Top 10 Chase Cards from Paradox Rift Every Pokémon Collector Wants
Crack a pack and feel the paradox! The Paradox Rift set has arrived with dimension-bending energy—and it’s stacked with some of the most exciting chase cards we’ve seen in a while. Whether you’re a die-hard collector, casual flipper, or long-term investor, these cards are the ones everyone’s hunting. We’ve ranked the top 10 chase cards that combine rarity, value, and jaw-dropping artwork. Ready to see what’s warping wallets and winning hearts? Let’s dive in!
Updated: June 4, 2025
Morpeko ex 206/182 — The Adorable Powerhouse We Didn't See Coming!
Okay, let’s talk about Morpeko ex—yes, that Morpeko. The cheeky little electric rodent just pulled off a full-blown glow-up in Paradox Rift, and collectors are obsessed. Card #206/182 is the stunning Special Illustration Rare version, and it's pure cardboard eye candy. That full-art design? Gorgeous. The energy? Chaotic-good. And the demand? 🔥 Off the charts.
From an investor’s perspective, this card ticks all the right boxes: it’s got character appeal, rarity, and that secret sauce—a loyal fanbase. Morpeko might not be a competitive meta-wrecker in play, but its dual nature (cute and unhinged) has made it a cult favorite. Add in limited pull rates and jaw-dropping art, and you've got a card that's not just climbing in value—it's sprinting. If you’re cracking Paradox Rift packs, this is one of the top chase cards you’ll want to see peeking out of that foil wrapper!
Card # / Rarity | 206 / Illustration Rare |
Type / Stage | Darkness / Basic |
Set | Paradox Rift |
Character(s) | Morpeko |
Minun 194/182 — Small but Mighty (and Seriously Underrated)
Don’t let the size fool you—Minun #194/182 from Paradox Rift is a tiny sparkplug with massive collector appeal. This Illustration Rare is all about cozy vibes and stunning details. The art? Straight out of a Studio Ghibli dream, with Minun basking in soft lighting that makes the card feel almost… nostalgic. And for collectors, that emotional pull is half the battle.
So why’s it popping off? First, it’s part of a dynamic duo—Minun and Plusle are Pokémon’s most adorable tag team, and collectors love to pair them. Second, it’s low pull-rate gold. You don’t just get this card; you earn it in a sea of commons and VMAXs. Investors are starting to notice too—these Illustration Rares aren’t just beautiful, they’re the sleeper hits of the set. Add Minun to your watchlist… or better yet, your binder.
Card # / Rarity | 194 / Illustration Rare |
Type / Stage | Lightning / Basic |
Set | Paradox Rift |
Character(s) | Minun |
Plusle 193/182 — The Perfect Pair to Power Up Your Collection
If you’ve already fallen in love with Minun’s dreamy art, then Plusle #193/182 is the must-have companion piece. This Illustration Rare is giving full-on storybook charm—bright, cheerful, and packed with playful energy. It’s basically the Pikachu cousin who shows up to the party with extra spark and zero chill (in the best way possible).
But here’s the kicker—collectors love a duo, and Plusle + Minun is one of the most iconic tag teams in Pokémon history. That means demand for this card doesn’t just come from solo love—it’s part of a combo chase, which always drives up interest and long-term value. Smart investors know that Illustration Rares with narrative pairing potential tend to age well, and Plusle’s spot in Paradox Rift is primed for that kind of sleeper growth. Cute, collectible, and just rare enough to make you sweat when opening packs—this one’s a win on all fronts.
Card # / Rarity | 193 / Illustration Rare |
Type / Stage | Lightning / Basic |
Set | Paradox Rift |
Character(s) | Plusle |
Iron Valiant ex 249/182 — The Future Is Shiny (and Expensive)
Cue the sci-fi soundtrack—Iron Valiant ex #249/182 is the full-throttle, cyber-sleek Special Illustration Rare that has both collectors and investors reaching for their top loaders and their wallets. This card isn’t just cool—it’s next-gen legendary. With its fierce pose, futuristic design, and glowing sword arms, Iron Valiant looks like it just stepped out of a high-budget anime crossover with Tron. And yes—it’s every bit as collectible as it is playable.
This card is the chase card of the set for a reason. It blends meta relevance (a strong EX option for Fairy and Psychic decks) with ultra-low pull rates and jaw-dropping alternate art. For investors, it's a perfect storm: fan-favorite Pokémon + powerful + ultra rare + visually stunning = long-term hold gold. Prices are already spiking, and it’s not slowing down. If you pull one of these, congratulations—you’ve cracked the rift jackpot.
Card # / Rarity | 249 / Special Illustration Rare |
Type / Stage | Psychic / Basic |
Set | Paradox Rift |
Character(s) | Iron Valiant |
Gholdengo ex 252/182 — Make It Rain (Literally)
Gholdengo ex #252/182 is straight cash, baby—and not just because it’s literally made of coins. This Special Illustration Rare card is pure gold in every sense: the design is chaotic in the best way, like a disco ball exploded in a treasure vault, and Gholdengo’s smug little smirk says, “Yeah, I am the pull you were hoping for.” And let’s be real—he’s not wrong.
As a Pokémon, Gholdengo is already turning heads with its Steel/Ghost typing, quirky lore, and strong competitive potential. But this card? It’s the blinged-out crown jewel of Paradox Rift. Ultra low pull rate? Check. Unique design? Check. High player and collector demand? Double check. For investors, it’s a no-brainer—this card is trending, flipping, and already making waves in the resale market. Whether you're stacking your binder or your portfolio, Gholdengo ex is money well spent.
