Pokemon TCG Obsidian Flames Set Guide for Australian Collectors

Obsidian Flames is one of the standout sets of the Scarlet & Violet era. Released in August 2023, it introduced Tera-type Pokemon and featured the Tera Dark Charizard ex as its headline card — instantly making it one of the most in-demand sets in the Australian Pokemon TCG market. Here's everything you need to know about this set.

What Is Obsidian Flames?

Obsidian Flames (SV03) is the third expansion in the Scarlet & Violet series. It introduced the Tera mechanic — where Pokemon are covered in crystal formations of a different type — and featured 197 cards in the base set plus a selection of Special Illustration Rares and Hyper Rares at the high end.

The Tera mechanic gave designers the opportunity to create visually distinctive cards, with the crystalline designs making for some of the most striking art in the modern Pokemon TCG era.

The Headline Card — Tera Dark Charizard ex SIR

The Special Illustration Rare version of Tera Dark Charizard ex (183/197) is the single most important card in Obsidian Flames. Featuring Charizard covered in black/dark crystal tera formations against a dramatic background, it's one of the most visually striking Charizard cards ever printed. In the Australian market, NM raw copies have traded consistently in strong price ranges since release, and PSA 10 copies command significant premiums.

This card is the primary driver of Obsidian Flames demand. Any collector chasing Charizard cards needs this in their collection.

Other Notable Cards in Obsidian Flames

Tera Tyranitar ex SIR — A stunning secondary chase card. Tyranitar is a popular Pokemon with a dedicated collector fanbase and the tera treatment is particularly effective with its rocky design.

Revavroom ex alt art — A quirky but popular card, featuring the car-like Pokemon in full-art treatment. Collector favourite outside the Charizard focus.

Pidgeot ex SIR — The Pidgeot Special Illustration Rare is one of the more impressive SIRs in the set from an artwork quality standpoint.

Multiple Tera ex Pokemon in full-art treatments — The tera mechanic means visually distinctive art on every ex card, which has driven broad collector interest in this set beyond just the top chases.

Pull Rates in Obsidian Flames

SIR pull rates in Obsidian Flames are consistent with other SV sets — roughly one SIR per 3–4 booster boxes. Hitting the specific Charizard SIR is significantly rarer. Budget accordingly if box-opening to chase — the economics work better buying the single you want rather than gambling on pulls for the flagship card.

Obsidian Flames Sealed Product — Investment Value

Obsidian Flames sealed product (booster boxes and ETBs) has appreciated from RRP since release, driven by the Charizard demand. As with other SV sets, sealed boxes bought at RRP and held are generally a solid medium-term investment. The set's visual quality and Charizard inclusion are strong demand anchors.

hokocollectables.com may have Obsidian Flames singles and sealed product — check current availability for Charizard ex SIR and other chase cards from this set.

Building an Obsidian Flames Collection

A full Obsidian Flames master set (every card including SIRs and Hyper Rares) is achievable for dedicated collectors. The Tera-themed artwork makes this a particularly satisfying set to complete — the visual consistency across the set makes a framed display of the full SIR/HR subset genuinely impressive.

Obsidian Flames is one of the essential SV sets for Australian collectors. The Charizard alone justifies its place — and the rest of the set delivers too.