How Many V Max Are There? Over 170 Unique Cards and Counting

As of early 2023, there are over 170 unique V Max cards in the Pokémon TCG. This includes more than 120 regular V Max cards printed in booster pack expansions, plus dozens more promo and special V Max variants. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the V Max catalogue in detail, highlight the rarest and most valuable V Max cards, and reveal exactly how much a Heatran VMAX is worth. Let‘s dive in!

V Max Cards – Powerful Evolutions of Pokémon V

First, a quick Pokémon TCG primer. V Max cards were introduced in 2019‘s Sword & Shield base set as part of the new "V Series" of cards. Here‘s how it works:

• V cards – Feature strong Pokémon with abilities and big HP. The first stage of evolution.

• VMAX cards – Evolve from V cards with even more HP and stronger attacks. VMAX are all full arts.

• VSTAR – Just introduced in 2024, VSTAR evolve from V but seem to be replacing VMAX.

So VMAX represent the pinnacle of Pokémon V evolution and some of the most powerful cards around. But with so many released over the past three years, just how many VMAX exist? Let‘s break it down.

Every Pokémon TCG Set with VMAX Cards

Since their debut in 2019, VMAX cards have appeared in dozens of Pokémon TCG expansions. Here is a comprehensive list of every set, special release, and promo containing VMAX cards so far, with the number of VMAX in each:

Set Name	# of VMAX
Sword & Shield base set	1
Rebel Clash	6
Darkness Ablaze	8
Champion‘s Path	3
Vivid Voltage	5
Shining Fates	2
Battle Styles	7
Chilling Reign	7
Evolving Skies	10
Fusion Strike	5
Brilliant Stars	10
Astral Radiance	10
Lost Origin	9
Silver Tempest	10
Crown Zenith	1
Pokémon GO	3
Special Delivery Bidoof	1
Special Delivery Charizard	1
Celebrations Classic Collection	1
VMAX Climax	4
2022 McDonalds Promos	4
Jumbo cards	~5

Total = 123 VMAX cards from expansions + at least 50 more from promos, jumbos, etc. = 170+

As you can see, certain sets like Evolving Skies and Astral Radiance have produced a bumper crop of 10 amazing VMAX cards. And we can expect continued VMAX for at least two more years as new Sword & Shield sets release through 2024.

This table really highlights just how many awesome VMAX there are to collect, trade, and play with!

Ranking the Rarest and Most Valuable VMAX Cards

With over 170 VMAX cards circulating, which ones are the true holy grails for collectors and investors? Based on market prices, community hype, and scarcity, here are the top 10 rarest and most valuable VMAX cards in 2024:

1. Umbreon VMAX (Evolving Skies)

• Regular: $80 – $120
• Rainbow Rare: $250 – $400
• Alt Art: $400+

The stunning Umbreon VMAX alt art commands incredibly high prices in any condition. Popularity of Umbreon combines with short Evolving Skies print runs to make this the #1 VMAX chase card.

2. Rayquaza VMAX (Evolving Skies)

• Regular: $40 – $60
• Alt Art: $250 – $400

Rayquaza has one of the most iconic VMAX alt arts, depicting a majestic green sky encounter. This super rare card is very hard to pull.

3. Charizard VMAX (Champion‘s Path)

• Regular: $100 – $150
• Rainbow Rare: $200 – $250

As one of the first VMAX Charizards, this shiny rainbow rare from Champion‘s Path remains highly coveted by collectors and investors.

4. Pikachu VMAX (VMAX Climax)

• Regular: $40 – $60
• Rainbow Rare: $100 – $150

The adorable full art rainbow Pikachu VMAX is the chase of VMAX Climax. Pikachu rarity always commands a premium.

5. Eevee Heroes Alt Arts

• Leafeon VMAX: $120 – $200
• Glaceon VMAX: $150 – $250
• Sylveon VMAX: $80 – $150

The Eevee VMAX trio from Japanese Eevee Heroes are extra rare outside Japan. Their global debut is very anticipated.

6. Special Delivery Charizard VMAX

• Regular: $300 – $500

Only available as a $50 promotional card, Special Delivery Charizard VMAX is extremely limited. A "holy grail" chase card.

