Mega Charizard X has returned in spectacular fashion. Released on 14th November 2025, Phantasmal Flames caps off a turbulent year for the Pokémon TCG with one of the most visually stunning and hotly anticipated sets in recent memory. Featuring searing blue flames, shadowy Ghost-types, and the iconic Mega Evolution mechanic, this expansion has collectors across the UK scrambling for stock amid widespread shortages and scalper chaos.
But is Phantasmal Flames worth the hunt? In this comprehensive UK-focused guide, we break down everything you need to know: confirmed pull rates from over 5,000 pack openings, every chase card with current UK market prices, master set completion strategies, and honest investment analysis. Whether you're ripping packs, buying singles, or keeping products sealed, this guide reveals exactly what Phantasmal Flames offers UK collectors.
What Makes Phantasmal Flames Special?
Phantasmal Flames is the second expansion in the Mega Evolution era, following the successful Mega Evolution base set released in September 2025. The set combines cards from Japan's Inferno X expansion with the Mega Gengar ex and Mega Diancie ex Starter Decks, creating a compact but powerful collection centred on Fire and Darkness-type Pokémon.
Set Overview
Release Date: 14th November 2025 Main Set: 94 cards (smallest regular English set in eight years) Total with Secret Rares: 130 cards Master Set Total: 212-214 cards (including reverse holos) Era: Mega Evolution Theme: Fire and Darkness types with blue flames and shadowy aesthetics
The set name references both Mega Charizard X's signature blue flames and the Ghost-type Pokémon featured throughout, including Mega Gengar, Mismagius, Rotom, and Charcadet. This thematic focus on "phantasmal flames" creates a visually cohesive set that stands apart from recent expansions.
Why Collectors Are Excited
Mega Charizard X Returns: The beloved blue-flamed Mega Evolution makes its triumphant return with multiple stunning variants, including what many consider the best Charizard artwork in years.
Compact Set Size: At just 94 main set cards, Phantasmal Flames is the smallest regular English set since HS - Undaunted in 2010, making master set completion significantly more achievable than bloated recent expansions.
Improved Pull Rates: Special Illustration Rares appear at 1 in 80 packs—better than the previous Mega Evolution set and dramatically improved compared to late Scarlet & Violet era sets.
Mega Evolution Mechanic: The high-risk, high-reward Mega Evolution ex cards (opponents take 3 Prize cards when knocked out) create exciting gameplay dynamics and stunning card designs.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Tie-In: The set's Kalos region focus aligns with the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A game, creating cultural synergy that typically boosts long-term collector interest.
Pull Rates: Your Odds of Success
TCGplayer analysed over 5,000 Phantasmal Flames booster packs to determine confirmed pull rates. The results show improved odds compared to previous sets, though the ultra-rare Mega Hyper Rare remains extraordinarily difficult to obtain.
Confirmed Pull Rate Breakdown
Double Rares (Pokémon ex)
- Pull rate: 1 in 5 packs (20%)
- Specific Double Rare: 1 in 48 packs
- Expected per booster box: 7.2 cards
Double Rares serve as the most common "hits" in Phantasmal Flames, making deck-building accessible and affordable. Even Mega Charizard X ex's regular Double Rare version sells for approximately £4-5, ensuring competitive players can obtain needed cards easily.
Illustration Rares (IRs)
- Pull rate: 1 in 9 packs (11.1%)
- Specific IR: 1 in 118 packs
- Expected per booster box: 4 cards
Illustration Rares feature gorgeous full-art Pokémon designs. With 13 different IRs in the set, collectors can expect multiple beautiful pulls per booster box.
Ultra Rares (Full Art Trainers/Pokémon)
- Pull rate: 1 in 12 packs (8.3%)
- Specific Ultra Rare: 1 in 211 packs
- Expected per booster box: 3 cards
Ultra Rares include full-art versions of Mega Pokémon ex and Supporter cards like Dawn. These represent solid mid-tier pulls with respectable secondary market values.
Special Illustration Rares (SIRs)
- Pull rate: 1 in 80 packs (1.25%)
- Specific SIR: 1 in 400 packs
- Expected per booster box: 0.45 cards (roughly 1 every 2.2 boxes)
The chase cards everyone wants. With only 5 SIRs in the set, your odds of pulling any specific one—including the coveted Mega Charizard X ex SIR—sit at 1 in 400 packs, or approximately 11 booster boxes on average.