Card # / Rarity | 252 / Special Illustration Rare |
Type / Stage | Metal / Stage 1 |
Set | Paradox Rift |
Character(s) | Gholdengo |
Steelix 208/182 — Heavy Metal, Hidden Gem
Steelix #208/182 might not be the flashiest card in Paradox Rift, but don’t let that fool you—this Illustration Rare is an absolute unit in every sense. The art? A stunning, moody landscape where Steelix looms like a metallic titan, chilling in the wild like it owns the place (because honestly, it does). It’s the kind of card you double-take on when flipping through your binder—gritty, grounded, and undeniably cool.
For collectors, this one checks the box for “classic powerhouse done right.” Steelix has been a fan-favorite since the Johto era, and this card delivers a fresh artistic take that captures its raw, unstoppable energy. For investors? It’s one of those cards that may fly under the radar now, but with its visual appeal and rarity, it has long-term sleeper value written all over it. Pick it up before the rest of the market realizes how metal it really is.
Card # / Rarity | 208 / Illustration Rare |
Type / Stage | Metal / Stage 1 |
Set | Paradox Rift |
Character(s) | Steelix |
Garchomp ex 245/182 — The Apex Predator of Paradox Rift
If you hear the rumble of something tearing through your booster pack, there’s a good chance it’s Garchomp ex #245/182—and trust us, this Special Illustration Rare is built to dominate. With razor-sharp art that captures Garchomp mid-lunge in an almost cinematic freeze-frame, this card is pure adrenaline for collectors. It’s got speed, style, and that unmistakable “don’t mess with me” vibe that made Garchomp a fan-favorite since the Diamond & Pearl era.
But this isn’t just about looks—it’s about legacy. Garchomp has always been a beast in competitive play, and this Paradox Rift version delivers both in-game utility and long-term collector appeal. The art? S-tier. The scarcity? Real. And the market buzz? Loud. For investors, this is one of those cards that will hold value simply because it’s Garchomp—a name that never goes out of style. Whether you’re a battler or binder-bragger, this card deserves a top slot.
Card # / Rarity | 245 / Special Illustration Rare |
Type / Stage | Water / Stage 2 |
Set | Paradox Rift |
Character(s) | Garchomp |
Roaring Moon ex 251/182 — The Primal Prize of Paradox Rift
Roaring Moon ex #251/182 isn’t just a chase card—it’s the chase card for many collectors in Paradox Rift. This Special Illustration Rare delivers everything we love: a fierce design, ancient Paradox lore, and that unmistakable aura of “legendary status in the making.” With its jagged wings, glowing eyes, and jungle-savage setting, this card howls power. It’s prehistoric, primal, and positively perfect for your top loader.
Collectors are obsessed, players are intrigued, and investors? Well, they’re already circling. Roaring Moon ex combines fan-favorite vibes (it’s a Paradox version of Salamence!), competitive potential, and a painfully low pull rate that makes every appearance feel like a major win. This is the kind of card that spikes early and stays relevant—a long-term hold with serious collector heat. If you pull it, flex it. If you’re chasing it, buckle up.
Card # / Rarity | 251 / Special Illustration Rare |
Type / Stage | Darkness / Basic |
Set | Paradox Rift |
Character(s) | Roaring Moon |
Altaria ex 253/182 — The Cloud Queen of Collectors’ Hearts
Float over the competition with Altaria ex #253/182, the elegant underdog of Paradox Rift. This Special Illustration Rare is pure serenity on cardboard. With Altaria gliding through soft pastels and tranquil skies, this card feels like a deep breath in the middle of battle chaos. It’s not just art—it’s aesthetic therapy for your binder.
But don’t let the calm vibes fool you—this card is quietly becoming a collector favorite. Altaria has always had that cult appeal (thanks to its blend of beauty and battlefield grace), and this version turns the dial to max. For investors, it’s a sneaky-good pickup: lower competition than some of the flashier chases, but with high ceiling potential thanks to its rarity, stunning art, and loyal fanbase. Altaria ex might not scream power—but it sings value, loud and clear.
Card # / Rarity | 253 / Special Illustration Rare |
Type / Stage | Dragon / Stage 1 |
Set | Paradox Rift |
Character(s) | Altaria |
Groudon 199/182 — The King of the Cracked Earth Returns in Style
When it comes to raw, ground-shaking power, few Pokémon command as much respect as Groudon—and Paradox Rift just gave this legendary titan one of its most jaw-dropping Illustration Rares ever. Card #199/182 showcases Groudon in full primal glory, emerging from molten lava, surrounded by dramatic lighting and seismic energy. It’s less “card art” and more “ancient deity captured in motion.” The moment you see it, you know this one’s different.
So why is it the most expensive card in the set? For starters, it’s Groudon—a Hoenn-region icon with massive nostalgic weight and cross-generational fan appeal. But this particular artwork cranks the collectibility up to 11. It's part of the Illustration Rare tier, which means its pull rate is painfully low, and the dramatic, cinematic art style appeals to both serious collectors and casual fans alike. Factor in that Groudon hasn’t had a chase-tier card like this in years, and you’ve got the perfect storm: iconic character + incredible art + low supply = sky-high demand.
For investors, this is the trophy card of Paradox Rift. It’s already commanding premium prices on the resale market, and its value is backed by strong fundamentals—legendary status, visual impact, and rarity. Whether you're building a high-end portfolio or just trying to flex in your binder, Groudon #199/182 isn’t just a card—it’s a statement. If you pull it, protect it like the sacred relic it is. If you don’t… well, get ready to chase it across the aftermarket battlefield.
Card # / Rarity | 199 / Illustration Rare |
Type / Stage | Fighting / Basic |
Set | Paradox Rift |
Character(s) | Groudon |

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