If you’re trying to catch ’em all, it’s easy to focus on the Pokemon video games alone. However, Pokemon TCG is an important pillar of the franchise that offers a wonderful way to collect cards that feature beautiful artwork of your favorite creatures. Over the years, there have been dozens of sets released, which can make it a bit tricky to catch up if you’re a newcomer to the hobby.
This guide will give you an overview of all Pokemon TCG sets.
All Pokemon TCG sets
Much like the video games, the sets are divided into generations, making it easier to know what kind of Pokemon you’ll be getting. With each generation, new battle gimmicks have been added and there have also been peelable cards, as seen with the Pokemon Go set.
All first generation Pokemon sets
- Base
- Jungle
- Fossil
- Team Rocket
- Gym Heroes
- Cym Challenge
A compilation set called Base Set 2 was also released in 2000.
All second generation Pokemon sets
- Neo Genesis
- Neo Discovery
- Neo Revelation
- Neo Destiny
Three more sets were released, and they were compatible with the e-reader add-on for the Game Boy Advance.
- Expedition
- Aquapolis
- Skyridge
A special promotional set called the Southern Islands Collection was released in 2001 and it only features 18 cards. The Legendary Collection, a compilation set, was released in 2002.
All third generation Pokemon sets
- EX Ruby and Sapphire
- EX Sandstorm
- EX Dragon
- EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua
EX Team Magma vs. Team Aqua was the last e-reader set.
- EX Hidden Legends
- EX Fire Red and Leaf Green
- EX Team Rocket Returns
- EX Deoxys
- EX Emerald
- EX Unseen Forces
- EX Delta Species
- EX Legend Maker
- EX Crystal Guardians
- EX Dragon Frontiers
- EX Power Keepers
All fourth generation Pokemon sets
- Diamond and Pearl Base
- Diamond and Pearl – Mysterious Treasures
- Diamond and Pearl – Secret Wonders
- Diamond and Pearl – Great Encounters
- Diamond and Pearl – Majestic Dawn
- Diamond and Pearl – Legends Awakened
- Diamond and Pearl – Stormfront
- Platinum Base
- Platinum – Rising Rivals
- Platinum – Supreme Victors
- Platinum – Arceus
A few sets were released to celebrate the launch of the HeartGold and SoulSilver games.
- HeartGold & SoulSilver Base Set
- HeartGold & SoulSilver – Unleashed
- HeartGold & SoulSilver – Undaunted
- HeartGold & SoulSilver – Triumphant
A special set, Call of Legends, was also released. It features cards previously unreleased in English.
All fifth generation Pokemon sets
- Black and White
- Emerging Powers
- Noble Victories
- Next Destinies
- Dark Explorers
- Dragons Exalted
- Dragon Vault
- Boundaries Crossed
- Plasma Storm
- Plasma Freeze
- Plasma Blast
- Legendary Treasures
All sixth generation Pokemon sets
- XY
- Flashfire
- Furious Fists
- Phantom Forces
- Primal Crash
- Roaring Skies
- Ancient Origins
- Breakthrough
- Breakpoint
- Fates Collide
- Steam Seige
- Evolutions
The Generations special set was also released in 2016, and it features reprints from earlier sets.
All seventh generation Pokemon sets
- Sun & Moon
- Guardians Rising
- Burning Shadows
- Crimson Invasion
- Ultra Prism
- Forbidden Light
- Celestial Storm
- Lost Thunder
- Team Up
- Unbroken Bonds
- Unified Minds
- Cosmic Eclipse
Three special sets were also released:
- Sun & Moon – Shining Legends
- Sun & Moon – Dragon Majesty
- Sun & Moon – Hidden Fates
The Sun & Moon – Detective Pikachu set was also released in 2019 to celebrate the film.
All eighth generation Pokemon sets
- Sword & Shield
- Rebel Clash
- Darkness Ablaze
- Vivid Voltage
- Battle Styles
- Chilling Reign
- Evolving Skies
- Fusion Strike
- Brilliant Stars
- Astral Radiance
- Lost Origin
- Silver Tempest
The following special sets were also released:
- Champion’s Path
- Shining Fates
- Celebrations
- Pokemon Go
- Crown Zenith
All ninth generation Pokemon sets
We’re currently in the ninth generation, and Pokemon TCG has been exploring the Paldea region. Three sets have been released thus far.
- Scarlet & Violet
- Paldea Evolved
- Obsidian Flames
The special Pokemon 151 set is scheduled to hit stores in September 2023, and it’ll feature the Kanto creatures of the first generation. The highly anticipated Pokemon Classic set is also expected to be released in late 2023.
The current generation has brought a few changes, and the English cards now feature the same silver border as their Japanese counterparts. Although there’s been a price hike, you can also expect more booster packs in your Elite Trainer Boxes and three guaranteed holofoils per booster pack.
