Ruler of the Black Flame Booster Box - SV3 (Japanese)

The Ruler of the Black Flame Pokémon Trading Card Game set is the third main expansion in the Scarlet & Violet series, released in Japan on July 28, 2023, and forming part of the English-language Obsidian Flames set, which launched worldwide on August 11, 2023. This set introduces innovative type-shifted Tera-type Pokémon ex cards, with a spotlight on a Darkness-type Charizard ex, alongside Tyranitar ex (Lightning-type), Eiscue ex (Fire-type), and Vespiquen ex, among others. It draws inspiration from the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games, incorporating mechanics like the Terastal phenomenon, which allows Pokémon to adopt different types than usual.

The set contains 108 main cards plus 33 secret rares, totaling 141 cards, and features a mix of Pokémon, Trainer, and Energy cards. Notable Pokémon include Charizard ex with its [Infernal Reign] Ability, allowing players to search for up to three Basic Fire Energy cards, and its [Burning Darkness] attack, which deals 180 base damage plus 30 more for each Prize card the opponent has taken. Tyranitar ex leverages Lightning-type mechanics, supported by Fighting-type Larvitar and Pupitar, while other Pokémon like Cleffa, Scyther, Scizor, Finizen, Palafin, and Dragonite ex add variety. The set also includes Supporter cards like Poppy, Geeta, Ortega, and Ryme, as well as items like Patrol Cap and Revenge Punch, and the Town Department Store Stadium card.

Accompanying the set is the Ruler of the Black Flame Deck Build Box, which includes 10 booster packs, 170 fixed cards (14 Pokémon, 50 Trainer, 2 Special Energy, and 104 Basic Energy), and accessories like star markers and dividers, ideal for competitive deck-building. The set’s artwork, particularly for secret rares like Ninetales, Pidgeot ex, and Charizard ex SAR, has been praised for its stunning visuals, though some fans noted a preference for more dynamic full-art designs compared to earlier eras. Booster boxes contain 30 packs, with an average of one secret rare per box, making chase cards like the Charizard ex SAR highly sought-after but challenging to pull.

The set nods to older expansions like EX Delta Species with its type-shifted Pokémon and has been celebrated for its competitive potential and aesthetic appeal, though some players consider it less impactful than other Scarlet & Violet sets due to market saturation and the upcoming Pokémon 151 set. It remains a favorite for collectors and players drawn to Charizard’s prominence and the unique Tera-type mechanics.