Released on December 3, 2021, S8B VMAX Climax (VMAXクライマックス) is the second 하이클래스팩 of the Sword & Shield era and introduced two fan-favorite card types: CHR (Character Rare) and CSR (Character Super Rare). These cards feature Pokemon alongside their trainers in illustrated scenes, creating some of the most collectible artwork in modern Pokemon TCG. The Umbreon VMAX CSR at ¥28,000 ($199) leads the CSR lineup, while sealed boxes remain accessible at ~¥12,000 ($85).
S8B VMAX Climax: Set Overview
| Set Code | S8B |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | VMAXクライマックス (VMAX Climax) |
| English Source | Trainer Gallery subset (swsh9tg/swsh10tg) — partial |
| Release Date | December 3, 2021 |
| Pack Configuration | 10 packs / box, 10 cards / pack |
| MSRP | ¥5,500 per box |
| Market Price (2026) | ~¥12,000 (~$85) |
| Total Cards | 283 (including CHR, CSR, UR) |
Top Cards in S8B VMAX Climax
Umbreon VMAX CSR — The Star of the Show
Umbreon VMAX CSR
~¥28,000 (~$199)
Pull rate: ~1/30 boxes (est.)
The Umbreon VMAX CSR features Umbreon alongside its trainer Karen in a moody nighttime illustration. At ¥28,000 ($199), it’s the most valuable card in VMAX Climax and one of the most sought-after CSR cards in the entire Sword & Shield era. The card effectively costs more than two sealed boxes.
Mimikyu VMAX CSR
Mimikyu VMAX CSR
~¥8,000 (~$57)
Pull rate: ~1/30 boxes (est.)
Mimikyu VMAX CSR pairs the disguise Pokemon with trainer Acerola in a charming illustration. At ¥8,000 ($57), it’s a popular secondary chase card that captures the emotional storytelling the CSR format was designed for.
Umbreon V CSR
Umbreon V CSR
~¥6,000 (~$43)
Pull rate: ~1/30 boxes (est.)
The V-card companion to the VMAX CSR, Umbreon V CSR is another sought-after card for Eeveelution collectors. At ¥6,000 ($43), it pairs well with the VMAX version for display purposes.
Other Notable Cards
Pikachu VMAX CSR (#266) — ¥20,000 ($142). Features Pikachu with Red/Ash in a nostalgic illustrated scene. One of the most iconic CSR cards.
Mew VMAX CSR (#268) — ¥10,000 ($71). Mew paired with its mysterious origins in a cosmic illustration.
Rayquaza VMAX CSR (#267) — ¥8,000 ($57). The sky-high legendary paired with Zinnia in a dramatic scene.
CHR (Character Rare) cards — VMAX Climax introduced 28 CHR cards featuring Pokemon with trainers, ranging from ¥500-¥3,000 each. The full CHR set is a popular collecting goal.
S8B Pull Rates & Box EV
| Category | Rate/Box | Avg Value | EV |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSR (Character Super Rare) | ~0.3 | ¥10,000 | ¥3,000 |
| CHR (Character Rare) | ~2 | ¥1,200 | ¥2,400 |
| SR (Super Rare) | ~1 | ¥1,500 | ¥1,500 |
| HR / UR cards | ~0.3 | ¥3,000 | ¥900 |
| RRR/RR cards | ~3 | ¥300 | ¥900 |
| Other cards | — | — | ¥800 |
| Total EV | ~¥9,500 | ||
| Market BOX | ~¥12,000 | ||
| EV ratio | ~79% | ||
VMAX Climax has one of the healthiest EV ratios in the Sword & Shield era at 79%. Thanks to multiple reprints keeping the box price accessible and strong singles demand from the CSR/CHR cards, it remains one of the best-value boxes for ripping in 2026.
What Makes VMAX Climax Special
- CHR/CSR card type debut — VMAX Climax introduced the Character Rare concept where Pokemon are illustrated alongside their trainers. This storytelling format became wildly popular and influenced future sets.
- Accessible entry point — At ~¥12,000 ($85), VMAX Climax is one of the most affordable 하이클래스팩s, making it ideal for new collectors entering the Japanese market.
- High pack satisfaction — The 10-card packs with guaranteed rare slots and frequent CHR pulls mean nearly every pack feels rewarding to open.
- Complete trainer gallery — The 28 CHR cards form a visual gallery of iconic trainer-Pokemon pairings, appealing to collectors who want to complete the full set.
Where to Buy S8B VMAX Climax
Browse S8B VMAX Climax →
Authenticated sealed boxes and CSR singles sourced directly from Japan.
FAQ
What are CSR and CHR cards?
CSR (Character Super Rare) and CHR (Character Rare) are card types introduced in S8B VMAX Climax. They feature Pokemon illustrated alongside their trainers in narrative scenes. CSR cards are full-art VMAX variants with trainer backgrounds, while CHR cards are smaller-scale illustrations. The concept proved so popular that similar formats continued in later sets.
Is VMAX Climax good value for money?
At ~¥12,000 ($85) per box with a ~79% EV ratio, VMAX Climax offers strong value for a 하이클래스팩. The accessible price point combined with guaranteed rare pulls and the chance at high-value CSR cards makes it one of the best ripping experiences in the Sword & Shield era.
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