Paldean Fates is one of the most exciting special sets in the Scarlet & Violet era. Released in January 2024, this Shiny-themed set has steadily appreciated in value as collectors chase its stunning Shiny Charizard ex and rare bubble Mew ex cards. This guide covers the current market value of every notable card in Paldean Fates and tips for building your collection.
What Makes Paldean Fates Special?
Paldean Fates continues the tradition of Shiny-themed special sets like Hidden Fates and Shining Fates. The set features over 100 Shiny Pokémon in the Paldea region, plus several highly sought-after ex cards with special illustration rares. The pull rates are challenging — especially for the ultra-rare Shiny Charizard ex — which has driven prices up significantly since release.
Most Valuable Cards in Paldean Fates (2026 Prices)
Prices below reflect recent market data from eBay sold listings and TCGPlayer. Grades shown for PSA 10 where applicable. For grading guidance, see our Pokémon Card Grading Guide.
| Card | Card # | Rarity | Raw Price | PSA 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shiny Charizard ex | 234/091 | Special Illustration Rare | $180–$220 | $500–$700 |
| Mew ex (bubble Mew) | 232/091 | Special Illustration Rare | $80–$120 | $250–$400 |
| Shiny Forretress ex | 235/091 | Special Illustration Rare | $40–$60 | $120–$180 |
| Shiny Gardevoir ex | 233/091 | Special Illustration Rare | $35–$50 | $100–$150 |
| Shiny Mew ex | 229/091 | Ultra Rare (Gold) | $30–$45 | $100–$130 |
| Shiny Charizard (PAL 185) | 185/091 | Shiny Rare | $25–$40 | $80–$120 |
| Shiny Pikachu (PAL 174) | 174/091 | Shiny Rare | $15–$25 | $50–$80 |
| Shiny Ditto (PAL 179) | 179/091 | Shiny Rare | $12–$18 | $40–$60 |
Price Trends and Investment Potential
Paldean Fates has followed a similar trajectory to Hidden Fates, which saw steady appreciation over several years. Here is what collectors should know:
- Short-term stability: Prices have stabilized after an initial spike at release. The set is still widely available in booster bundles and elite trainer boxes.
- Long-term outlook: Shiny Charizard ex is widely considered a modern grail card. Historical patterns suggest it will continue appreciating as sealed product becomes scarcer.
- Sealed product: Paldean Fates Elite Trainer Boxes have risen from $55 to $80–$100. Booster bundles are a strong sealed investment at current prices.
- Japanese version: The Japanese Shiny Treasure ex set (equivalent to Paldean Fates) has different pull rates and generally higher quality. For a comparison, see our Japanese vs English Pokemon Cards guide.
How to Grade and Sell Paldean Fates Cards
If you own a Shiny Charizard ex or bubble Mew ex in mint condition, grading can significantly increase your return. Check for these factors before sending to PSA or Beckett:
- Centering: Paldean Fates cards are notorious for off-center printing. Use a centering tool — anything worse than 60/40 will not gem mint.
- Edges: White spots and edge wear are common from the factory. Inspect under bright light.
- Surface: Look for print lines, especially on the holo foil of Shiny Charizard ex.
- Corners: Soft corners from poor packaging can prevent a PSA 10 grade.
For a complete overview of the most valuable cards across all sets, see our Most Valuable Pokemon Cards in 2026 guide.
Should You Invest in Paldean Fates in 2026?
Paldean Fates remains one of the best modern investments for Pokémon card collectors. The Shiny Charizard ex is arguably the most important chase card of the Scarlet & Violet era, and Shiny-themed sets historically perform well in the secondary market. With the set still available at retail in some locations, now is an excellent time to buy sealed product before the next print run ends.









