Every newPokemon TCGexpansion carries a certain level of hype, primarily because it’s the latest product to release. However, sets like Surging Sparks stand out as special due to the contents of the product, which include gorgeous Special Illustration Rares (SIRs) of some of the most popular Pokemon ever.
Pikachu ex changed the landscape ofthe best cards in the Scarlet & Violet eraimmediately upon release, with strong support from cards like Hydreigon ex, Latias ex, and Lisia’s Appeal, among others. While the era isn’t finished yet, Surging Sparks is shaping up to be one of the most loaded sets in the Scarlet & Violet era.
Cards are ordered according to theirTCGPlayerMarket Price,which you might pay on average for a copy of the cards below.
Updated June 24, 2025, by Andrew Scariati:As Surging Sparks chase cards continue to fluctuate in value, the top two spots remain solid in their positions. Some of the best Surging Sparks cards switched places despite a lack of movement at the top as the red-hot Pokemon TCG market continues to change.
10Durant ex (Special Illustration Rare) – $31.75
Marching Along
Durant might not be the most popular Pokemon in the TCG, but this Special Illustration Rare takes this Steel/ Bug-type Pokemon to the next level, as it portrays a Durant colony marching in line across a desert backdrop. While the scene is simple, the colors pop and make this card one of the most recognizable from Surging Sparks.
Durant won’t ever find itself among the top three Surging Sparks chase cards, but this card’s double up from $20 to almost $40 before it fell to its current market price is still impressive. It’s uncertain if Durant will continue to fall, but for now, it has done enough to play amongst the top Surging Sparks chase cards.
9Latios (Illustration Rare) – $37.52
Soaring To The Sun
Some ofLatios' most valuable cardshail from vintage products, but this Illustration Rare offers one of the brightest scenes this Pokemon has ever been a part of.
While itcan’t compare to its legendary Tag Team with Latias,this solo endeavor has the potential to be one of the best cards in this Pokemon’s portfolio.
However, Latios falls well short of its twin, Latias, whose best card in Surging Sparks is more expensive andfar rarer than Latios'.The friendly rivalry will rage on as this set ages, but there’s no telling if the gap will remain as wide as it is now.
8Jasmine’s Gaze (Special Illustration Rare) – $41.35
Just Enjoying A Sandwich
On the other side of the coin, while Night Stretcher is exceeding expectations,Jasmine’s Gazefalls well short of them in Surging Sparks. Despite being one of the most valuable cards on the Japanese side of things, this card is relatively affordable compared to some of the other cards in the set.
While Trainer cards can bounce up and down in price, this Jasmine SIR will be a great card to keep an eye on as Surging Sparks ages, as therearen’t many other cards that capture a mid-meal moment like this.
7Lisia’s Appeal (Special Illustration Rare) – $57.47
Lisia Is Back
Lisia is no stranger toextremely expensive full-art trainer cards,with this depiction signifying the beloved trainer’s triumphant return to the Pokemon TCG. The bright colors and lighting typical of Surging Sparks' best cards are visible here as well, as Lisia is surrounded by bright colors, a blue Altaria, and a brilliant, shimmering light out of frame.
Asthe most valuable trainer in Surging Sparks,Lisia has a crown to wear, despite not claiming the top spot in the set. However, the card that sits in that positioneclipses Lisia’s value by a significant margin.
6Alolan Exeggutor Ex (Special Illustration Rare) – $57.48
Nothing Like A Goofy Tree
If you’ve been waiting for top-tier Alolan Exeggutor art, then your wait is finally over, with this gorgeous illustration offeringa rare full-body capture of this palm tree Pokemon.
The composition and color combine to make this card stand out and give Alolan Exeggutor a strong presence as distinct from the colors in the background. While this card is sure to drop in value, it’s impressive to see an Alolan Exeggutor card reach highs above $50 – but the question is, for how long?
5Hydreigon ex (Special Illustration Rare) – $78.08
A Dark Blitz Of Color
Hydreigon scoops up one of the top spots in Surging Sparks on the back of one of the set’s most visually surprising cards, as dark and light co-exist. Hydreigon’s classic color palette is present, but the rainbow Terastal crown on the right puts the darkness in perfect balance.
While few Hydreigon cards ever reach these heights, this card deserves to be one of the Pokemon’s most popular cards over time, as it’s hard to match the stunning artwork in this set.
4Pikachu ex (Hyper Rare) – $97.35
It Just Works
Hyper Rare cards can be difficult to pull off, as was evident with the Rainbow and Gold Secret Rares from previous generations. However, there’s something unexpectedly perfect about thisHyper Rare Pikachu ex,as itstands in perfect harmony with the gold backgroundbehind it.
The darker, refracting gold pattern is theperfect contrastto Pikachu’s bright yellow coat and rainbow crown.
While it’s not the most valuable Pikachu card in this set, this Hyper Rare has a legitimate case for one of the best uses of a gold background in the Pokemon TCG.
3Milotic ex (Special Illustration Rare) – $142.88
Beauty And Serene Grace
Milotic is beloved for its unparalleled beauty but rarely receives cards in the TCG, and very few could compete withthis card’s breathtaking scene.
Light is used in several Surging Sparks cardsas the focus of the Pokemon’s attention.
This gives each scene an illuminated, ethereal quality as the subjects stare into unknown space.
While its current pricing puts this card among the most expensive Milotic cards ever, there’s no telling how far it may drop over time. However, while most cards lose value immediately following release, it’s possiblesome can buck this trend and gain valueif they’re special –this card could be one of themin the long term.
2Latias ex (Special Illustration Rare) – $221.48
Hoping For A Bright Future
Despite the strong showing from the Hyper Rare Pikachu ex, Latias ex doubles up its peer on the back of one of this Pokemon’s most stunning solo scenes. Much like Latios,some of Latias' best cards are expensive,but this card might stand among themif it’s able to maintain its positive price trend.
Latias is looking to a bright horizon, and hopefully, that’s what awaits this Pokemon in the future, with this card deserving its high value on the back of the art alone.
1Pikachu ex (Special Illustration Rare) – $437.49
In A Different Stratosphere
Pikachuex stands alone as the most valuable card in Surging Sparks, boasting an almost unthinkable value to kick off its Pokemon TCG career.
While the future may hold many peaks and valleys for this card, it’s unlikely it can maintain such a high value in the short term, so be careful when purchasing.
AlthoughPikachu cards will always carry a premium,it’s hard to predict how the Tera crowns will be viewed in the future. As with all newly introduced gimmicks, they may grow in appeal, stay the same, or fall in favor, but no matter how Tera crown cards do, this Pikachu will remain among the best.
