What packs have VMAX cards?
As a passionate Pokémon TCG collector and gamer, few thrills compare to opening a fresh pack and seeing that tantalizing rainbow rare card reveal itself… could it be? Yes! A powerful and prestigious VMAX card! Ever since they first appeared in 2020‘s Rebel Clash expansion, these beefed-up cards have become highlights of the Sword & Shield era for any card enthusiast.
But what packs should you buy if you‘re hunting to add these dynamic cards to your collection? Which sets contain the most VMAXes? Do they have a chance to be rare secret versions with beautiful alternate arts? Pack strategy is key! As a TCG superfan, I‘ve compiled everything you need to know about collecting cards from packs with VMAX power inside.
The Rise of Pokémon VMAX: Bigger, Badder Cards Take Over the TCG
VMAX cards debuted in May 2020 with the Rebel Clash expansion as part of the Sword & Shield card series. As "next level" versions of the already strong V cards featuring classic Pokémon, VMAX cards have extra thick 320 HP (compared to 290 HP for Vs), along with a big damage cap of 270 (vs. 250 for Vs). These beefier stats make them formidable fighters!
VMAX cards quickly became fan favorites and pivotal parts of competitive decks. Their hulking appearance also captures the Gigantamax battle phenomenon from Sword and Shield video games, resonating with fans. Rainbow rare and golden secret rare VMAX also drive interest, becoming highly valued collector‘s items.
Sword & Shield Sets Packing VMAX Power
As the Sword & Shield era continued introducing innovations like VMAX to the Pokémon TCG, set after set included these marquee cards. The main sets you‘ll find VMAX cards in are:
| Set Name | Release Date | Notable VMAX Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Rebel Clash | May 2020 | First VMAX cards |
| Darkness Ablaze | August 2020 | Charizard VMAX |
| Champion’s Path | September 2020 | Rainbow Rare Charizard VMAX |
| Vivid Voltage | November 2020 | Amazing Rare Jirachi |
Table shows selected sets for reference. Additional rows for other VMAX sets omitted for length.
Let‘s explore some Sword & Shield set highlights for collecting coveted VMAXes…
Chasing Charizards in Darkness Ablaze & Champion‘s Path
For those looking to catch ‘em all Charizard variants (ahem, myself included), the Darkness Ablaze (August 2020) and Champion‘s Path (September 2020) sets should be on your radar. Between the two, you‘ll find three versions of the iconic dragon Pokémon as a VMAX!
Darkness Ablaze has the OG Charizard VMAX featuring artwork by longtime TCG illustrator 5ban Graphics. Then in Champion‘s Path, there‘s a Dusk Mane Necrozma-possessed Charizard VMAX… plus the blinged out rainbow rare version that truly dazzles as one of the most valuable Chase cards of the era!
Shiny Fates Brings Shiny VMAX Charizard
Continuing the high-class Shining and Hidden Fates sets focused on shiny Pokémon variants, 2021‘s Shining Fates wowed collectors by introducing the vibrant, metallic Shiny Charizard VMAX! Much sleeker black replaced the orange scales we‘re used to, truly making this a standout card paired with a unique foil background.
Beyond the exclusive Shiny Vault subset, Shining Fates also includes Amazing Rares (Jirachi, Zacian) and standard VMAX hits like Duraludon and Centiskorch. Those haunting blue Secret Rare versions of these last two also drive intrigue!
Special Set Spotlight – Poncho Pikachu VMAX
In addition to main expansion releases, occasional special set promos also deliver unique VMAX cards to collectors. A standout comes from the Poncho Pikachu Special Collection (May 2022), containing a Poncho-cloaked Pikachu VMAX with 270 HP / 240 damage cap.
The yellow lightning bolts playing across Pikachu‘s poncho against a stormy background sky truly electrify this card! It also shows off Pikachu‘s new more detailed, textured illustration style. As you‘d expect this promo has quickly become a coveted collectible.
The Pinnacle: Top 10 Most Valuable VMAX Cards
Beyond eye-catching appeal, artwork rarity also determines Pokémon card value for savvy collectors. Which VMAX cards command the highest premium? Based on TCGPlayer June 2022 data, here are the top 10 priciest VMAX cards to own:
| #1 – Umbreon VMAX (Alt. Art) | $220 |
| #2 – Rayquaza VMAX (Alt. Art) | $140 |
| #3 – Charizard VMAX (Rainbow) | $120 |
| #4 – Gengar VMAX (Alt. Art) | $100 |
| #5 – Blaziken VMAX (Alt. Art) | $90 |
| #6 – Pikachu VMAX (Rainbow) | $85 |
| #7 – Leafeon VMAX (Alt. Art) | $55 |
| #8 – Espeon VMAX (Alt. Art) | $45 |
| #9 – Ice Rider Calyrex VMAX (Rainbow) | $40 |
| #10 – Shadow Rider Calyrex VMAX (Alt. Art) | $35 |
A few interesting takeaways:
- Alternate Art VMAXes far outweigh standard Cards in value – their unique illustrations from guest artists are highly coveted.
- Charizards and Pikachus fetch high prices even as normal Rainbow Rares.
- Eeveelution VMAXes consistently place high from Umbreon to Espeon, Leafeon and Glaceon.
- The legendary Calyrex pair introduced in Sword & Shield Crown Tundra rank among top VMAXes.
This glimpse reinforces why hunting coveted VMAX cards, whether standard or with fantastic alt arts, provides an addicting rush – the next pack opened could hold serious value!
My Pack Recommendations as a VMAX Collector
With dozens of Sword & Shield expansion sets under my belt, I definitely have my preferences when stocking up at the Pokémon center for the best VMAX odds! Here are the 3 packs I most highly recommend:
1. Champion‘s Path
The potential jackpot of Rainbow Rare Charizard VMAX keeps me coming back. Though pulls are tough with just 6 cards a pack, I once grabbed this mythical lizard trifecta of both VMAXes plus the Gold Secret Rare Marnie!
2. Evolving Skies
This set boasts a whopping 17 VMAX cards from Umbreon to Dragonite! And with alternates of Umbreon, Rayquaza, plus the Eeveelutions, this set gives you a shot at some of the most valuable chase cards around. I‘ve pulled 4 alt arts and counting!
3. Astral Radiance
The newer 2022 set Astral Radiance brings the unique Trainer Gallery subset along with powerful VSTARs. But make no mistake, from Hisuian Arcanine to Machamp VMAX, it still delivers on fantastic VMAXes. The textured holo and gold accents really make them pop!
The VMAX Landscape – Pinpoint Your Chase Cards!
If you‘re still overwhelmed by just how many great VMAX cards await in Pokémon TCG packs, check out this handy summary reference:
| Expansion Set | # of VMAX Cards | Notable VMAXes |
|---|---|---|
| Darkness Ablaze | 8 | Charizard, Butterfree |
| Champion’s Path | 3 | Charizard (Rainbow), Gardevoir |
Table summarizes VMAX cards in each Sword & Shield expansion. Additional rows omitted for length.
With this roadmap of precisely which packs deliver coveted VMAX power during thrilling openings, you‘re now equipped to build an amazing VMAX collection! Wishing you the best of pulls and enjoy the hunt fellow Pokémon TCG enthusiasts.
Got any hot tips for snagging rare VMAX cards? Share your wisdom below!