Mega Hyper Rare (Gold Charizard)
- Pull rate: 1 in 1,260 packs (0.08%)
- Expected per booster box: 0.029 cards (roughly 1 every 35 boxes)
The rarest card in Phantasmal Flames. Statistically, you'd need to open approximately 35 booster boxes—or six cases—to pull a single Mega Hyper Rare. This extraordinary scarcity drives significant secondary market premiums.
Pull Rate Comparison
| Rarity | Phantasmal Flames | Mega Evolution | Destined Rivals | Prismatic Evolutions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIR | 1 in 80 | 1 in 85 | 1 in 94 | 1 in 45 |
| IR | 1 in 9 | 1 in 9 | 1 in 11 | 1 in 13 |
| Ultra Rare | 1 in 12 | 1 in 12 | 1 in 15 | 1 in 16 |
| Double Rare | 1 in 5 | 1 in 5 | 1 in 6 | 1 in 6 |
Phantasmal Flames offers slightly better SIR pull rates than Mega Evolution and significantly better than Destined Rivals, though it doesn't match Prismatic Evolutions' generous 1 in 45 SIR odds.
What to Expect Per Product
Booster Box (36 packs):
- Double Rares: 7-8 cards
- Illustration Rares: 3-5 cards
- Ultra Rares: 2-4 cards
- Special Illustration Rares: 0-1 cards (17% chance of any SIR)
- Mega Hyper Rare: Extremely unlikely (2.9% chance)
Elite Trainer Box (9 packs):
- Double Rares: 1-2 cards
- Illustration Rares: 0-2 cards
- Ultra Rares: 0-1 cards
- Special Illustration Rares: 4.2% chance of any SIR (roughly 1 in 24 ETBs)
Booster Bundle (6 packs):
- Double Rares: 1-2 cards
- Illustration Rares: 0-1 cards
- Ultra Rares: 0-1 cards
- Special Illustration Rares: 2.8% chance (roughly 1 in 36 bundles)
The Top Chase Cards (UK Market Prices)
Prices listed are for near-mint raw copies as of November 2025. Market values fluctuate rapidly for new releases—always verify current prices before purchasing.
1. Mega Charizard X ex Special Illustration Rare (#125/094)
UK Value: £620-780 Pull Rate: 1 in 400 packs
The undisputed crown jewel of Phantasmal Flames and arguably the best Charizard artwork in years. Designed by Akira Egawa, this stunning card features Mega Charizard X soaring through searing blue flames whilst Charmander and Charmeleon silhouettes glow below against a dark battlefield backdrop.
The artwork captures the primal power of Mega Evolution perfectly—swooping lines, fiery gradients, and an explosive, immersive design that commands attention. The Fire/Dragon-type Mega ex boasts 320 HP and the devastating Inferno X attack (200 damage plus burn, discarding Fire Energy), making it both a collector's dream and competitive powerhouse.
Early PSA 10 graded copies have sold for £1,000-1,200, with limited population reports driving premium prices. This card rivals "Moonbreon" and "Sunbreon" as one of the most desirable modern Pokémon cards.
2. Mega Charizard X ex Mega Hyper Rare (#130/094)
UK Value: £480-650 Pull Rate: 1 in 1,260 packs
The rarest card in Phantasmal Flames, yet interestingly not the most expensive. This all-gold version features the same Mega Charizard X with luxurious gold foiling across the entire card, creating a premium showcase piece.
Despite being significantly rarer than the SIR (1 in 1,260 vs 1 in 400), the Mega Hyper Rare commands lower prices because collectors generally prefer the full-colour SIR artwork. However, completionists and gold card enthusiasts still pay substantial premiums for this elusive variant.
With only one Mega Hyper Rare in Phantasmal Flames (compared to multiple in some sets), obtaining this card remains a remarkable achievement for any collector.
3. Dawn Special Illustration Rare (#124/094)
UK Value: £45-60 Pull Rate: 1 in 400 packs
A massive price drop from the Charizard variants, Dawn's SIR demonstrates how dramatically Phantasmal Flames' value concentrates around its flagship Pokémon. This beautiful card depicts the Diamond and Pearl protagonist on her bicycle, capturing the adventurous spirit that made the original Pokémon games so beloved.
The artwork evokes nostalgia whilst showcasing modern illustration techniques—a winning combination for Trainer card collectors. Dawn's competitive playability as a Supporter card provides additional demand beyond pure collecting interest.
At £45-60, this represents accessible chase card pricing for collectors not pursuing the premium Charizard variants.
