10 Best Legendary Pokemon Cards to Collect and Play

Whether you play Pokemon TCG, or just Collect, these are the 10 Best Legendary Pokemon Cards to Collect and Play!

10 Best Legendary Pokemon Cards to Collect and Play

What Are the 10 Best Legendary Pokemon Cards to Collect and Play

Legendary Pokémon are a group of very rare and powerful Pokémon that are often associated with legends and myths. They are typically featured prominently in the main Pokémon games, and they often have unique abilities and stats that make them stand out from other Pokémon. It’s no surprise their Pokemon Cards are some of the strongest and most desired by collectors and players alike.  In this article, 10 Best Legendary Pokemon Cards to Collect and Play, we will share your favorites and why you should collect them.

Here are the 10 best legendary Pokemon Cards to Collect and Play:

  1. Rayquaza VMAX
  2. Mewtwo & Mew-GX
  3. Giratina VSTAR
  4. Mew VMAX
  5. Lugia VSTAR
  6. M Rayquaze-EX
  7. Reshiram
  8. Arecus VSTAR
  9. M Mewtwo-EX
  10. Mewtwo EX

10 Mewtwo EX 

Mewtwo EX 54 Classic Collection - Pokemon TCG

Mewtwo EX features in Pokemon:

  • Price: $15.00 USD / £12 GBP / €15 EUR / $20 CAD
  • Card Number / Rarity: 54/99 / Ultra Rare
  • Set: Celebrations: Classic Collection
  • HP: 170
  • Attack: X Ball (20x damage) Does 20 damage times the amount of Energy attached to this Pokemon and the Defending Pokemon.
  • Attack: Psydrive (120) Discard an Energy attached to this Pokemon.

One of the most crucial cards to emerge from the Black & White Series is Mewtwo EX. Fans vividly recall its overpowering nature during its peak. Functioning as a meta-dominating machine, Mewtwo EX found widespread use among competitive Pokémon TCG players.

Although its value has diminished over time, the card retains stunning artwork. Some players contend that Mewtwo EX remains a viable option for deck building beyond the Standard edition rule set. It stands as a perfect example of a powerful card that boasts aesthetic appeal, and TCG prowess, and ranks among the 10 best 10 Legendary Pokemon Cards to Collect and Play.

9 M Mewtwo-EX

M Mewtwo-EX XY–BREAKthrough - Pokemon TCG

M Mewtwo-EX features in Pokemon:

  • Price: $15 USD / £12 GBP / €15 EUR / $20 CAD
  • Card Number / Rarity: 64/162 / Ultra Rare
  • Set: XY–BREAKthrough
  • HP: 210
  • Attack: Psychic Infinity 10+ damage this attack does 30 more damage times the amount of Energy attached to both Active Pokémon. This attack’s damage isn’t affected by Weakness.

Mewtwo is making a reappearance on the list, and its Mega Evolution promises to be an exceptionally potent card. Hailing from the BREAKthrough set, this card’s Physic Infinity power enables it to inflict 30 additional damage multiplied by the number of energy cards attached to the active Pokémon, all without being influenced by weaknesses.

Mega Mewtwo boasts a robust HP of 210, and despite the considerable time since its release, it still holds its status as a powerhouse. M Mewtwo-EX stands out as an excellent card for both collectors and competitive players, serving as a valuable collectible and a formidable force in battles.

8 Arceus VSTAR

Arecus VSTAR Brilliant Stars - Pokemon

Arecus VSTAR features in Pokemon:

  • Price: $6 USD / £5 GBP / €6 EUR / $8 CAD
  • Card Number / Rarity: 123/172 / Ultra Rare
  • Set: Brilliant Stars
  • HP: 280
  • Ability: Starbirth During your turn, you may search your deck for up to 2 cards and put them into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.
  • Attack: Trinity Nova (200 damage) Search your deck for up to 3 basic Energy cards and attach them to your Pokemon V in any way you like. Then, shuffle your deck.

Arceus VSTAR, a Pokémon said to have created the Sinnoh region and possibly the entire Pokémon universe, is a great card for collecting and playing competitively in the Pokémon TCG. It is the centerpiece of the Arceus VSTAR deck, which has recently seen a revival due to the release of Pidgeot ex in Obsidian Flames.

Arceus VSTAR is also highly sought-after by collectors due to Arceus’ popularity as the strongest Pokémon. Before the release of Brilliant Stars, Arceus even had its own game, Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

With a relatively low cost and incredibly deep lore, Arceus VSTAR remains one of the best cards for collecting and playing.

