Pokémon Timeline: Every English Set

Pokémon Timeline: Every English Set

Diogo Miguel Costa Pinto Goncalves

Wizards of the Coast Era (1999–2003)

Theme: Original cards, classic holographics, early collecting boom.

Features: Introduction of Dark Pokémon, Shining Pokémon, and E-Reader cards

  1. Base Set
  2. Jungle
  3. Fossil
  4. Base Set 2
  5. Team Rocket
  6. Gym Heroes
  7. Gym Challenge
  8. Neo Genesis
  9. Neo Discovery
  10. Neo Revelation
  11. Neo Destiny
  12. Legendary Collection
  13. Expedition Base Set
  14. Aquapolis
  15. Skyridge


EX Era (2003–2007)

Theme: Nintendo takes over publishing and introduces the first EX Pokémon.

Features: New EX mechanics, Delta Species cards and increased competitive focus.

  1. EX Ruby & Sapphire
  2. EX Sandstorm
  3. EX Dragon
  4. EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua
  5. EX Hidden Legends
  6. EX FireRed & LeafGreen
  7. EX Team Rocket Returns
  8. EX Deoxys
  9. EX Emerald
  10. EX Unseen Forces
  11. EX Delta Species
  12. EX Legend Maker
  13. EX Holon Phantoms
  14. EX Crystal Guardians
  15. EX Dragon Frontiers
  16. EX Power Keepers

 

Diamond & Pearl / Platinum / Heart Gold & Soul Silver Era (2007–2011)

Theme: Introduction of the first Lv.X Pokémon and adds more competitive in-depth.

Features: New Lv.X mechanics, Secret Rare Shinies, SP Pokémon, Legend cards (two-card artwork) and Prime Pokémon.

  1. Diamond & Pearl
  2. Mysterious Treasures
  3. Secret Wonders
  4. Great Encounters
  5. Majestic Dawn
  6. Legends Awakened
  7. Stormfront
  8. Platinum
  9. Rising Rivals
  10. Supreme Victors
  11. Arceus
  12. HeartGold & SoulSilver
  13. Unleashed
  14. Undaunted
  15. Triumphant
  16. Call of Legends

 

Black & White Era (2011–2013)

Theme: Return of EX Pokémon and a new modern art style.

Features: Introduction of full arts, Team Plasma cards, Gold Secret Rares and the first sub-set (Radiant Collection)

  1. Black & White
  2. Emerging Powers
  3. Noble Victories
  4. Next Destinies
  5. Dark Explorers
  6. Dragons Exalted
  7. Boundaries Crossed
  8. Plasma Storm
  9. Plasma Freeze
  10. Plasma Blast
  11. Legendary Treasures


XY Era (2014-2017)

Theme: Introduction of the first Mega Pokémon and more advanced competitive mechanics.

Features: Mega Ex Pokémon, Break cards and a modern remake of Base Set.

  1. XY
  2. Flashfire
  3. Furious Fists
  4. Phantom Forces
  5. Primal Clash
  6. Roaring Skies
  7. Ancient Origins
  8. Breakthrough
  9. Breakpoint
  10. Fates Collide
  11. Steam Siege
  12. Evolutions

 

Sun & Moon Era (2017-2020)

Theme: Introduction of the first GX Pokémon and more emphasis on the collectible aspect of the franchise.

Features: GX Pokémon, Tag Teams and popularisation of special sets.

  1. Sun & Moon
  2. Guardians Rising
  3. Burning Shadows
  4. Crimson Invasion
  5. Ultra Prism
  6. Forbidden Light
  7. Celestial Storm
  8. Dragon Majesty
  9. Lost Thunder
  10. Team Up
  11. Detective Pikachu
  12. Unbroken Bonds
  13. Unified Minds
  14. Hidden Fates
  15. Cosmic Eclipse

 

Sword & Shield Era (2020-2023)

Theme: Alternative Art boom, competitive scene growth and massive collector hype.

Features: V, VMax & VStar cards, huge modern sets and high-end chase cards.

  1. Sword & Shield
  2. Rebel Clash
  3. Darkness Ablaze
  4. Champion's Path
  5. Vivid Voltage
  6. Shining Fates
  7. Battle Styles
  8. Chilling Reign
  9. Evolving Skies
  10. Celebrations
  11. Fusion Strike
  12. Brilliant Stars
  13. Astral Radiance
  14. Pokémon GO
  15. Lost Origin
  16. Silver Tempest
  17. Crown Zenith

 

Scarlet & Violet Era (2023-2025)

Theme: Illustrated cards, modern competitive format and most on-demand franchise in the world.

Features: Tera Pokémon, Illustration and Special Illustration rares and silver borders replacing yellow borders.

  1. Scarlet & Violet
  2. Paldea Evolved
  3. Obsidian Flames
  4. 151
  5. Paradox Rift
  6. Paldean Fates
  7. Temporal Forces
  8. Twilight Masquerade
  9. Shrouded Fable
  10. Stellar Crown
  11. Surging Sparks
  12. Prismatic Evolutions
  13. Journey Together
  14. Destined Rivals
  15. Black Bolt
  16. White Flare
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