Pokémon Base Set – Complete Guide

The Base Set is the very first Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion, released in January 1999 by Wizards of the Coast. It introduced the world to iconic Pokémon cards like Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur, and laid the foundation for every set that followed.

Quick Facts

Release Date: January 9, 1999
Total Cards: 102
Notable Pokémon: Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur, Alakazam, Mewtwo
Set Symbol: None (Base Set cards do not have a symbol)

Holofoil Cards in Base Set

The Base Set features 16 holofoil cards, many of which are considered grails of the Pokémon TCG. The most famous is undoubtedly the Charizard Holo, one of the most valuable and recognizable cards in the hobby.

1st Edition vs Shadowless vs Unlimited

Base Set has three major print variations:

1st Edition: Marked with a black “Edition 1” stamp — most valuable.
Shadowless: No edition stamp, but lacks the right-side drop shadow — second most rare.
Unlimited: Standard version with drop shadows — most common, but still desirable in good condition.

Investment Outlook

Base Set holos — especially 1st Edition and Shadowless versions — are among the most expensive and desirable cards in the entire TCG. High-grade Charizards regularly sell for thousands of dollars, and the set has legendary status among collectors.

Fun Facts

The Base Set was the only set released before the Pokémon anime reached the U.S.
Cards from the Base Set have no set symbol — a unique trait among early WOTC expansions.
Shadowless Base Set cards were only printed for a very short time, making them highly collectible.

Browse the Full Base Set

View All Base Set Cards

FAQs About the Base Set

❓ Why is Base Set Charizard so valuable?

It's iconic, nostalgic, and rare in top condition, the chase card for the original Base Set. The 1st Edition PSA 10 Charizard is the "holy grail" and regularly sells for six figures.

❓ How do I tell if my Base Set card is Shadowless?

Shadowless cards have no drop shadow to the right of the card's art box and typically use thinner fonts. They also lack the 1st Edition stamp.

❓ Are Base Set cards still legal in play?

No. Base Set cards are considered vintage and are no longer legal in modern tournament formats. They're now collected for investment and nostalgia.

BASE SET

Sealed Products

Base Set Booster Box [Revised Unlimited Edition]

Base Set Booster Pack [Revised Unlimited Edition]

Pokemon 2-Player Starter Set (Revised Base Set Reprint Run)

Base Set Theme Deck - "Blackout" (Revised Base Set Reprint Run)

Base Set Theme Deck - "Zap!" (Revised Base Set Reprint Run)

Base Set Theme Deck - "Brushfire" (Revised Base Set Reprint Run)

Cards

#4Charizard

#2Blastoise

#15Venusaur

#1Alakazam

#14Raichu

#10Mewtwo

#16Zapdos

#6Gyarados

#11Nidoking

#5Clefairy

#3Chansey

#12Ninetales

#7Hitmonchan

#13Poliwrath

#9Magneton

#18Dragonair

#74Item Finder

#22Pidgeotto

#78Scoop Up

#76Pokemon Breeder

#20Electabuzz

#19Dugtrio

#70Clefairy Doll

#21Electrode

#77Pokemon Trader

#96Double Colorless Energy

#73Imposter Professor Oak

#17Beedrill

#58Pikachu

#72Devolution Spray

#23Arcanine

#79Super Energy Removal

#39Porygon

#42Wartortle

#86Pokemon Flute

#30Ivysaur

#63Squirtle

#71Computer Search

#25Dewgong

#89Revive

#75Lass

#83Maintenance

#36Magmar

#44Bulbasaur

#24Charmeleon

#35Magikarp

#37Nidorino

#85Pokemon Center

#40Raticate

#26Dratini

#82Full Heal

#88Professor Oak

#29Haunter

#67Voltorb

#46Charmander

#57Pidgey

#45Caterpie

#38Poliwhirl

#80Defender

#32Kadabra

#41Seel

#28Growlithe

#33Kakuna

#27Farfetch'd

#43Abra

#48Doduo

#31Jynx

#34Machoke

#54Metapod

#56Onix

#61Rattata