7 Reshiram

Reshiram Full Art Black & White - Pokemon

Reshiram features in Pokemon:

  • Price: $13 USD / £11 GBP / €13 EUR / $17 CAD
  • Card Number / Rarity: 113/114 / Ultra Rare
  • Set: Black & White
  • HP: 130
  • Attack: Outrage (20+ damage) Does 10 more damage for each damage counter on this Pokemon.
  • Attack: Blue Flare (120 damage) Discard 2 R Energy attached to this Pokemon.

Reshiram Full Art was the first ever Full Art card, and it remains a very important card in the Pokémon TCG. Since its release in the Black & White Set, Full Art cards have become an integral part of Pokémon Card collecting.

While it might be weak for the current TCG meta, it’s still an iconic Legendary to collect.  Reshiram marks the arrival of Full Art Pokemon and changed the collection scene forever. Regardless of your experience with Pokemon, this is surely one of the 10 Best Legendary Pokemon Cards to Collect and Play.

6 M Rayquaza-EX

M Rayquaze-EX XY—Roaring Skies - Pokemon

M Rayquaze-EX features in Pokemon:

  • Price: $20 USD / £17 GBP / €19 EUR / $26 CAD
  • Card Number / Rarity: 61/108 / Ultra Rare
  • Set: XY—Roaring Skies
  • HP: 230
  • Delta Wild Any damage done to this Pokemon by attacks from your opponent’s Grass, Fire, Water, or Lightning Pokemon is reduced by 20
  • Attack: Dragon Ascent (300 damage) Discard 2 Energy attached to this Pokemon.

Mega Rayquaza-EX was a very popular card upon release, primarily because of Rayquaza’s backstory and lore. This iconic Pokémon is said to have lived for millions of years. Mega Rayquaza-EX was also an early Mega EX card in the XY Series.

Lastly, this card packs an unbelievable punch with 300 damage in one attack. Mega Rayquaza-EX also has an impressive 230 HP, and any Electric, Water, Fire, or Grass attack is instantly reduced by 20. This makes Mega Rayquaza-EX a very dangerous threat to any opponent while also having high survivability.

Overall, Mega Rayquaza-EX is a great card for both collectors and competitive players. It is a valuable collectible and can be incredibly powerful in battle.

5 Lugia VSTAR 

Lugia VSTAR Silver Tempest - Pokemon

Lugia VSTAR features in Pokemon:

  • Price: $5 USD / £4 GBP / €4 EUR / $6 CAD
  • Card Number / Rarity: 139/195 / Ultra Rare
  • Set: Silver Tempest
  • HP: 280
  • Card Text: VSTAR Power
  • Ability: Summoning Star During your turn, you may put up to 2 Colorless Pokémon that don’t have a Rule Box from your discard pile onto your Bench.
  • Attack: Tempest Dive (220) You may discard a Stadium in play.

Lugia VSTAR stands out as a card that caters to both collectors and competitive players. To begin with, it’s a fantastic addition to any collection, boasting three versions: the regular VSTAR, the rainbow rare, and the gold rare, each contributing to the overall appeal of your card assortment.

Beyond its collectible allure, Lugia VSTAR demonstrates impressive performance in the TCG. The primary attack, Summoning Star, proves instrumental in securing non-rule box Pokémon to your bench. Furthermore, the Tempest Dive attack delivers a substantial 220 damage while also discarding stadiums. The combination of its stellar in-game performance and relatively lower prices makes Lugia VSTAR a must-have for any Pokémon player’s collection.

4 Mew VMAX

Mew VMAX Fusion Strike - Pokemon TCG

Mew VMAX features in Pokemon:

  • Price: $70 USD / £59 GBP / €65 EUR / $91 CAD
  • Card Number / Rarity: 269/264 / Secret Rare
  • Set: Fusion Strike
  • HP: 310
  • Attack: Cross Fusion Strike Choose 1 of your Benched Fusion Strike Pokémon’s attacks and use it as this attack.
  • Attack: Max Miracle (130 damage) This attack’s damage isn’t affected by any effects on your opponent’s Active Pokémon.

Arriving in Fusion Strike, Mew graces the scene alongside the Mew VMAX Alternate Art card, valued at approximately $70, making it a noteworthy addition for collectors. Beyond its monetary value, this card stands out as one of the most valuable offerings from Fusion Strike, and it holds a pivotal role in the widely embraced Mew VMAX deck.

The significance of this deck was underscored when Vance Kelley secured victory in the 2023 World Championship deploying the very same strategy. This triumph highlights the versatility and capability of the Mew VMAX card. Whether dominating World Championship, or holding a high value, Mew VMAS remains one of the 10 Best Legendary Pokemon Cards to Collect and Play.

