The Most Popular Pokémon Set, Ranked

Choose the set you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 10, 2024 06:47
Collecting Pokémon sets can be an exciting endeavor for fans, yet choosing the right set to start or expand a collection is often a challenging decision. With numerous sets available, each featuring unique Pokémon and themed accessories, determining which are the favorites within the community can provide valuable insights. This ranked list of Pokémon sets helps enthusiasts see which options resonate most with fellow collectors. By participating in this interactive ranking, users contribute to a broader understanding of popular preferences and trends in the Pokémon universe. Your votes help sculpt the list, ensuring that it accurately reflects the community's current favorites. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to Pokémon, this ranking will aid in making informed choices about which sets to consider next.

What Is the Most Popular Pokémon Set?

  1. 1
    69
    votes

    Base Set

    Wizards of the Coast
    Base Set - released in 1999 and started the Pokémon TCG craze. It includes the iconic Charizard card and other popular Pokémon.
    The Base Set is the very first Pokémon trading card set ever released. It introduced the Pokémon Trading Card Game to the world, featuring the original 151 Pokémon from the Kanto region. This set laid the foundation for the immense success and popularity of the Pokémon TCG.
    • Most Iconic Card: Charizard (Holo Rare)
    • Release Date: January 9, 1999
    • Total Cards: 102
    • Rarity Levels: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Holo Rare
    • Card Types: Pokémon, Trainer, Energy
  2. 2
    36
    votes

    Jungle Set

    Wizards of the Coast
    Jungle Set - released in 1999 and added new Pokémon like Scyther and Wigglytuff.
    The Jungle Set is a popular Pokémon trading card game set that was released in June 1999. It is the second set to be released in the TCG's Unlimited Series. The theme of the set revolves around various jungle-themed Pokémon species, including rare and powerful cards like Scyther, Jolteon, and Snorlax. The set introduced new game mechanics and unique artwork, making it a favorite among collectors and players alike.
    • Release Date: June 1999
    • Set Number: 2/64
    • Total Cards: 64
    • Rare Cards: 16
    • Uncommon Cards: 32
  3. 3
    24
    votes

    Fossil Set

    Wizards of the Coast
    Fossil Set - released in 1999 and introduced prehistoric Pokémon like Aerodactyl and Kabuto.
    The Fossil Set is a popular Pokémon set released by Wizards of the Coast as part of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) in October 1999. The set features various Pokémon fossils that have been revived into powerful playable cards. The theme of the set revolves around ancient and prehistoric Pokémon species.
    • Release Date: October 1999
    • Card Count: 62
    • Rarity: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Holofoil Rare
    • Card Types: Basic Pokémon, Evolution Pokémon, Trainer Cards
    • Holofoil Cards: 16
  4. 4
    19
    votes

    Team Rocket Set

    Wizards of the Coast
    Team Rocket Set - released in 2000 and featured cards with villainous Team Rocket and their Pokémon.
    The Team Rocket Set is a Pokémon trading card set based on the villainous Team Rocket organization from the Pokémon franchise. Released in April 2000, it introduced a darker tone to the Pokémon trading card game, featuring a variety of Pokémon associated with Team Rocket.
    • Release Date: April 2000
    • Card Count: 83
    • Rarity: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Rare Holo
    • Symbol: Team Rocket Organization
    • Featured Pokémon: Dark versions of Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur
  5. 5
    14
    votes

    Gym Heroes Set

    Creatures, Inc.
    Gym Heroes Set - released in 2000 and focused on the Gym Leaders and their Pokémon from the Johto region.
    The Gym Heroes Set is a popular Pokémon card set that was released in August 2000. It is the sixth set in the Pokémon Trading Card Game and features various Gym Leaders from the first generation Pokémon games.
    • Release Date: August 2000
    • Set Number: 6
    • Total Cards: 132
    • Card Types: Trainer, Energy, Pokémon
    • Featured Gym Leaders: Brock, Misty, Lt. Surge, Erika, Sabrina, Koga, Blaine, and Giovanni
  6. 6
    9
    votes

    Gym Challenge Set

    Creativity Inc.
    Gym Challenge Set - released in 2000 and continued the Gym Leader theme, including cards with Blaine and Giovanni.
    The Gym Challenge Set is a popular Pokémon trading card set that was released worldwide in October 2000. It is part of the second generation of Pokémon card sets known as the Gym series. The set features cards themed around the various Gym Leaders found in the Pokémon games, and it introduces new game mechanics and strategies for players to explore.
    • Release Date: October 2000
    • Generation: Second
    • Card Theme: Gym Leaders
    • Game Mechanics: Introduced new mechanics and strategies
    • Card Types: Pokémon, Trainers, Energy
  7. 7
    7
    votes

