Best singles to buy for Pokemon TCG in 2024

Andres Velez
pokemon cards on a pink gradient background from front to back: boss's orders arven iono

As a Pokemon TCG player, it’s important to know what the best cards are. This guide will go through the best singles to get in Pokemon TCG.

Buying Pokemon TCG singles is the best way to ensure you don’t hurt your wallet, whilst still getting the cards you want. If you want to complete a set or series, this is usually the best way outside of battle decks to get a lot of guaranteed cards in a set. It’s even better than buying Elite Trainer Boxes, as you’re not at the mercy of bad pull rates.

We’re going to discuss the best singles you can buy in Pokemon TCG right now, as well as their rarity and value.

Best Pokemon TCG singles cards in Pokemon TCG right now

Iono

Iono Pokemon TCG card
  • Name: Iono
  • Year of release and Regulation Mark: G, April 14, 2023
  • Set: Scarlet & Violet – Paldea Evolved

Iono is one of the best hand disruption cards in the game, if not the best. Hand disruption is a tactic where you manipulate the other player’s cards in hand for your benefit.

In this case, Iono causes both players to shuffle away their hands, potentially upsetting major plays.

In competitive play, you can do away with your bad hand and redraw, which boosts the chances of finding something you need.

Forest Seal Stone

Forest Seal Stone Pokemon TCG card
  • Name: Forest Seal Stone
  • Year of release and Regulation Mark: F, November 11, 2022
  • Set: Sword & Shield – Silver Tempest

Forest Seal Stone is one of the most powerful cards in the TCG at the moment. The card allows you to find any card you need, which is incredibly valuable in the TCG. A lot of decks rely on the card, and consequently, the card is expensive compared to other rare cards.

You’ll find a lot of the top decks will run at least 3 copies.

Arven

Arven PTCG card
  • Name: Arven
  • Year of release and Regulation Mark: 2023, Regulation Mark: G
  • Set: Scarlet & Violet Base Set

The Mabostiff trainer, Arven, is well-loved, and his ability is indispensable in decks that need to find certain cards fast.

You’re able to hunt for any item and Pokemon Tool card, which can then be combo’d with Forest Seal Stone to complete your setup for your next big move. It’s an easy method of pulling your deck’s plan together when in a bind.

Battle VIP Pass

Battle VIP Pass Pokemon TCG card
  • Name: Battle VIP Pass
  • Year of release and Regulation Mark: 2021, Regulation Mark: E
  • Set: Fusion Strike

Although it can only be used on turn one, the card is in 53% of decks in Standard. The reason is the high pace it can offer players, that alone can mean the difference between getting set up early or falling behind. The card is especially valuable in Gardevoir, Mew, and Lost Zone decks.

Although the card becomes dead weight after turning one, discarding or sending them to the Lost Zone is always a possibility for many top decks to clear it out of the game.

Sadly Battle VIP pass will be leaving the standard metagame after rotation happens in April.

Boss’s Orders

Boss's orders Pokemon TCG card
  • Name: Boss’s Orders
  • Year of release and Regulation Mark: 2020, Regulation Mark F
  • Set: Rebel Clash

“Gusting” has been a part of Pokemon TCG since the base set was first introduced. The tactic is named after the video game’s move “Gust”, which will swap out Pokemon.

It’s a powerful effect, and without it, many decks would be at the mercy of decks designed to stall or control the game. It’s a balancing effect, which is why it’s in pretty much every deck, as it allows you to get the upper hand when in dire straits.

By taking advantage of Boss’s Order’s powerful gusting effect, you can stop your opponent from building up a powerful Pokemon, and net timely KO’s. To counter Boss’s Orders and get your Pokemon where you need them, you could consider running cards like Switch, Switch Cart, or Cross Switcher.

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