Shiny Pokémon are so rare in the games that most players never see one. Shining Fates, released on February 19, 2021, put more than 100 of them in packs. A spiritual successor to 2019's Hidden Fates, this special set is built around the Shiny Vault, and its top card is a Shiny Charizard VMAX. Here's the collector's guide: the dates, the chase cards and what came in every product.
Shining Fates at a Glance
- Release date: February 19, 2021
- Set type: special expansion, so there's no booster box
- Main set: 72 cards plus secret rares
- Shiny Vault: a subset of more than 100 Shiny Pokémon on etched cards
- Pokémon V and VMAX: more than 30, including a Shiny Gigantamax Charizard
The Shiny Vault
The Shiny Vault is a numbered subset (marked SV) that sits alongside the main set. Most Shiny Vault cards are Shiny versions of Galar Pokémon, with the Shiny Pokémon V and VMAX at the top of the list. Shiny Vault cards can show up in any pack, which made every pack feel like a lottery ticket.
The Chase Cards
Shiny Charizard VMAX. The top card of the set and one of the most valuable Charizards of the Sword & Shield era.
Shiny Pokémon V and VMAX. Etched Shiny versions of popular Pokémon, including Shiny Eevee and Galar favorites.
Shiny Vault baby Shinies. The smaller Shiny Pokémon are the affordable way to build a full Shiny Vault binder.
The Product Lineup
| Product | What's inside |
|---|---|
| Collection Boxes | Booster packs plus a foil promo, including the Shiny Eldegoss V Collection |
| Mini Tins | Booster packs and a coin in a collectible tin |
| Pin Collections | Booster packs plus a collector's pin |
| Elite Trainer Box | 10 packs, Eevee VMAX promo, Gigantamax Eevee sleeves, 45 Energy cards, dice and a storage box |
Our take: The Elite Trainer Box is the most collected Shining Fates product, and the Eevee VMAX promo is a fun bonus for Eevee fans.
Tips for Collectors
- Watch for resealed product. Like most special sets, Shining Fates is a target for tampered packs, so buy sealed from sellers you trust.
- Collect the Shiny Vault separately. Keeping SV cards in their own binder makes the subset much easier to complete.
- Check sold listings. Shiny Charizard VMAX prices vary a lot by condition, so check recent eBay sold listings.
Keep Collecting With Booster Pack Cards
Browse our Pokémon TCG Elite Trainer Boxes, Collection Boxes and Tins, or shop the full Pokémon TCG collection. Love Shinies? Read our Paldean Fates guide too. Next up in the Galar era: our Battle Styles collector's guide.