    Neo Genesis Set

    Wizards of the Coast
    Neo Genesis Set - released in 2000 and introduced new Pokémon and Baby Pokémon like Pichu and Tyrogue.
    The Neo Genesis Set is the fourth main expansion of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It was released on December 16, 2000, in Japan and on March 5, 2001, internationally. The set features Pokémon from the second generation games, Gold and Silver, introducing many new Pokémon to the TCG for the first time.
    • Release Date: December 16, 2000 (Japan), March 5, 2001 (International)
    • Number of Cards: 111
    • Symbol: Silver Lugia
    • Card Types: Pokémon, Trainers, Energy
    • Key Pokémon: Typhlosion, Feraligatr, Meganium, Lugia, Ho-Oh
  8. 8
    4
    votes
    Neo Discovery Set - released in 2001 and added more Baby Pokémon and introduced the Unown Pokémon.
  9. 9
    9
    votes

    Neo Revelation Set

    Wizards of the Coast
    Neo Revelation Set is released in 2001 and featured the Legendary Pokémon Lugia and Ho-oh.
    The Neo Revelation Set is the eighth installment in the Pokémon Trading Card Game's Neo Series. It was released on September 21, 2001, as part of the Neo Genesis expansion in English. This set introduced a total of 66 new cards and continued to feature Johto region Pokémon.
    • Release Date: September 21, 2001
    • Series: Neo
    • Expansion: Neo Genesis
    • Cards: 66 new cards
    • Pokémon Featured: Johto region Pokémon
  10. 10
    3
    votes

    Neo Destiny Set

    Wizards of the Coast
    Neo Destiny Set - released in 2002 and included Shining Pokémon cards, which were rare and highly sought after.
    The Neo Destiny Set is a popular Pokémon trading card set that was released in 2002. It is a part of the Neo series of Pokémon cards and features a variety of Pokémon from the Johto region. The set includes both regular and holographic cards, as well as several promotional and rare cards. It is known for its unique artwork and intricate designs, making it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
    • Release Date: 2002
    • Card Types: Regular and Holographic
    • Pokémon Generation: Generation II (Johto region)
    • Promotional Cards: Included
    • Rarity: Rare

Missing your favorite set?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular set

  1. Set theme and design
    The overall theme, artwork, and design of the set are essential factors that contribute to a set's popularity. Unique and attractive themes may garner more attention and favor from collectors and players.
  2. Number of cards
    The total number of cards in a set plays a role in its popularity. Generally, larger sets offer a wider variety of cards and rarity levels, attracting more enthusiasts.
  3. Rarity and value of cards
    The presence of rare, valuable, or highly sought-after cards in a set can greatly impact its popularity. These cards often drive demand for the set and can make it more appealing to collectors and competitive players.
  4. Competitive viability
    The usefulness of the cards in the set for competitive gameplay is important to consider. If a set introduces powerful and strategically viable cards, it will generally be more popular among players attending tournaments.
  5. Generation and nostalgia
    The generation a set belongs to can influence its popularity, especially with long-time fans. Sets from earlier generations may hold nostalgic value, boosting their appeal.
  6. Iconic Pokémon
    The inclusion of popular or iconic Pokémon, such as Pikachu, Charizard, or Mewtwo, can help increase a set's popularity.
  7. Marketing and promotion
    The success of a set can also be affected by how well it is marketed and promoted. Limited edition items, promotional campaigns, or special events can generate more interest in a set.
  8. Availability and print runs
    The availability of a set can impact its popularity, with limited print runs often leading to increased demand. Additionally, some older sets may be difficult to find, making them more desirable to collectors.
  9. Reception and reviews
    The overall reception and feedback from the Pokémon community, including online reviews and forums, can also shape a set's popularity. Positive ratings and word-of-mouth recommendations can boost the appeal of a set.
  10. Personal preferences and tastes
    Ultimately, different factors may appeal to different collectors and players, reflecting individual tastes and interests. A set's popularity can also be subjective, with certain sets resonating with particular fans.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Pokémon set. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or set is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1618 views
  • 186 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each set once every 24 hours. The rank of each set is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular pokémon set

Pokémon has been a cultural phenomenon since its inception in the 1990s. Over the years, various card sets have been released featuring new Pokémon and different gameplay mechanics. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to determine which set is the most popular among fans. Some sets have become iconic for their rare and powerful cards, while others are beloved for their unique artwork and designs. In this article, we'll explore the most popular Pokémon sets and what makes them stand out from the rest.

Share this article