7. Illustrator Pikachu VMAX

• Regular: $400 – $600

Given only to Illustrator winners, this ultra exclusive Pikachu VMAX is nearing six figures in value.

8. Gold Snorlax VMAX

• Regular: $150 – $250

From Celebrations Classic Collection, an ultra shiny gold Snorlax VMAX that provides big value.

9. Rising Rainbow Rare VMAXs

• Glaceon: $100 – $150
• Leafeon: $100 – $150
• Sylveon: $75 – $125

The Eeveelution rainbow rares from Astral Radiance are starting to climb as the set goes out of print.

10. Alt Art VMAX Promos

• Dragonite: $100 – $150
• Gengar: $75 – $125
• Honchkrow: $50 – $100

These stunning black & gold VMAX promos are only found in premium products, making them quite scarce.

Of course, condition greatly affects VMAX prices. PSA/BGS 10 gem mint graded copies can sell for 2-5X more than raw ungraded versions of the same VMAX. But this list gives you an idea of the mega rare VMAX cards that every collector dreams of owning!

Just How Much Is a Heatran VMAX Worth?

Heatran VMAX is one of the VMAX cards found in May 2022‘s Astral Radiance expansion. As a popular legendary fire-type Pokémon, Heatran VMAX is one of the stronger playable VMAX around. But how much is the mighty molten moth worth?

Regular VMAX: $8 – $15 raw, up to $50 graded PSA 10
Rainbow Rare VMAX: $20 – $35 raw, up to $100 graded PSA 10
Full Art VMAX: $15 – $25 raw, up to $75 graded PSA 10

So regular copies remain reasonably affordable and accessible. But PSA 10 graded Heatran VMAX can sell for multiples more thanks to strong demand from players and collectors. The rainbow rare tends to be the most valuable version.

Compared to the "holy grail" tier VMAX cards, Heatran VMAX has much lower prices while still being a fantastic playable VMAX. Definitely a card worth picking up for any collector!

VMAX Card Investment Outlook

Should you invest in VMAX cards right now? Here are some key points:

• VMAX will remain relevant for at least 2 more years as Sword & Shield expansions continue releasing

• Popular Pokémon like Charizard, Umbreon, and Pikachu will always command a premium

• Alt arts and rainbow rares have high demand from collectors

• Mint grading can multiply returns on investment

• Sealed booster boxes provide opportunity for big pulls

However, the introduction of VSTAR cards may disrupt the VMAX market long term. Weaker VMAX could decline in value once rotated out of play.

Overall, selectively investing in the right VMAX cards and seals still provides upside. But be cautious not to overpay for VMAX hype right now. Do your research and stick to the prime "holy grail" VMAX for reliable returns.

How Can You Collect VMAX Cards?

Here are some tips for building your own VMAX card collection:

• Open booster packs from recent Sword & Shield sets with VMAX hits

• Buy raw or graded VMAX singles to acquire the exact cards you want

• Pick up special VMAX boxes and collections with exclusive promos

• Complete master sets for cheaper access to common VMAX

• Participate in pack breaks to score VMAX at lower risk

• Trade less valuable VMAX to obtain rarer and more iconic ones

• Purchase sealed booster boxes for future appreciation potential

With some patience and VMAX hunting skills, you can assemble an amazing VMAX collection! The vibrant artwork and sheer power of these cards make collecting them an absolute blast.

The Wrap Up

We‘ve seen there are over 170 amazing VMAX cards spanning dozens of Pokémon TCG expansions so far. While VMAX like Heatran VMAX are reasonably priced, the true holy grails can sell for hundreds or even thousands.

VMAX will continue to be a centerpiece of the Sword & Shield era for at least two more years. But long term investing is tricky with new VSTAR cards on the horizon.

For now, enjoy the hunt for your chase VMAX! Opening packs and acquiring these stunning evolution cards is a magical part of the Pokémon hobby.

Hopefully this guide gave you some new insight on the vast VMAX catalogue. Let me know if you have any other questions – I‘m always happy to chat more Pokémon!