4. Mega Charizard X ex Ultra Rare (#117/094)
UK Value: £40-55 Pull Rate: 1 in 211 packs
The "consolation prize" Charizard that still commands respectable value. This Ultra Rare version features different artwork from the SIR—elegant and striking in its own right—at significantly better pull odds.
For collectors wanting Mega Charizard X representation without spending £600+, this Ultra Rare offers an attractive alternative. The card sees genuine competitive play, adding functional value beyond collecting appeal.
5. Mega Sharpedo ex Special Illustration Rare (#127/094)
UK Value: £40-55 Pull Rate: 1 in 400 packs
Mega Sharpedo's SIR bursts with energy—intertwining rays of purple, yellow, and blue create a menacing torpedo shark that commands attention. The Hungry Jaws attack (150 extra damage if damaged) provides competitive viability alongside stunning aesthetics.
This card demonstrates how non-Charizard SIRs can still deliver visual impact and moderate value, though prices remain a fraction of the flagship chase card.
6. Mega Lopunny ex Special Illustration Rare (#128/094)
UK Value: £35-50 Pull Rate: 1 in 400 packs
Mega Lopunny's dynamic pose—mid-Spiky Hopper attack with incredibly long legs extended—creates dance-off or pro wrestling vibes that appeal to specific collector aesthetics. The card makes this list twice (Ultra Rare at #115 sells for £15-22), demonstrating Lopunny's sustained popularity.
7. Rotom ex Special Illustration Rare (#126/094)
UK Value: £30-45 Pull Rate: 1 in 400 packs
Fiery plasma coils wrap Rotom's mischievous form, sparking appliances and chaotic energy in layered details. The vibrant red-orange hues create a gadget-filled phantasm that perfectly captures Rotom's essence.
Early market data suggests this will be the lowest-valued SIR from the set, though £30-45 still represents solid chase card status.
8. Meowth Illustration Rare (#106/094)
UK Value: £22-30 Pull Rate: 1 in 118 packs
A surprise inclusion that's generating significant collector interest. This classic watercolor-style artwork (by Uninori) depicts Meowth with such charm that it commands higher prices than several Ultra Rares. Originally a Japanese promo that fans believed wouldn't release internationally, its unexpected inclusion delights collectors.
9. Piplup Illustration Rare (#98/094)
UK Value: £15-22 Pull Rate: 1 in 118 packs
The adorable starter Pokémon sits under a snowy overhang, creating one of the most charming cards in the set. Piplup's enduring popularity amongst collectors ensures sustained demand despite being "just" an Illustration Rare.
Many collectors consider this their personal chase card—proof that value isn't everything in Pokémon collecting.
10. Mega Gengar ex Ultra Rare (#116/094)
UK Value: £12-18 Pull Rate: 1 in 211 packs
The set's secondary mascot receives solid Ultra Rare treatment. Mega Gengar's shadowy aesthetic perfectly complements the "Phantasmal" theme, and competitive viability (its ability punishes opposing ex Pokémon) creates sustained player demand.
Complete Set Breakdown
Understanding the full scope of Phantasmal Flames helps collectors plan their completion strategy.
Main Set Composition (94 Cards)
Pokémon Cards:
- 6 Mega Evolution Pokémon ex (Charizard X, Gengar, Diancie, Lopunny, Heracross, Sharpedo)
- 4 Regular Pokémon ex (Oricorio, Rotom, others)
- Multiple evolution lines featuring Fire and Darkness types
Trainer Cards:
- 10 Trainer cards including Dawn, Grimsley, and various Items/Stadiums
- Battle Cage, Blowtorch, Firebreather, and other support cards
Energy Cards:
- Basic Energy cards completing the set
Secret Rares (36 Cards)
Illustration Rares (13 cards): Full-art Pokémon designs including Piplup, Meowth, Charmander, and fan favourites
Ultra Rares (17 cards): Full-art versions of Mega Pokémon ex and Supporter cards
Special Illustration Rares (5 cards):
- Mega Charizard X ex (#125)
- Dawn (#124)
- Mega Sharpedo ex (#127)
- Mega Lopunny ex (#128)
- Rotom ex (#126)
Mega Hyper Rare (1 card):
- Mega Charizard X ex Gold (#130)
Master Set Requirements
Base Set Completion: 94 cards Including Reverse Holos: 176 cards (94 + 82 reverse holos) Including All Secret Rares: 212 cards Including Promos: 220-222 cards
Promo Cards for Completionists:
- Charcadet IR (Elite Trainer Box promo)
- Oricorio ex SIR (Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection)
