Pokémon TCG: Unveiling the Most Anticipated Scarlet and Violet Cards in the Paradox Rift Set

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is generating immense excitement among collectors and enthusiasts as it prepares for the release of its highly anticipated Scarlet and Violet cards just in time for the holiday season. On November 3, the TCG will unveil the mesmerizing Paradox Rift set, and we were fortunate enough to get our hands on a full booster box early. Our early unboxing yielded an astounding array of incredible pulls that are sure to captivate Pokémon TCG fans worldwide.

An Introduction to Paradox Rift

Following the success of Pokémon 151, a special set that focused on the original lineup of Pokémon from Red, Green, and Blue, Paradox Rift takes the stage as a standard set that introduces various new Pokémon to the TCG for the first time. This unique collection includes the enigmatic Paradox Pokémon exclusively found in Area Zero, as well as other captivating Pokémon ex like the Fighting Tera Type Hoopa ex and Water Tera Type Garchomp ex.

A Departure from Previous Sets

In stark contrast to the previous two sets, Paradox Rift does not revolve around a single card. This time, there is no Charizard to chase after. Instead, the focus lies on the valuable Special Illustration Rare (SIR) variants of the Paradox Pokémon, such as Roaring Moon and Iron Valiant. Additionally, several fan-favorite Trainer cards further embellish the collection.

Unveiling Our Best Pulls

Within the first three packs we cracked open, we discovered a truly remarkable card—the Special Illustration Rare Tulip. This particular card, along with Mela and Rika, stands atop the chase list for collectors and players alike. Professor Sada’s Vitality and Professor Turo’s Scenario also offer compelling SIR variants, further elevating the set’s appeal.

Tulip’s SIR plays on the friendship she has with Dendra in SV. Photo by Dot Esports

Paradox Rift boasts spectacular IR (Illustration Rare) and SIR offerings, featuring incredible Pokémon such as Loudred, Minior, and Yveltal. The IR cards exhibit stunning colors and are highly sought after by collectors, especially avid fans of Legendaries. Additionally, we managed to secure several other Paradox Pokémon in their common and regular holo variants, adding a delightful bonus to our pulls regardless of rarity.

Moreover, Paradox Rift introduces a plethora of easily attainable yet highly valuable cards in the Double Rare ex slots. Cards like Roaring Moon, Gholdengo, and Garchomp have already garnered immense popularity among fans and are anticipated to play significant roles in competitive play.

The colors on Lourdred’s IR are dynamic and sharp. Photo by Dot Esports

While the elusive SIR chasers for Roaring Moon ex and Gholdengo ex managed to evade our grasp, we did acquire some spectacular pulls. In our final few packs, we stumbled upon a full art Armarouge ex, featuring an exquisite flame pattern, as well as a full art Parasol Lady card.

Overall, we are incredibly satisfied with our pulls and believe that Paradox Rift surpasses its predecessors from the SV series. We eagerly anticipate obtaining other Illustration Rares like Steelix, Joltik, Snorunt, and Mantyke, as well as coveted SIRs like Tapu Koko ex upon the set’s official launch on November 3.