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Top 10 Most Underrated Pokémon Sets Every Collector Overlooks
Some Pokémon sets get all the hype — but what about the ones that fly under the radar? In this guide, we’re counting down the 10 most underrated Pokémon card sets that offer incredible art, value, and chase potential but are often overlooked by collectors.

Whether you’re investing, building a binder, or looking for unique sealed product, these hidden gem Pokémon sets deserve a second look.

1. EX Legend Maker (2006)
A forgotten EX-era gem featuring moody artwork and nostalgic Gen 1+3 Pokémon. Low print run and strong EX cards.
Why It’s Underrated:
- Ghostly art style
- Arcanine EX, Gengar, and Mew hits
- Low supply in mint condition

2. Plasma Blast (2013)
Team Plasma cards with electric-blue borders, a unique aesthetic not replicated since.
Why It’s Underrated:
- Distinctive Plasma artwork
- Dialga EX Full Art + Genesect EX
- Surprisingly affordable

3. Forbidden Light (2018)
An Ultra Necrozma-themed set that came out between bigger releases, so it got missed.
Why It’s Underrated:
- Lucario GX, Greninja GX, Full Art Sycamore
- Low sealed demand = better prices

4. EX Delta Species (2005)
The elemental twist era. Fire-type Metagross? Electric-type Eeveelutions? Yes, please.
Why It’s Underrated:
- Wild type-shifted Pokémon
- First time many cards used metal/electric/fighting types differently
- High nostalgia factor

5. Skyridge (2003)
Not exactly cheap—but overlooked in terms of appreciation compared to its siblings like Expedition/Base.
Why It’s Underrated:
- Crystal cards
- Sunset-style card borders
- Lowest print of any e-Reader set

6. Rebel Clash (2020)
Came out during early COVID. Often labeled as “boring” but holds sleeper hits.
Why It’s Underrated:
- Boss’s Orders (Lysandre) Full Art
- Dragapult VMAX
- Still affordable sealed

7. Cosmic Eclipse (2019)
Known to seasoned collectors but still underappreciated relative to its power.
Why It’s Underrated:
- Tag Team Trainer cards
- Secret Rares with alt art in commons
- Sealed box value rising

8. Aquapolis (2003)
Overshadowed by Skyridge but includes arguably better holo patterns and card design.
Why It’s Underrated:
- Neo-style artwork meets e-Reader format
- Lugia, Suicune, and Espeon chase cards

9. EX Sandstorm (2003)
Often overshadowed by EX Ruby & Sapphire, but has beautiful desert-themed art and EX starters.
Why It’s Underrated:
- Gardevoir EX, Wailord EX
- Aesthetic theme cohesion

10. Emerging Powers (2011)
Unfairly labeled as a “bulk” set. Still plenty of value in sealed and mint chase cards.
Why It’s Underrated:
- Full Art Thundurus + Tornadus
- Simple yet elegant holos
TL;DR – Underrated Sets Cheat Sheet
Set Name | Era | Highlight Card | Why Collect It |
---|---|---|---|
EX Legend Maker | EX Era | Mew EX, Arcanine EX | Haunting art, low print |
Plasma Blast | BW Era | Genesect EX FA | Unique border style |
Forbidden Light | Sun/Moon | Ultra Necrozma GX | Budget alt arts |
Delta Species | EX Era | Eeveelution type-shift | Unique elemental types |
Skyridge | E-reader | Crystal Charizard | Scarcity + design |
Rebel Clash | Sword/Shield | Dragapult VMAX | Sleeper hits, low hype |
Cosmic Eclipse | Sun/Moon | Rosa FA, Pikachu SR | Tag Teams + Alt Art Commons |
Aquapolis | E-reader | Lugia, Suicune | Strong holo design |
EX Sandstorm | EX Era | Wailord EX | Starter EXs + desert vibe |
Emerging Powers | BW Era | Tornadus FA | Great for sealed investors |
Think you missed one of these sets? Explore our sealed inventory or message us for help tracking down booster boxes before they vanish.
FAQ
What is the most underrated Pokémon TCG set?
EX Delta Species and Plasma Blast are two of the most underappreciated sets with unique value.
Why are some Pokémon sets underrated?
Timing, low print runs, or being released between hype sets often cause them to be overlooked.
Are underrated sets good investments?
Yes, especially sealed boxes or mint singles that are undervalued in current market trends.
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