Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Obsidian Flames Elite Train

The Verdict

Let’s be direct: the Obsidian Flames Elite Trainer Box is a gamble wrapped in a neat little package. That’s true of every Pokémon TCG product, but this one hits differently because of the Charizard factor. The set’s centerpiece—a gorgeous, fire-breathing lizard—has driven demand through the roof, and this box puts you in the game with 9 booster packs and some genuinely useful extras. At 4.6 stars across 229 ratings, most buyers walk away satisfied. But “most” isn’t “all,” and you deserve the full picture before you drop your money.

What’s Actually in the Box

You’re getting 9 Scarlet & Violet—Obsidian Flames booster packs, 45 card sleeves with the Charizard ex artwork, 45 basic energy cards, 6 damage-counter dice, 1 competition-legal coin flip die, 2 acrylic condition markers, a metallic collector coin, and a promo card: oversized Charizard ex. That oversized promo is the real draw here—it’s exclusive to this box and looks sharp in a binder or top loader.

The sleeves are a nice touch, too. They’re textured, shuffle reasonably well, and the art is on-brand without being obnoxious. If you’re building a fire-type deck, these are genuinely usable, not just collectible clutter.

Real-World Performance and Pull Rates

Here’s where things get interesting. The Obsidian Flames set has a deep card pool—Charizard ex, Pidgeot ex, Tyranitar ex, and a solid batch of illustration rares that look stunning in person. The pull rates, though, are a coin flip. Some buyers report hitting gold:

“Pulled the Charizard ex SIR on pack 3. Absolutely lost my mind. This box paid for itself.”

Others, not so much:

“Got one regular ex and a handful of reverses across all 9 packs. Feels bad for the price.”

That’s the nature of the game, but it’s worth noting: Obsidian Flames has a notoriously top-heavy pull structure. The big hits are spectacular; the floor is low. If you’re buying for the packs alone, temper expectations. If you’re buying for the extras and the experience, you’ll be happier.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

The accessories are the unsung heroes here. Multiple reviewers note the dice and markers are “better quality than past ETBs,” and the metallic coin has heft—it doesn’t feel like a toy. The sleeves also get consistent love for their durability; one reviewer mentioned they “survived a full tournament weekend without splitting.” That’s a real endorsement.

The promo card is another winner. Even buyers who whiffed on pulls say the oversized Charizard “looks incredible on the shelf” and “makes the box worth it as a display piece.”

Where It Falls Short

The packaging is the biggest complaint. Several buyers report crushed corners or creased lids on arrival. Amazon doesn’t always double-box these, and the thin cardboard doesn’t protect itself. If you’re a sealed-collector, order from a card shop instead.

The missing code card issue is also worth flagging. Some batches apparently shipped without the Pokémon TCG Live code, which is a genuine annoyance if you play digitally. It’s not universal, but it’s enough of a pattern that you should check your box before tossing the insert.

Who Should Buy This

• Collectors chasing Charizard: The promo and the set’s chase cards make this a solid gamble, especially if you like the oversized card format.
• New players: The dice, markers, and energy cards give you everything you need to start playing immediately. Just add a deck.
• Gift-givers: The box looks impressive, the contents are substantial, and the Charizard art sells itself.

Skip it if: You’re a sealed-collector who needs pristine packaging, or you’re purely chasing pull rates and hate variance. This is a lottery ticket with good odds, not a guarantee.

FAQ

Q: How many packs are in the Obsidian Flames Elite Trainer Box? A: Nine booster packs. That’s standard for modern ETBs, and it’s a solid value when you factor in the sleeves and accessories.

Q: Is the oversized Charizard promo worth anything? A: It has moderate resale value, but honestly, it’s more of a display piece. It doesn’t fit in a standard binder or deck, so it’s for the collection shelf.

Q: Can I pull the Charizard ex from these packs? A: Yes—the regular Charizard ex, the full art, and the hyper-rare gold version are all in this set. Pull rates are low, but it’s possible. That’s the gamble.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You want a balanced mix of packs, playable accessories, and a killer promo card. The 4.6-star rating is earned—most people are happy with what they get.

Skip it if: You can’t stomach the variance or need pristine packaging. Also skip if you’re only in it for the code card.

Rating: 4.6/5 — A strong ETB with real value, held back by inconsistent pull rates and mediocre packaging. For the Charizard art alone, it’s worth the gamble for most collectors.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.

Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.