Obsidian Flames PSA 10 Guide
Set History & Release Context
Ruler of the Black Flame (sv3) is the third main expansion of the Japanese Scarlet & Violet Series, released 28 July 2023. Its English counterpart Obsidian Flames followed on 11 August 2023, and the two together became one of the defining sv-era prints due to the Charizard ex Tera centerpiece.
The set sits in the early-sv format and introduced an important mechanical pivot: Tera Pokemon ex with types that differ from their usual types. Six such off-type Tera ex were included, with Tera Charizard ex (Darkness energy) as the headline. The mechanic broadened deck-building options around Pokemon-type matchups for the first time in the sv format. Sources: Bulbapedia accessed 2026-05-09.
Obsidian Flames PSA 10 Cards
1 cards
Top Chase Cards Explained
The undisputed chase of sv3 is Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare (the Tera Darkness print), one of the most universally recognized modern-era chase cards. PSA 10 Charizard ex SAR has been one of the most-traded modern Pokemon cards by aggregate sales volume across 2023-2024, with strong cross-regional demand from both English and Japanese markets.
Secondary chases include the Tera Pikachu ex SAR, Pidgeot ex (competitive-tier consistency engine), and the remaining off-type Tera ex variants which serve as collector-tier rather than competitive-tier chases.
Investment Analysis
sv3 is the rare modern set where competitive relevance, mechanic novelty (off-type Tera) and centerpiece-Pokemon popularity (Charizard) all converge in the same SAR. Japanese print volume was elevated — sv-era sets print large by historical standards — but the cross-regional demand for Charizard ex SAR has absorbed supply effectively, keeping PSA 10 prices among the highest of the entire sv era. Sealed booster premiums are modest due to print volume; the investment angle concentrates almost entirely in the Charizard ex SAR PSA 10 / PSA 9 tiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is set sv3?
sv3 is the Japanese Ruler of the Black Flame expansion, the third main Scarlet & Violet Series set, released 28 July 2023.
What is the English version of sv3?
Obsidian Flames, released 11 August 2023.
How many cards are in Ruler of the Black Flame?
108 cards in the Japanese print (excluding secret rares); the English Obsidian Flames release totals 230 cards.
What is the chase card in sv3?
Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare (Tera Darkness print) is the headline chase across both Japanese and English prints.
What is a Tera Pokemon ex?
A Tera Pokemon ex with a Tera type that differs from the Pokemon's usual type — sv3 was the first set to include this mechanic, with six off-type Tera ex variants.
Is Pidgeot ex in sv3?
Yes. Pidgeot ex is a notable competitive consistency engine card from this expansion and remains a frequently-played Standard format Pokemon.