- Whimsicott line (Blister pack promos)
- Weavile line (Blister pack promos)
- Build & Battle Box promos (Zacian, Flygon, Toxtricity, Ceruledge)
Master Set Completion: Cost Analysis
Budget Approach: Singles Only
For collectors prioritising cost efficiency:
Commons/Uncommons/Rares: £30-50 Complete base set of standard cards through bulk purchases or individual singles
Reverse Holos: £40-70 82 reverse holo variants at £0.50-0.80 average
Illustration Rares (13 cards): £80-150 Average £6-12 per IR (Piplup/Meowth premium, others cheaper)
Ultra Rares (17 cards): £120-200 Average £7-12 per UR (Charizard/Dawn premium, others cheaper)
Special Illustration Rares (5 cards): £770-1,000 Mega Charizard X SIR dominates at £620-780
Mega Hyper Rare: £480-650 Single gold Charizard variant
Total Singles Cost: £1,520-2,120
Hybrid Approach: Opening + Singles
For collectors wanting pack-opening experience:
2 Booster Boxes: £220-280 (UK secondary market) Expected pulls: 14-16 Double Rares, 6-10 IRs, 4-8 URs, 0-2 SIRs
Remaining Singles: £1,200-1,700 Fill gaps with targeted purchases
Total Hybrid Cost: £1,420-1,980
The hybrid approach costs slightly less whilst providing opening entertainment, though results depend heavily on pull luck.
Premium Approach: Complete with Graded Cards
For collectors pursuing PSA 10 master sets:
Raw Singles for Base/Reverse Holos: £200-300 Graded IRs/URs (PSA 9-10): £400-600 Graded SIRs (PSA 10): £2,500-4,000 Graded Mega Hyper Rare (PSA 10): £1,200-1,800
Total Premium Cost: £4,300-6,700
UK Stock Situation: The Launch Crisis
Phantasmal Flames experienced one of the most challenging launches in recent Pokémon TCG history, with UK collectors facing severe stock shortages.
What Happened
Reports indicate roughly 10% of collectors successfully secured retail products at MSRP during launch week. Multiple factors contributed:
Bot Exploitation: Scalpers claimed 42,000+ products before official pre-order windows opened, exploiting website vulnerabilities at major retailers
Allocation Cuts: UK retailers received significantly reduced allocations compared to previous sets
Pokémon Centre Cancellations: Thousands of legitimate pre-orders were cancelled, with shipping dates pushed to "Late 2025"
Secondary Market Inflation: Booster boxes immediately jumped from £115 MSRP to £180-220+ on secondary markets
Current UK Pricing (November 2025)
Elite Trainer Box:
- MSRP: £49.99
- Secondary Market: £65-85
- Premium: 30-70% above retail
Booster Box:
- MSRP: £115-122
- Secondary Market: £180-220
- Premium: 55-80% above retail
Booster Bundle:
- MSRP: £26.94
- Secondary Market: £35-45
- Premium: 30-65% above retail
Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection:
- MSRP: £199.99
- Secondary Market: £180-220
- Premium: Actually at/below MSRP due to high price point
Where to Find Stock in the UK
Major Retailers (Best for MSRP):
- Smyths Toys: Periodic restocks, check frequently
- GAME: Online and in-store availability varies
- Argos: Limited stock, check local availability
- Tesco: Sporadic availability in larger stores
Online Retailers:
- Pokémon Centre UK: Subscribe for restock notifications
- Amazon UK: Check "Sold by Amazon" listings only
- Chaos Cards: Competitive pricing when in stock
- Magic Madhouse: Regular restocks
- Total Cards: Fair prices, good selection
Restock Expectations: Based on previous set patterns, widespread UK availability isn't expected until January-February 2026. Black Friday may see limited restocks, but demand will likely outstrip supply.
Warning Signs for Counterfeits: Given high demand and prices, exercise caution with:
- Prices significantly below market rates
- Unverified sellers on eBay/Facebook Marketplace
- Missing or inconsistent shrinkwrap
- Foreign language packaging sold as English
Investment Potential: Open or Keep Sealed?
With Phantasmal Flames generating extraordinary hype, UK collectors face the classic dilemma: open for immediate enjoyment or hold sealed for appreciation?
Arguments for Keeping Sealed
Compact Set Size: At 130 total cards, Phantasmal Flames mirrors the scarcity of sets like Crimson Invasion (2017), which appreciated significantly over time.
Charizard Premium: Sets featuring Charizard as the primary chase card historically appreciate well. Obsidian Flames booster boxes have gained 30-50% since release.
