Charizard ex — Obsidian Flames and beyond, still the chase

Charizard ex from Obsidian Flames landed in August 2023 and hasn't stopped moving. It's the chase card that defines the set — and one of the main reasons players and collectors still crack Obsidian Flames packs. We're not calling a top or a bottom. We're laying out why this card matters and what to watch.

Why Charizard ex still drives the set

Charizard has been the face of Pokémon since 1999. Every era gets its Charizard, and Scarlet & Violet's Obsidian Flames gave us a Charizard ex with a powerful ability and a place in Fire decks. The card sees play in Standard (where rotation permits) and remains a binder trophy for collectors. Obsidian Flames booster boxes, ETBs, and singles all trade with Charizard ex as the anchor. When you crack a box, you're hoping for that 223 slot. When you buy singles, you're paying for play demand and collector demand combined.

Play vs collect

In Standard, Charizard ex fits Fire archetypes that capitalize on its Inferno Tail attack and Roaring Resolve ability. Rotation will eventually move it to Expanded; until then, play demand supports the card. Collectors want the regular art, the illustration rare, and the special illustration rare — each tier commands a different price. Check TCGPlayer or your preferred marketplace for current listings. We're not telling you to buy or sell. We're telling you to look at the numbers. Charizard ex is the card that makes Obsidian Flames worth opening — and worth watching.