The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has experienced a significant renaissance over the past few years, with both veteran collectors and new fans seeking out cards from across the generations. Among the many sought-after sets, Darkness Ablaze holds a unique place. Originally released in August 2020 as part of the Sword & Shield series, this set gained attention due to its inclusion of highly desirable cards—most notably the VMAX Charizard. But in 2025, with the Pokémon TCG landscape constantly evolving, one major question stands out: Is the Darkness Ablaze Elite Trainer Box (ETB) still worth it?
This deep dive explores the Pokemon Darkness Ablaze Elite Trainer Box ETB from multiple angles, including collector value, investment potential, sealed vs. opened box considerations, and whether it’s still a good buy in 2025.
What’s Inside the Darkness Ablaze ETB?
Before diving into the numbers, let’s take a quick look at what the Darkness Ablaze ETB typically includes:
- 8 Darkness Ablaze booster packs
- 65 themed card sleeves (Eternatus design)
- 45 Energy cards
- A player’s guide to the Darkness Ablaze expansion
- 6 damage-counter dice
- 1 competition-legal coin-flip die
- 2 acrylic condition markers
- A collector’s box with 4 dividers
- A code card for the Pokémon TCG Online game
While the box content may seem standard by 2025’s expectations, back in 2020 it was a fairly complete package for both competitive players and collectors. The appeal today lies not just in the contents, but in what those contents might offer in terms of value and nostalgia.
The Charizard Effect: Why This Set Stands Out
One of the biggest reasons collectors are still talking about Darkness Ablaze is Charizard VMAX. This card, with its eye-catching art and powerful reputation, remains one of the standout Charizard cards in the Sword & Shield era. While it’s not a secret rare or alternate art, it holds solid value due to the popularity of the character and the set.
As of early 2025, PSA 10-graded copies of the Charizard VMAX can still fetch a respectable price, especially given the scarcity of pristine pulls from sealed product. This single chase card gives the ETB a strong draw, especially for those who enjoy opening packs rather than keeping products sealed.
Other noteworthy cards from the set include:
- Eternatus VMAX
- Crobat V (a once highly playable card, now a nostalgic piece)
- Scizor VMAX
- Salamence VMAX
Though none have reached the value heights of Charizard, these cards maintain appeal for both collectors and players looking to complete Sword & Shield-era collections.
Sealed Value: Holding or Flipping?
The value of a sealed Darkness Ablaze Elite Trainer Box has appreciated steadily since 2020. Initially retailing for around $39.99 USD, many sealed ETBs now command $60 to $90 or more depending on condition and seller reputation. The upward trend has continued through 2024, with 2025 seeing modest gains thanks to increased scarcity and the end of Pokémon Company print runs for Sword & Shield products.
Sealed collectors often see these ETBs as a mid-tier investment. While it may not spike in value like vintage base set items, it offers steady returns over time. As more are opened or damaged, sealed supply dwindles, driving up demand among set collectors or nostalgic buyers.
Compared to other ETBs of the Sword & Shield era, Darkness Ablaze has a strong showing due to the Charizard card and overall set popularity. It doesn’t outperform Hidden Fates or Evolving Skies in raw investment terms, but it comfortably sits above sets like Rebel Clash or Battle Styles.
Open or Keep Sealed in 2025?
For the modern collector, this is the most crucial question. Should you crack open your Darkness Ablaze ETB for the thrill and potential pulls, or hold onto it as a sealed asset?
Open It If:
- You’re a Charizard enthusiast hoping to pull the VMAX
- You enjoy the unboxing and nostalgia of Sword & Shield-era products
- You’re completing a Darkness Ablaze master set
Keep It Sealed If:
- You’re a long-term investor aiming for higher appreciation
- You already own the key singles and want to preserve the box
- You value pristine packaging and storage appeal
In 2025, given the rising cost of single packs (often selling for $6 to $9 each), the value of just the booster packs in a sealed ETB can add up quickly. That makes the ETB a cost-effective way to secure unopened product, even for content creators or hobbyists planning one-time openings.
Display Appeal and Nostalgia Factor
Collectors today don’t just value what’s in a box—they also care about how it looks on a shelf. The Darkness Ablaze ETB features a sleek red-and-purple design centered around Eternatus, which remains visually striking. While it doesn’t carry the legendary status of vintage boxes, it fits beautifully into a curated display of Sword & Shield products.
With Pokémon’s 30th anniversary on the horizon in 2026, items from earlier modern eras like Darkness Ablaze are becoming important nostalgia pieces. Kids who collected during Sword & Shield are beginning to revisit their childhood favorites, and this trend often boosts interest—and value—in related products.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It in 2025?
Yes—with caveats. The Darkness Ablaze Elite Trainer Box is still a worthwhile purchase in 2025, particularly for collectors looking for a well-rounded mid-tier investment or those eager to relive the excitement of pulling that Charizard VMAX. It may not deliver sky-high returns or compete with the ultra-premium sets, but it offers a strong mix of nostalgic value, collectible appeal, and historical significance in the Sword & Shield lineup.
At Top Ripping, we bring the thrill of Trading Card Games (TCG) to collectors and players worldwide. Specializing in Booster Packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, Rare Collectibles, and Exclusive Sets, we provide top-quality TCG products from brands like Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Magic: The Gathering. Join our live ‘Rip & Ship’ events on TikTok, where we open packs in real time and ship them directly to you. With secure, fast shipping and a passion for the TCG community, we ensure an exciting and seamless experience.