Pokémon TCG: Top 10 Most Expensive Secret Arts in Sword & Shield

In this article, we'll show you the most expensive "Secret Arts", or "Special Arts", (not to be mistaken with the Trainer's Gallery) in the Sword & Shield block. These cards became more valuable as more sets came along.

Keep in mind that the prices we'll show you only apply to English cards! The prices of cards in other languages vary according to the local currency, so they're not applicable.

10 - Rayquaza V (Sword/Shield: Evolving Skies)

This "Rapid Strike" (Rengeki) Pokémon goes well with cards like Tower of Waters BST 138, which discount its retreat cost by two colorless energies and thus make it free. It also goes well with tools like Rapid Strike Scroll of the Skies CRE 151 and Rapid Strike Scroll of the Flying Dragon EVS 153.

This striking depiction of Rayquaza and Zinnia was drawn by Ryuta Fuse, who has worked with the Pokémon Company since Sun/Moon: Cosmic Eclipse. Some of their popular works are Charizard VIV 25 and Dark Sylveon V PR-SW SWSH134 (which was featured in the Celebrations theme box promo).

Price: US$89.24.

9 - Dragonite V (Sword/Shield: Evolving Skies)

This Pokémon was incredibly popular in Standard in 2022 and 2023, when it saw play in Lost Box decks with Mirage Gate LOR 163. Mirage Gate LOR 163 lets you get two different basic energies in your deck and attach them to your Pokémon, so you would use it to set up Dragonite's second attack, Dragon Gale, and deal 250 damage. Then, you'd use Choice Belt BRS 135 to deal an extra 30 damage to enemy Pokémon V, thus dealing a total of 280 damage, which knocked out all Pokémon VStar in this generation.

Atsushi Furusawa created this artwork. They have worked with the Pokémon Company since Sword/Shield: Chilling Reign, and their most known works are the beautiful Suicune V CRZ GG38 and Pikachu PR-SV 190.

Price: US$130.

8 - Lugia V (Sword/Shield: Silver Tempest)

This beautiful illustration references the description of Lugia's powers in the Pokédex: "If it flaps its wings, it is said to cause a 40-day storm". Its artist, Kawaguchi Yoohei, (known in the art world as kawayoo) has worked for the Pokémon Company/Creatures since the Diamond & Pearl era.

Their most recent and famous works are Pikachu & Zekrom-GX PR-SM SM168 from Sun/Moon's "tag team" era, and all of Cynthia's Pokémon in Diamond/Pearl, as well as Rayquaza C SV 8.

Price: US$149.

7 - Charizard V (Sword/Shield: Brilliant Stars)

Ryota Murayama has illustrated many incredible Charizards, such as, for instance, Charizard DRM 3, and, of course, the famous Reshiram & Charizard-GX PR-SM SM201.

They have worked for the Pokémon Company since the X/Y era. Their first works were the first Pokémon-EX, the Ground & Kyogre duo.

Price: US$160.

6 - Espeon VMax (Sword/Shield: Fusion Strike)

Our first eeveelution on this list, Espeon, was excellent in Standard in its time and is still strong in Expanded because of its ability, Solar Revelation. This ability prevents all effects of attacks from your opponent's Pokémon done to all of your Pokémon that have Energy attached.

As for its attack, Max Mindstorm, it is quite nice. It deals damage according to how many energies are attached to your opponent's Pokémon.

It was illustrated by a Pokémon Company veteran, Kouki Saitou.

Price: US$174.95.

5 - Gengar VMax (Sword/Shield: Fusion Strike)

The most beloved Ghost Pokémon, Gengar, earned a spot on our list, this time in its VMax version. In the past two years, this card became incredibly expensive and currently there is a lot of demand for it.

In Standard, it was relatively relevant because of its attack, Fear and Panic.

This card was illustrated by sowsow.

Price: US$175.72.

4 - Glaceon VMax (Sword/Shield: Evolving Skies)

We have another eeveelution - Glaceon this time.

When it was legal in Standard, it played well with Arceus VSTAR CRZ GG70. Arceus let you attach energies to Glaceon VMAX EVS 209, and then you would turn it into an anti-Pokémon VMax shield because of its ability, Crystal Veil. This way, you were free to attack your opponent without worrying about your Pokémon.

It was illustrated by kirisAki, who has worked for the Pokémon Company/Creature since the Black/White era, more precisely since the Legendary Treasures set.

Price: US$196.15.

3 - Leafeon VMax (Sword/Shield: Evolving Skies)

Our third place is occupied by another eeveelution, Leafeon.

It was illustrated by HYOGONOSUKE, a popular name in Pokémon TCG nowadays. They illustrated cards like the ones below, which, together, form a single scene.

Price: US$ 255.70.

2 - Rayquaza VMax (Sword/Shield: Evolving Skies)

In our second place, we once again have Rayquaza, this time in its Dynamax version. This artwork depicts its grandeur in the middle of a dense forest.

Just like its V version, this Rayquaza benefits from any cards that buff "Rapid Strike (Rengeki)" Pokémon, and its main attack is basically a reference to the old Rayquaza-EX DRX 85.

Price: US$582.

1 - Umbreon VMax (Sword/Shield: Evolving Skies)

This Pokémon was illustrated by KEIICHIRO ITO, who has recently begun working for the Pokémon Company. They began in the Sun/Moon: Unified Minds era.

Umbreon VMax was quite popular in the meta because of its ability, Dark Signal, which is similar to a Boss's Orders BRS 132 effect and helps you set up precise plays throughout the game. Not to mention, its archetype was great against Shadow Rider Calyrex VMAX ASR TG30, one of the strongest Psychic Pokémon at the time. It was also popular just before the 2024 rotation, as it was viable against Gardevoir ex sv1 86.

Price: US$829.99.

What did you think of this list? Which cards were your favorite? Tell us your thoughts in our comment section below!

Thank you for reading, and see you next time!