I’ve always found “Fates” sets to be a bit of a double-edged sword for collectors. On one hand, you’re practically guaranteed a hit in almost every pack thanks to the massive Shiny Vault. On the other hand, finding the actual top-tier chases, the Special Illustration Rares, is one of the most grueling grinds in the hobby. It’s a set that gives you plenty of small wins while making you work incredibly hard for the big ones.
When I look at the market for Paldean Fates, it’s clear that the “Shiny Tax” is still the biggest driver of value. Whether it’s the universal appeal of Mew or the inevitable premium that comes with a Shiny Charizard, certain cards just exist in a different price bracket than the rest of the set. It’s a fascinating snapshot of what happens when high-demand Pokémon meet the toughest pull rates of the era, creating a market where a single illustration can be worth more than several booster boxes combined.
I’ve put together a gallery of the most expensive raw cards from the set. If you’re like me and still trying to fill those final few slots in your binder, these are the heavy hitters that represent the ultimate “endgame” for this expansion.
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Mew ex #232
Charizard ex #234
Gardevoir ex #233
Snorlax #202
Mew ex #216
Maushold #210
Iono #237