Mega Evolution Nostalgia: The return of Mega Evolutions creates emotional connection for collectors who played during the XY era, similar to how 151 capitalized on Kanto nostalgia.
Stock Shortages: Limited initial availability means fewer sealed products enter the market, potentially accelerating appreciation.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Connection: Cultural tie-ins with upcoming games typically boost long-term collector interest.
Arguments for Opening
Negative Expected Value: Based on pull rates and current prices, opening a booster box yields approximately £90-130 in expected card value versus £180-220 purchase price—a negative ROI of 40-50%.
Charizard-Concentrated Value: Over 80% of the set's singles value comes from two cards (Charizard SIR and Mega Hyper Rare). Pulling neither leaves you with minimal returns.
Reprint Risk: The Pokémon Company has demonstrated willingness to reprint popular sets extensively. Multiple reprint waves could moderate sealed appreciation.
High Current Premiums: Paying £180-220 for booster boxes (versus £115 MSRP) means you're already paying appreciation premiums before any holding period.
Recommended Strategy
For Pure Investment: Wait for restocks at MSRP (January-February 2026). Purchasing booster boxes at £115 MSRP creates significantly better investment positioning than £180-220 secondary market prices.
For Collectors: Open 1 booster box for enjoyment, purchase Charizard SIR as single if desired, keep 1-2 additional products sealed if obtained at MSRP.
For Budget Collectors: Skip sealed products entirely. Purchase singles to complete desired portions of the set—the maths strongly favour singles for non-Charizard cards.
Long-Term Projections (UK Market)
Booster Box (Assuming MSRP Purchase at £115):
- 2026: £150-180
- 2027: £180-220
- 2028: £220-280
- 2030: £300-400
Elite Trainer Box (Assuming MSRP Purchase at £50):
- 2026: £65-80
- 2027: £80-100
- 2028: £100-130
- 2030: £150-200
Mega Charizard X ex SIR:
- Current: £620-780
- 2026: £500-700 (potential dip as supply increases)
- 2028: £600-800 (stabilisation)
- 2030: £800-1,200 (long-term appreciation)
Projections assume no major reprints beyond 2026 and continued Pokémon TCG market health. Actual results may vary significantly.
Competitive Play Highlights
Beyond collecting, several Phantasmal Flames cards impact tournament play.
Top Competitive Cards
Mega Charizard X ex: The 320 HP Fire/Dragon-type dominates aggressive strategies. Inferno X deals 200 damage plus automatic burn, discarding all Fire Energy attached. Combined with Oricorio ex's Excited Turbo ability (energy acceleration), Charizard decks threaten consistent knockouts.
Risk: Opponents take 3 Prize cards when any Mega Pokémon ex is knocked out, creating high-stakes gameplay where momentum swings dramatically.
Mega Gengar ex: Ghost/Psychic-type with an ability that punishes opposing ex Pokémon. Creates control-oriented strategies that disrupt opponent game plans whilst building toward powerful attacks.
Oricorio ex: The Fire/Flying-type provides critical energy acceleration through Excited Turbo, enabling Mega Charizard X strategies. Originally a Japanese SIR, the English promo version (from the Ultra-Premium Collection) makes this support Pokémon more accessible.
Dawn: Powerful Supporter card seeing immediate competitive play. The Diamond and Pearl protagonist provides card advantage whilst her full-art Ultra Rare commands secondary market premium.
Firebreather: New Trainer card enabling Fire-type strategies with energy manipulation and damage boosting effects.
Building Budget Competitive Decks
The excellent Double Rare pull rates (1 in 5 packs) mean competitive-viable cards remain affordable:
- Mega Charizard X ex (Double Rare): £4-5
- Mega Gengar ex (Double Rare): £3-4
- Oricorio ex (Double Rare): £4-6
- Supporting Trainers: £1-3 each
A competitive Mega Charizard deck can be built for £40-70 using primarily Double Rare versions, making Phantasmal Flames one of the most accessible sets for tournament players.
Tips for UK Collectors
Maximising Your Phantasmal Flames Experience
1. Set Price Alerts: Use TCGPlayer, Cardmarket, and eBay saved searches to monitor card prices. Early release prices fluctuate significantly—patience often rewards collectors with better deals.
2. Join UK Communities: Facebook groups ("UK Pokémon TCG Marketplace," "Pokémon Card Collectors UK") and Discord servers share restock information, trading opportunities, and market insights.
