuring every one of its 156 Pokémon.2
Fortunately for collectors in Australia, we don’t have to go in blind. The sets have already been released in Japan, giving us a crucial window into which cards are generating the most hype and, more importantly, commanding the highest prices on the secondary market. By analyzing this early data, we can build a predictive guide to help you know which cards are the true treasures of Unova.
Before we dive into the list, it’s essential to understand the game-changing new rarity that’s driving the market: the “Black & White Rare” or BWR. These stunning cards feature a monochromatic, textured foil finish—black-on-black for Black Bolt and white-on-white for White Flare—and have incredibly low pull rates, making them the ultimate chase for high-end collectors.3
Here are the top 10 cards from Black Bolt & White Flare based on the early Japanese market performance.
10. Meloetta ex (Special Illustration Rare)
Set: Black Bolt
Early Market Value: ~$39 4
Kicking off our list is the Mythical Pokémon Meloetta. While several other powerful ex cards were expected to perform well, Meloetta’s Special Illustration Rare has proven to have staying power, likely due to its unique musical-themed artwork and status as a fan-favorite Mythical Pokémon.3
9. Kyurem ex (Special Illustration Rare)
Set: Black Bolt
Early Market Value: ~$55 4
As one of the central Legendary Pokémon of the Unova region, Kyurem was always expected to be a popular card. Its Special Illustration Rare captures the icy dragon in a dramatic pose, and while it hasn’t reached the heights of its fellow legendaries, it remains a solid and valuable pull for any collector.3
8. Serperior ex (Special Illustration Rare)
Set: Black Bolt
Early Market Value: ~$57 4
The final evolution of the Grass-type starter Snivy, Serperior ex is a picture of royal elegance. This Special Illustration Rare has secured a spot in the top 10, proving the enduring popularity of starter Pokémon, especially in their most artistic and rare forms.4
7. Hydreigon ex (Special Illustration Rare)
Set: White Flare
Early Market Value: ~$58 4
The ferocious three-headed dragon makes a powerful impact in White Flare. While its market value is more modest than the absolute top-tier cards, its cinematic artwork and the sheer menace of the Pokémon itself make this a highly desirable card for collectors who appreciate a darker aesthetic.4
6. N’s Plot (Special Art Rare Supporter)
Set: Black Bolt
Early Market Value: ~$97 4
Character cards are often the biggest drivers of value, and N is one of the most popular and complex characters in Pokémon history. This Special Art Rare Supporter card, which captures N in a stylized and story-driven scene, is a must-have for fans of the Black & White games. Its price reflects his immense popularity.3
5. Hilda (Special Art Rare Trainer)
Set: White Flare
Early Market Value: ~$110 – $121 4
The female protagonist from Pokémon Black and White, Hilda, makes a massive splash as the top Trainer card of the dual sets. So-called “waifu” cards are a powerful force in the collector’s market, and Hilda’s combination of character popularity and beautiful full-art illustration makes this a top chase card with a premium price tag.3
4. Zekrom ex (Special Art Rare)
Set: Black Bolt
Early Market Value: ~$171 4
While not as scarce as its BWR counterpart, the Special Art Rare version of Zekrom ex is still a collector’s dream. It offers a full-art, alternate take on the legendary dragon, providing a more accessible (yet still incredibly valuable) option for those who want to celebrate Unova’s mascot without chasing the absolute rarest card in the set.3
3. Reshiram ex (Special Art Rare)
Set: White Flare
Early Market Value: ~$160 – $182 4
Mirroring its Black Bolt counterpart, the Special Art Rare Reshiram ex is a stunning piece of art. It delivers the same incredible, illustration-rich aesthetic for the legendary Vast White Pokémon. It remains one of the top pulls for any collector who values beautiful artwork of iconic Legendary Pokémon.4
2. Zekrom ex (Black & White Rare)
Set: Black Bolt
Early Market Value: ~$343 4
The crown jewel of Black Bolt. This Zekrom is more than just a card; it’s a statement piece. The embossed, textured, black-on-black foil finish is unlike anything seen before, and its extreme rarity has sent its value soaring.3 Zekrom’s legendary status fuels the demand, making this one of the most desirable and valuable Pokémon cards of 2025.4
1. Reshiram ex (Black & White Rare)
Set: White Flare
Early Market Value: ~$348 4
Taking the top spot is the elegant and powerful Reshiram ex in its “White & White Rare” form. The counterpart to Zekrom’s dark aesthetic, this card features a breathtaking white-on-white foil finish that is both subtle and stunning. Its near-unattainable pull rate, combined with Reshiram’s legacy as an iconic Unova mascot, makes it the single most valuable and sought-after card from the entire dual-set release.3
What This Means for You
This early data from Japan provides a clear road map for the release of Black Bolt & White Flare. The brand-new BWR cards are in a tier of their own, and the popularity of key characters like N and Hilda continues to be a major factor in a card’s value.
As you prepare for the release on July 18, use this list to decide your strategy. Will you hunt for the ultra-rare BWRs, focus on collecting the beautiful art of your favorite trainers, or aim to pull all the legendary dragons?
The Unova region is back, and the chase is on.
Secure your part of the legend by pre-ordering today!