3 Giratina VSTAR

Giratina VSTAR Secret Rare Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery - Pokemon TCG

Giratina VSTAR features in Pokemon:

  • Price: $75 USD / £63.50 GBP / €73.75 EUR / $98.25 CAD
  • Card Number / Rarity: GG69/GG70 / Secret Rare
  • Set: Crown Zenith Galarian Gallery
  • HP: 280
  • Ability: Star Requiem you can use this attack only if you have 10 or more cards in the Lost Zone. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is Knocked Out.
  • Attack: Lost Impact 280 Put 2 Energy attached to your Pokémon in the Lost Zone.

Giratina VSTAR stands out as a powerful and versatile Legendary Pokémon card, finding utility in various decks. With a unique ability, it allows you to knock out one of your opponent’s Pokémon upon being played from your hand onto your Bench. Adding to its prowess, the VSTAR Power provides an automatic knockout (KO).

Catering to both collectors and competitive players, Giratina VSTAR is not only a valuable collectible but also a formidable force in battle. It easily earns its place among the best cards in the entire Sword & Shield series, showcasing breathtaking artwork and unparalleled attention to detail.

This card serves as a perfect representation of Giratina as a Pokémon. The combination of its move set, captivating artwork, and attention to detail makes it highly sought after by collectors, solidifying its position as the premier card in the popular Crown Zenith set.

2 Mewtwo & Mew-GX

Mewtwo & Mew-GX Secret Rare - Pokemon TCG

Mewtwo & Mew-GX features in Pokemon:

  • Price: $140 USD / £117 GBP / €137 EUR / $182 CAD
  • Card Number / Rarity: 242/236 / Secret Rare
  • Set: Unified Minds
  • HP: 270
  • Ability: Perfection This Pokémon can use the attacks of any Pokémon-GX or Pokémon-EX on your Bench or in your discard pile. (You still need the necessary Energy to use each attack).
  • Attack: Miraculous Duo GX (200 damage) If this Pokémon has at least 1 extra Energy attached to it (in addition to this attack’s cost), heal all damage from all of your Pokémon. 

Mewtwo & Mew-GX emerges as a potent Tag Team GX card, capable of dealing substantial damage. With a unique attack, Miraculous Duo GX does 200 damage and heals all Pokemon if you have 1 extra energy attached beyond the 3 required.

Catering to both collectors and competitive players, Mewtwo & Mew-GX holds value as a collectible while proving to be a potent asset in battle. Beyond its collectible allure, this card excels on various fronts. The artwork is captivating, featuring two of the most powerful and beloved Legendary Pokémon working in tandem.

Since their original introduction, numerous Tag Team cards have been released, but none rival the Mewtwo & Mew Tag Team from Unified Minds. Adding to its appeal, this tag team packs a fittingly formidable punch, boasting a solid 270 HP and a potent move set, including the Perfection ability. This ability allows the card to utilize any attack from an EX or GX card in your bench or discard pile.

1 Rayquaza VMAX

Rayquaza VMAX Secret Rare - Pokemon TCG

Rayquaza VMAX features in Pokemon:

  • Price: $260 USD / £222 GBP / €256 EUR / $343 CAD
  • Card Number / Rarity: 218/203 / Secret Rare
  • Set: Evolving Skies
  • HP: 320
  • Ability: Azure PulseOnce during your turn, you may discard your hand and draw 3 cards.
  • Attack: Max Burst (20+ damage) You may discard any amount of basic Fire Energy or basic Lightning Energy from this Pokemon. This attack does 80 more damage for each card you discard in this way.

Rayquaza, the legendary Pokémon said to have lived for hundreds of millions of years, takes center stage with the formidable Rayquaza VMAX card. This card is a perfect addition for both collectors and competitive players in the Trading Card Game. Its value and combat prowess make it a sought-after choice. The open artwork subtly captures Rayquaza’s power as it drifts through a forest, and being part of the Evolving Skies set, it holds appeal among collectors for its card variety.

Elevating its status further, Rayquaza VMAX proves to be a powerful and versatile Legendary Pokémon in the TCG, finding utility in various decks. Boasting a massive 320 HP and the ability to draw cards with Azure Pulse, it stands out as a force to be reckoned with. The option to discard extra energy attached to this card using Max Burst allows for devastating knockouts.

Adding to its allure, the rarity and popularity of this card contribute to its approximate $260 USD cost. With a blend of captivating artwork, rarity, and power in the Pokémon TCG, Rayquaza VMAX emerges as the ultimate legendary Pokémon to collect or play.


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