3. Consider Grading Premium Pulls: Mega Charizard X ex SIR in pristine condition warrants PSA submission. PSA 10 grades have sold for £1,000-1,200 versus £620-780 raw—a significant premium that justifies grading costs.
4. Protect Cards Immediately: Sleeve valuable pulls immediately upon opening. Modern SIRs frequently have centering issues from factory—inspect carefully before submission.
5. Avoid Scalper Premiums: Unless urgency requires, avoid paying 50-80% premiums on secondary markets. Restock waves will come, and prices typically moderate 2-4 months post-release.
6. Buy Singles for Specific Cards: Opening packs hoping for the Mega Charizard X ex SIR requires 400 packs on average (£1,400+ at retail). Buying the single directly for £620-780 is significantly more cost-effective.
7. Track Your Collection: Use apps like TCG Collector or spreadsheets to monitor completion progress, spending, and collection value over time.
Common Questions About Phantasmal Flames
Is Phantasmal Flames Worth Buying?
For Collectors: Yes, if you can find products at or near MSRP. The compact set size, stunning Charizard artwork, and improved pull rates create an engaging collecting experience.
For Investors: Cautiously yes, but only at MSRP. Current secondary market premiums (£180-220 for booster boxes versus £115 MSRP) significantly reduce investment upside.
For Players: Absolutely. Excellent Double Rare pull rates make competitive cards highly accessible, and the Mega Evolution mechanic creates exciting gameplay dynamics.
How Does Phantasmal Flames Compare to Prismatic Evolutions?
Prismatic Evolutions offers better SIR pull rates (1 in 45 vs 1 in 80) and Eeveelution appeal, whilst Phantasmal Flames features Charizard dominance and compact set size. Both sets are strong, but they serve different collector preferences.
When Will UK Stock Improve?
Based on historical patterns, widespread UK availability is expected January-February 2026. Some Black Friday restocks may occur, but demand will likely exceed supply through the holiday period.
Should I Grade My Phantasmal Flames Pulls?
Only grade cards worth £50+ raw that appear flawless. Mega Charizard X ex SIR and potentially Dawn SIR warrant PSA/CGC submission. Other cards rarely justify grading costs given current market values.
What's the Best Product to Buy?
For Opening: Booster boxes offer best price-per-pack and most pulls For Investment: Booster boxes at MSRP show strongest appreciation potential For Beginners: Elite Trainer Boxes include accessories and manageable pack counts For Budget: Booster bundles provide opening experience at lower commitment
Where to Buy Phantasmal Flames Products in the UK
Looking for authentic Phantasmal Flames products at competitive UK prices? Browse our selection of booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, and sealed products. We stock the latest releases, all verified for authenticity with fast UK shipping.
Whether you're hunting for Mega Charizard X ex or building a complete master set, we help UK collectors access quality Pokémon products at fair prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the Phantasmal Flames pull rates? A: Based on 5,000+ pack analysis: Double Rares 1 in 5, Illustration Rares 1 in 9, Ultra Rares 1 in 12, Special Illustration Rares 1 in 80, Mega Hyper Rare 1 in 1,260.
Q: How much is Mega Charizard X ex worth? A: The Special Illustration Rare (#125) sells for £620-780. The Mega Hyper Rare gold version (#130) sells for £480-650. The Ultra Rare (#117) sells for £40-55.
Q: How many cards are in Phantasmal Flames? A: 94 main set cards, 130 total including secret rares, 212-214 for complete master set with reverse holos.
Q: Is Phantasmal Flames a good investment? A: Potentially, but only at MSRP. The compact set size, Charizard appeal, and stock shortages create appreciation fundamentals, but current secondary market premiums reduce upside significantly.
Q: When will Phantasmal Flames restock in the UK? A: Widespread availability expected January-February 2026. Limited Black Friday restocks possible but unlikely to meet demand.
Q: Should I open Phantasmal Flames or keep sealed? A: Opening provides negative expected value (£90-130 return on £180-220 purchase). Consider opening one box for enjoyment, keeping additional products sealed if obtained at MSRP.
Q: What's the rarest Phantasmal Flames card? A: Mega Charizard X ex Mega Hyper Rare (#130) at 1 in 1,260 packs—approximately 35 booster boxes on average.
Q: How does Phantasmal Flames compare to Mega Evolution? A: Similar pull rates and mechanics, but Phantasmal Flames features Charizard (stronger chase card appeal) versus Mega Evolution's Latias/Latios. Both are strong sets in the new era.
All prices and information accurate as of November 2025. Pokémon TCG market values fluctuate—always verify current prices before making purchases or investment decisions.