Shining Fates Set Review – Still the Best Shiny Vault Set?
When Shining Fates launched in February 2021, it was pitched as the next big “shiny Pokémon” collector set — following in the footsteps of Hidden Fates. Anchored by Shiny Charizard VMAX, 122 shiny Pokémon, and a special product-only release model, it exploded in popularity.
But now in April 2025, with Paldean Fates entering the mix and Hidden Fates still revered, is Shining Fates still worth ripping, holding, or grading?
📦 Set Overview
- 📅 Release Date: February 19, 2021
- 🧩 Set Size: 195 main cards + 122 Shiny Vault cards
- 🔥 Primary Chase: Shiny Charizard VMAX (#SV107)
- 📦 Release Style: No booster boxes — product-only (ETBs, tins, boxes)
Shining Fates was built for collectors: no new mechanics, just shiny hits, alt-arts, and reprint-style staples with premium artwork.
💰 Top Card Prices (April 2025)
| Card | Type | Raw Price | PSA 10 Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charizard VMAX (Shiny Vault) | Shiny VMAX | ~$135 | ~$300 |
| Suicune (Shiny Vault) | Shiny Holo | ~$18 | ~$60 |
| Ditto VMAX (Shiny Vault) | Shiny VMAX | ~$25 | ~$80 |
| Skyla (Full Art Trainer) | Ultra Rare | ~$20 | ~$60 |
| Piers (Full Art Trainer) | Ultra Rare | ~$12 | ~$35 |
- 🔥 Charizard VMAX still carries the set
- 💠 Suicune is a surprise cult-favorite with low pop and high demand
- 🧊 Trainer values have softened, but Skyla and Piers still hold modest appeal
📈 Sealed Product (April 2025)
| Product | MSRP | Market Price |
|---|---|---|
| ETB | $49.99 | ~$65–70 |
| Pikachu V Box | $19.99 | ~$28–32 |
| Tins (Eldegoss/Boltund/Cramorant) | $29.99 | ~$38–42 |
- 📦 Stable sealed value, even post-Paldean Fates
- 🔁 Strong holiday resale — shiny sets age well due to evergreen collector demand
🧠 Strengths
- ✨ Wide shiny pool – 122 shiny Pokémon to collect
- 🧱 Accessible pulls – many $10–30 hits, not just one mega chase
- 🔁 Solid for binder collectors, kids, and graders alike
- 🔄 Frequent pop-up demand due to TCG influencers & content boosts
🧊 Weaknesses
- 🧪 Reprint fatigue – 2021–2023 saw a LOT of inventory
- 🔮 No alt-arts – shiny vault is strong, but art variety is less dramatic than newer sets
- 💰 Fewer big chase cards – outside of Zard, most cards have plateaued
🧮 Set Comparison (April 2025)
| Set | Chase Power | Collector Depth | Sealed Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shining Fates | 🟢 Zard + Wide Pool | 🟢 Strong | 🟢 Stable |
| Hidden Fates | 🔴 Zard + Eeveelutions | 🔴 Deepest | 🔴 High |
| Paldean Fates | 🟡 Miraidon/Iono | 🟢 Good | 🟡 Building |
Shining Fates remains the most accessible and consistent shiny set, but Hidden Fates still reigns at the top, and Paldean Fates is a rising competitor.
🧵 Final Thoughts
Shining Fates might not be the crown jewel of modern shiny sets anymore — but it’s still an essential middle-tier collector set with great sealed value and accessible grading upside.
If you’re looking for a low-risk rip, an entry point into shiny collecting, or just a Charizard shot, it’s still absolutely worth your time in 2025.
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