Top 10 Scarlet and Violet Illustration Rares

The first entry on this list comes from one of the final sets in the Scarlet and Violet era. Destined Rivals included a vast array of trainer-specific Pokémon, including many from fan-favourite trainers throughout the anime and even the Pokémon games. Misty's Psyduck is the IR that makes the list, as it is visually stunning and has the added bonus of including Misty in the artwork. The popularity of Misty helps to drive up the popularity of this card, and it is certainly a standout from the whole set.

You can view the full Destined Rivals set list, use the odds calculator to compare pull chances, or search for individual Pokémon cards.

This Poliwhirl is an underrated card from Scarlet and Violet 151. While most people look at the higher end of the chase cards, including Charizard, this beautiful Poliwhirl goes somewhat under the radar. As this Pokémon isn't the most popular overall, the card is certainly carried by the artwork, which many people agree is excellent. This card can get overshadowed by other IRs in 151 (spoiler for the rest of this list), but it definitely deserves its spot here.

You can view the full 151 set list, use the odds calculator to compare pull chances, or search for individual Pokémon cards.

Twilight Masquerade is often forgotten about, as some collectors think of it as 'the Greninja set'. However, this Eevee card is certainly not one to overlook. The artwork here is an absolute standout of the era. Add this to the fact that Eevee is already a super popular Pokémon, and you're left with a card that was always going to be popular amongst fans. If this card was in a more popular set, you can almost guarantee that you would hear about it more than you do currently.

You can view the full Twilight Masquerade set list, use the odds calculator to compare pull chances, or search for individual Pokémon cards.

Another set that people often overlook is Temporal Forces, but this Gastly card is an excellent one to look at for all the Ghost-type Pokémon lovers out there. This card features Gastly, Haunter, and Gengar moving through a town at night, with an onlooking Meowth hiding in the alleyway. The colors and detailing help this card tell a story. Add Gengar's popularity to the mix, and you have the biggest chase card of the set on your hands.

You can view the full Temporal Forces set list, use the odds calculator to compare pull chances, or search for individual Pokémon cards.

Stellar Crown is a strange set, as the two biggest chase cards are not even SIRs; they are just regular illustration rares. One of these two is this Bulbasaur, which fans of Gen 1 will love. This card also tells a story, with Bulbasaur relaxing in the sun amongst an array of other plants. It even features a Pidgey flying in through the window. Starter Pokémon are always going to do well with fans, and Generation 1 starter Pokémon will do even better still.

You can view the full Stellar Crown set list, use the odds calculator to compare pull chances, or search for individual Pokémon cards.

After the Bulbasaur at number 6, it was only fitting for the Squirtle to sit next to it at number 5. This one fits the same theme as its partner, with many Pidgey flying around the scene. Squirtle is also a very popular Pokémon, as one of the Generation 1 starters, which helps explain this card's popularity. This card is another with a lot of detail, with the background really adding to the card and completing the scene.

You can view the full Stellar Crown set list, use the odds calculator to compare pull chances, or search for individual Pokémon cards.

We have back-to-back Squirtle cards as we move into the top 4. This one is from 151 and certainly appeals to more people than the previous entry, as it is more vibrant and the water artwork is very visually appealing, especially since it matches the color of Squirtle quite closely. This one primarily beats the previous entry due to the popularity of 151.

You can view the full 151 set list, use the odds calculator to compare pull chances, or search for individual Pokémon cards.

We have another Bulbasaur on the list at number 3, as this card is just so stunning. The level of detail on all of the foliage is impressive, and the color scheme makes this one a great hit from any 151 pack. The Charmander from this set is also a great IR, but it didn't make this list, as its popularity is derived more from the Pokémon itself than from how good the artwork is.

You can view the full 151 set list, use the odds calculator to compare pull chances, or search for individual Pokémon cards.

Seismitoad is not usually a very popular Pokémon, but this illustration rare really helped to put it on the map. The level of detail in Shinji Kanda cards is unmatched, and the vibrancy of this one makes it stand out clearly from other illustration rares. Within Black Bolt, this card is often considered a bigger hit than most of the special illustration rares in the set, which really speaks volumes about the artwork.

You can view the full Black Bolt set list, use the odds calculator to compare pull chances, or search for individual Pokémon cards.