Getting Started: Picking the Right Set
When I started learning about Pokémon cards, I was amazed at how many different sets there are. Scarlet & Violet, 151, Paldea Evolved, Crown Zenith, Brilliant Stars — the list goes on. Every set has its own theme, chase cards, and artwork style, which makes collecting exciting… but also a little overwhelming when you’re new.
If you’re trying to figure out which sets are actually worth buying, you’re not alone. I recently purchased my first Elite Trainer Box — Scarlet & Violet: Twilight Masquerade — and it taught me a lot about what makes a good starter set for new collectors.
Why Your First Set Matters
When you’re new, your first set shapes the way you learn:
- How rarity symbols work
- Which Pokémon are featured
- What kinds of pulls you can expect
You don’t need to chase the most expensive cards right away. What matters more is finding a set that’s fun, available, and balanced — something you can open slowly and enjoy.
My First Box: Scarlet & Violet – Twilight Masquerade
Opening my first Elite Trainer Box felt like being a kid again. The design — Ogerpon wearing its mask on the front — immediately grabbed my attention. Inside were booster packs, sleeves, dice, and that distinct “new card” scent that every collector knows.
What I liked most about Twilight Masquerade was the balance — exciting artwork, good pull rates, and a mix of new and familiar Pokémon. You’ll find:
- Gorgeous Illustration Rare cards like Sinistcha and Teal Mask Ogerpon
- Full-art Trainers like Carmine and Kieran
- Regular holos that help you learn rarities
It’s a set that rewards curiosity and patience. You can open it one pack at a time and still feel like you’re making progress.
What Makes a Good Set for Beginners
Before jumping into specific sets, here’s what I now look for when choosing one:
- Availability – Can you find it at Target, GameStop, or online at retail price?
- Affordable Entry Point – Elite Trainer Boxes under $60 are perfect.
- Strong Artwork – If you like how it looks, you’ll keep collecting.
- Recognizable Pokémon – Familiar faces keep it fun.
- Balanced Pull Rates – Every few packs should give you something shiny or exciting.
The following sets check all those boxes — and they’re great first steps for any new collector.
1️⃣ Scarlet & Violet Base Set (2023)
This is the set that kicked off the new Pokémon era. It introduced silver borders, “ex” cards, and a new star-based rarity system.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Easy to find in most stores
- Features both new Paldea Pokémon and classics like Gyarados and Arcanine
- Packs are affordable — around $4 each
It’s the foundation of the Scarlet & Violet era — a perfect place to learn and build from.
2️⃣ Scarlet & Violet 151 (2023)
If nostalgia was a set, this would be it. 151 revisits every original Pokémon from the Kanto region with modern, full-art style.
Why it’s beginner-friendly:
- Every card features a familiar Pokémon
- Consistent, stunning artwork
- Pulls feel rewarding — even commons bring back memories
If you grew up watching Pokémon in the 90s, this is a must-have experience.
3️⃣ Paldea Evolved (2023)
This was the second Scarlet & Violet set, and it quickly became a favorite because of its art and Trainer cards.
Why it’s worth collecting:
- Includes fan-favorite Trainer Iono (her SAR is one of the best of the year)
- Strong mix of Illustration Rares and ex Pokémon
- Plenty of colorful full-art cards per box
It’s the perfect “next step” after the base set — a little more advanced, but still accessible.
4️⃣ Crown Zenith (2023)
Technically the final Sword & Shield set, Crown Zenith is still widely available and one of the most enjoyable sets to open.
Why it’s great:
- Galarian Gallery subset has incredible full-art designs
- Pull rates are generous — every few packs give you something special
- Tins and premium boxes are easy to find
If you like art and variety, Crown Zenith delivers.
5️⃣ Twilight Masquerade (2024)
I have to include my first set here — and not just for sentimental reasons.
Twilight Masquerade captures everything I love about collecting: mystery, color, and creativity. It focuses on Ogerpon, a masked Pokémon with multiple forms, and introduces several new cards that are both playable and collectible.
Why it’s beginner-friendly:
- ETBs are easy to find right now
- Pulls feel fair and satisfying
- Features both striking artwork and memorable Trainer cards
I’m opening this set slowly, enjoying the process instead of racing through it — and that’s made collecting much more fun.
6️⃣ Honorable Mentions
If you can find them at fair prices, these older sets are also fantastic:
- Brilliant Stars – for Arceus and Charizard chase cards
- Lost Origin – for Giratina VSTAR Alternate Art
- Evolving Skies – for the legendary Eevee-lutions (though prices have climbed)
They’re slightly harder to find at retail but still hold strong long-term value and great artwork.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your first few Pokémon sets isn’t about chasing the biggest hits — it’s about finding the right ones to learn with.
Start with sets that excite you visually, teach you about rarities, and make opening packs feel rewarding. For me, Scarlet & Violet: Twilight Masquerade checked all those boxes. It’s modern, beautiful, and full of personality.
I don’t plan on rushing through it. I’ll open a few packs at a time, organize my cards, and enjoy seeing the collection take shape.
Because collecting shouldn’t be a race — it should be an experience.