Is Crown Zenith Worth It? Yes, With Some Caveats
After thorough research and analysis on the Crown Zenith expansion set for the Pokemon TCG, I believe it is generally worth investing in for most collectors and players. However, the value depends heavily on your collecting goals, budget, and preference for certain cards.
Crown Zenith has fantastically high pull rates for ultra rares, secret rares, and alternate arts compared to normal sets. Many of the reprinted cards hold great value as well. For those reasons, the set provides an exciting opening experience and helps complete rare card collections.
However, Crown Zenith lacks new original content and may not appeal as much to players focused on competitive gameplay value. The price point also may exclude casual collectors with smaller budgets. Overall it is a great set for committed Pokemon TCG fans but comes with some caveats.
What Makes Crown Zenith Worth It
Here are the key factors that increase the value of Crown Zenith:
High Pull Rates on Rare Cards
The pull rates for Crown Zenith are extraordinary compared to normal set rates:
- Secret Rares: 1 in 2 packs on average
- Ultra Rares: 1 in 3 packs on average
- Alternate Arts: 1 in 6 packs on average
This table illustrates the fantastic odds of pulling an exciting rare card:
| Rarity | Avg. Pull Rate |
|---|---|
| Secret Rare | 50% |
| Ultra Rare | 33% |
| Alternate Art | 17% |
With odds like this, opening Crown Zenith packs is incredibly rewarding. Even just a booster box provides solid chances at multiple alternate arts and secret rares.
Reprints of High-Value Cards
In addition to the new alternate art gallery, Crown Zenith reprints many rare and valuable cards from recent sets:
- Charizard VMAX and Charizard VSTAR
- Umbreon VMAX
- Mimikyu VMAX
- Gold Mew and Gold Mewtwo
- Shiny Greninja and Shiny Eevee evolutions
These iconic cards hold value long-term and make great additions to any collection. Reprinting them increases availability for collectors.
Concludes the Gen 8 Sword & Shield Era
As the final set in the Sword & Shield series, Crown Zenith provides a satisfying capstone by reprising past hits and introducing new arts. For Pokemon TCG fans who have collected Sword & Shield sets, it is a rewarding finale filled with nostalgia.
Collectible Packaging and Accessories
The Elite Trainer Boxes, premium collections, and other sealed products feature beautiful packaging showcasing the Galarian legendary dogs. Collectors may find great value in picking up sealed items to keep.
Factors That Limit the Value
However, there are some limitations that can restrict Crown Zenith‘s value, especially for competitive gameplay:
- No new cards – Reprints only, no original cards. Less impact on competitive meta.
- High price point – With scalped booster boxes over $200, it is very expensive.
- Small set size – Just 160 cards in main set limits variety.
- Rotation – Will rotate out of Standard format in Autumn 2023.
For players focused on competitive deck building or those with smaller budgets, these downsides lower Crown Zenith‘s overall value.
Comparing Crown Zenith to Other Sets
Looking at how Crown Zenith compares to other recent sets can further demonstrate its strengths and weaknesses:
| Set | Key Cards | Pull Rates | Price Point | Meta Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crown Zenith | Reprint Charizards, new arts | Excellent | Very high | Low |
| Lost Origin | Giratina VSTAR, Gengar VMAX | Average | Moderate | High |
| Brilliant Stars | Arceus VSTAR, Charizard VSTAR | Average | High | High |
| Astral Radiance | Origin Forme Palkia/Dialga | Low | Low | Moderate |
While the fantastic pull rates and rare reprints make Crown Zenith tempting, sets like Lost Origin or Brilliant Stars may be better choices for playable value in Standard format.
Is Crown Zenith For You?
Given the pros and cons, here is my advice on what types of collectors or players should buy into Crown Zenith:
Good For
- Collectors looking to complete rare card sets
- Collectors who want reprisals of popular Gen 8 cards
- Players with large budgets to spend
- Collectors who value sealed collectibles
- Anyone wanting incredibly fun openings
Not as Good For
- Players focused on competitive deck building
- Budget-conscious collectors
- Collectors not interested in alternate arts
- Investors looking for 100% new content
Conclusion
Crown Zenith offers an incredible opportunity for collectors and fans of the Sword & Shield era to recap past hits and obtain rare cards easier than ever before. The set provides outstanding value if you have the budget for it and appreciate the specific contents. But the lack of new cards and high prices limit the appeal for some players. Overall, Crown Zenith is absolutely worth it for the right type of Pokemon TCG enthusiast.