Welcome to CrispyCards ! Today we're diving deep into the fascinating world of the Pokémon Trading Card Game and taking a closer look at the XY Base Set . This set marks the beginning of a new era in the Pokémon TCG and has left a lasting impression on both players and collectors. With impressive Mega Evolutions, legendary Pokémon, and a host of new gameplay mechanics, the XY Base Set has revolutionized gaming. In this blog post, we'll introduce the most valuable and rarest Pokémon from the XY Base Set, explore the history and special features of the expansion, and discuss some of the most exciting strategies and decks the XY Base Set has to offer.
So, grab your favorite cards and get ready for an exciting journey into the world of the XY Base Set!
Author: Celine Miles
Last modified: July 5, 2024
Reading time: 7 minutes
Table of contents
The history and special features of the XY Base Set
The XY Base Set is the first Trading Card Game expansion in the XY series and was released in both German and English on February 5, 2014. It is known for introducing Mega Evolutions, a gameplay mechanic that revolutionized the Pokémon TCG. This expansion contained 146 cards, including many Legendary Pokémon, and new gameplay mechanics that enhanced strategic play.
Introduction of Mega Evolutions : "The Mega Evolutions in the XY Base Set completely changed the game. They added a new strategic depth that delighted both players and collectors."
Legendary Pokémon : “With the legendary Pokémon Xerneas and Yveltal, the XY Base Set introduced some of the most impressive cards the game has ever seen.”
More from the XY cycle
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XY Basic Set (2014), Release: February 5, 2014
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Sea of Flames (2014), Release: May 14, 2014
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Flying Fists (2014), Release: August 13, 2014
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Phantom Powers (2014), Release: November 5, 2014
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Protoshock (2015), Release: February 4, 2015
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Dragon Lights (2015), Release: May 20, 2015
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Eternal Beginning (2015), Release: August 12, 2015
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TURBOstart (2015), Release: November 11, 2015
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TURBOfieber (2016), Release: February 3, 2016
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Generations (2016), Publication: February 22, 2016
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Fate Forge (2016), Release: May 4, 2016
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Steam Boiler (2016), Publication: August 3, 2016
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Evolution (2016), Publication: November 2, 2016
On CrispyCards, you'll find a top 10 list of the rarest cards for each set. Feel free to check out our Pokémon blog .

Theme decks and deck strategies
The XY Base Set offers two thematically coordinated decks: "Unbreakable Life" and "Fatal Rage." These decks are ideal for players who want to focus on the powerful abilities of Xerneas and Yveltal.
Theme Decks : "The Unbreakable Life and Fatal Destruction theme decks offer a perfect introduction to the XY Base Set and are ideal for players who want to experience the legendary Pokémon Xerneas and Yveltal."
New game mechanics and card types
One of the biggest innovations in the XY Base Set were the Mega Evolutions and the new Trainer and Supporter cards, which enabled a variety of new strategies.
New game mechanics : “The new Trainer and Supporter cards in the XY Base Set offer a wealth of possibilities and strategies that significantly influence the gameplay.”
Pokémon-EX and Mega-EX : “The powerful Pokémon-EX and Mega-EX in the XY Base Set not only enhanced the game visually, but also created new challenges and opportunities for deckbuilding.”
The most valuable and rarest Pokémon from XY Base Set
Now we come to the highlights of the XY Base Set—the most valuable and rarest Pokémon from the XY Base Set, which are coveted by collectors and players alike. As is tradition, we present the rarest Pokémon from the XY Base Set in our Top 10. The prices of the cards are based on recent sales in PSA 10. Please note that prices can change daily. The current prices are as of July 2024.
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The 10 rarest Pokémon from the XY Base Set
"The Mega Evolutions in the XY Base Set completely changed the game. They added a new strategic depth that thrilled both players and collectors." – M. Aebischer
- as of July 2024.

10. Yveltal EX (79) - $36.00
- Description : Yveltal EX is another powerful card from the XY Base Set. This version depicts Yveltal in a menacing pose, emphasizing its destructive nature. The card is both valuable in gameplay and a visual highlight.
- Price in PSA 10 : $36.00

9. M Blastoise EX (30) - $35.00
- Description : Mega Blastoise EX is an even more powerful version of Blastoise, depicted in an imposing pose in this card. The Mega Evolution gives Blastoise additional strength and an impressive appearance.
- Price in PSA 10 : $35.00

8. Blastoise EX (29) - $49.00
- Description : Blastoise EX appears in another powerful card that highlights its strength and presence. The card depicts Blastoise in an action-packed pose, ready to defeat its opponent.
- Price in PSA 10 : $49.00

7. Pikachu Cosmos Holo Lego Movie Exclusive (42) - $70.00
- Description : This special edition of Pikachu was released exclusively for The Lego Movie and is available in a Cosmos Holo variant. Pikachu is depicted in a charming and playful style, making the card especially popular with collectors.
- Price in PSA 10 : $70.00

6. Lapras Reverse Foil (35) - $79.87
- Description : Lapras, the friendly Water-type Pokémon, is beautifully depicted in this reverse foil card. The card's glossy surface highlights the details, making it a coveted collectible.
- Price in PSA 10 : $79.87

5. Full Art/Venusaur EX (141) - $85.00
- Description : This full-art version of Venusaur EX offers an even more impressive depiction of the powerful Grass-type Pokémon. The art is detailed and vibrant, making the card a true eye-catcher in any collection.
- Price in PSA 10 : $85.00

4. Venusaur EX (1) - $91.00
- Description : Venusaur EX is a powerful card featuring the iconic Grass-type Pokémon in a majestic pose. This card is not only a must-have for Venusaur fans, but also a valuable addition to many decks thanks to its powerful abilities.
- Price in PSA 10 : $91.00

3. Full Art/Skarmory EX (145) - $100.00
- Description : Skarmory EX, the steely Flying-type Pokémon, is featured in this full-art card with a stunning and detailed illustration. The card depicts Skarmory in a flying attack position, highlighting this Pokémon's speed and agility.
- Price in PSA 10 : $100.00

2. Full Art/Yveltal EX (144) - $102.23
- Description : Yveltal EX, the Destruction Pokémon, appears in all its sinister glory in this full-art card. The card perfectly captures Yveltal's eerie aura and powerful presence. This card is not only a visual delight but also a valuable player.
- Price in PSA 10 : $102.23

1. Full Art/Blastoise EX (142) - $150.00
- Description : Blastoise EX in its Full Art version is a stunning example of the power and elegance of this iconic Water-type Pokémon. The card depicts Blastoise in a dynamic pose, ready to unleash its Hydro Cannon. The detailed art and vibrant colors make this card a highlight of any collection. The rarest Pokémon from the XY Base Set have a worthy champion in Blastoise.
- Price in PSA 10 : $150.00

Conclusion on the set and the rarest Pokémon from XY Base Set
The XY Base Set is an expansion that has a lot to offer both players and collectors. With the introduction of Mega Evolutions, a variety of legendary Pokémon, and new gameplay mechanics, this set has taken the Pokémon Trading Card Game to a new level. The most valuable cards from this set are not only visually stunning but also extremely valuable in gameplay terms. We hope you enjoyed this comprehensive look at the XY Base Set and that it has provided exciting insights and inspiration for your own collecting and play. The rarest Pokémon from the XY Base Set usher in an unforgettable era in the TCG. Have fun exploring and playing!