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Obsidian Flames: A Deep Dive into the Scorching Pokémon TCG Expansion

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is ever-evolving, and Obsidian Flames brought a fiery explosion of new content to the scene. This expansion, the third in the Scarlet & Violet series, introduced over 190 new cards, injecting fresh strategies, stunning artwork, and sought-after rarities into the game. From powerful Pokémon ex to secret rares and beyond, Obsidian Flames offered a diverse and exciting experience for both collectors and competitive players. Let’s explore this remarkable expansion.

What’s Inside the Obsidian Flames Expansion?

Obsidian Flames is a robust expansion for the Pokémon TCG, featuring more than 190 new cards. This includes over 20 new Pokémon ex cards, 15+ Trainer cards, and a variety of special-illustration Pokémon and Trainer cards. Key highlights include multiple Charizard cards, hyper rares, secret rares, and the introduction of new strategies and deck-building possibilities. The set launched on August 11, 2023, and quickly became a talking point in the Pokémon TCG community due to the hype around the Charizard cards.

Obsidian Flames Products: What to Expect

Obsidian Flames wasn’t just about individual booster packs. It was an ecosystem of products designed to cater to different players, from casual collectors to competitive battlers.

Build & Battle Box

The Scarlet & Violet—Obsidian Flames Build & Battle Box offered a quick and accessible entry point into the set. Inside, you’d find:

A 40-card ready-to-play deck, featuring one of four unique foil promo cards.
Four Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Obsidian Flames booster packs.
A code card for Pokémon TCG Live, the online platform for playing the TCG.

Build & Battle Stadium

Stepping up from the individual box is the Build & Battle Stadium, designed for two players to immediately engage in battles. This box included:

Two individual Build & Battle Boxes, each with a 40-card deck and a foil promo card.
Six Scarlet & Violet—Obsidian Flames booster packs (three in each Build & Battle Box).

Elite Trainer Box (ETB)

For the serious collector and player, the Elite Trainer Box is often the go-to choice. The Obsidian Flames ETB came packed with goodies, including:

Eight Scarlet & Violet—Obsidian Flames booster packs.
45 Energy cards.
A player’s guide to the Obsidian Flames expansion.
Six damage-counter dice.
One competition-legal coin-flip die.
Two acrylic condition markers.
A collector’s box with a divider to keep everything organized.
A code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

Booster Bundle

A cost-effective way to get more packs is to purchase a Booster Bundle. A booster bundle includes 6 booster packs from the expansion and gives the player more cards.

Key Cards and Rarities

Obsidian Flames features many exciting and valuable cards. Here are some notable inclusions:

Charizard ex (#223): Considered by many to be the chase card of the set.
Charizard ex (#228): Another highly sought-after Charizard variant.
Charizard ex (#215): A third Charizard ex card, adding to the Charizard hype.
Geeta (#226): A full-art Trainer card.
Revavroom ex (#224): A powerful Pokémon ex with unique abilities.

How to Play with Obsidian Flames

Obsidian Flames is fully standard legal. To start building a deck, players need to include 60 cards. At most 4 copies of a card with the same name can be included. There is no maximum number of basic energy that can be added to the deck.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Obsidian Flames

Here are some of the most common questions surrounding the Obsidian Flames expansion:

1. What is the release date of Obsidian Flames?

Obsidian Flames was released on August 11, 2023. However, some Build & Battle Boxes were available slightly earlier at prerelease events.

2. How many cards are in the Obsidian Flames set?

The Obsidian Flames expansion contains over 190 cards, with 197 in the base set, and 33 secret rare cards.

3. How many Charizard cards are in Obsidian Flames?

There are four Charizard cards in Obsidian Flames, all of which are highly sought after by collectors.

4. What are the prerelease promo cards for Obsidian Flames?

The prerelease promo cards were Palafin, Cleffa, Togekiss, and Mawile. These were reprints from the set with alternate artwork.

5. What are the odds of pulling a Charizard ex from Obsidian Flames?

The pull rates vary, but on average, the odds of pulling a Hyper Rare Charizard ex are approximately 1 in 52 booster packs.

6. How many secret rare cards are in Obsidian Flames?

There are 33 secret rare cards in the Obsidian Flames expansion, featuring unique artwork and often higher values.

7. What is the rarest card in Obsidian Flames?

The #223 Charizard ex is generally considered the rarest and most expensive card in the Obsidian Flames set.

8. What is the best Obsidian Flames product to buy?

The Elite Trainer Box is often considered the best overall product due to its inclusion of booster packs, energy cards, and accessories. If you want an out-of-the-box playing experience, the Build & Battle Stadium might be better for you.

9. Is Obsidian Flames a worthwhile expansion to invest in?

While not the most impactful expansion in terms of gameplay, Obsidian Flames features stunning artwork and several unique cards that make it a worthwhile set for collectors.

10. Is Obsidian Flames Standard legal?

Yes, Obsidian Flames is a standard legal expansion for the Pokémon TCG.

11. What is a Build & Battle Box?

A Build & Battle Box is a product containing a ready-to-play 40-card deck, booster packs, and a promo card, designed for immediate play and deck building.

12. Where can I buy Obsidian Flames products?

Obsidian Flames products can be purchased at most major retailers that sell Pokémon TCG products, including Walmart, Target, local game stores, and online retailers.

13. What is the Japanese version of Obsidian Flames?

The Japanese version of Obsidian Flames is called Ruler of the Black Flame, released on July 28, 2023.

14. Does Obsidian Flames have any unique mechanics?

Obsidian Flames continues to utilize the Pokémon ex mechanic introduced in the Scarlet & Violet series, which features powerful Pokémon with high HP and strong attacks, but which also award two prize cards when defeated.

15. Where can I learn more about the strategy of the Pokemon TCG?

Websites such as the Games Learning Society, https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, offer extensive articles, forums, and resources for the community. The Games Learning Society is an excellent resource for learning about games.

Conclusion

Obsidian Flames made its mark on the Pokémon TCG scene with its fiery theme, stunning artwork, and the allure of pulling coveted Charizard cards. Whether you’re a collector, a competitive player, or just a fan of the Pokémon universe, Obsidian Flames has something to offer. As you explore the depths of this expansion, remember to appreciate the artistry, the strategy, and the joy of collecting that makes the Pokémon TCG so beloved around the world.

What is the obsidian flames content?