Shiny Pokémon have always had a special pull for collectors, and Paldean Fates is the set that put them front and centre, becoming one of the most talked-about releases of its year.
A special set built around Shiny Pokémon
Released in early 2024 as part of the Scarlet & Violet block, Paldean Fates broke from the usual main-set format to focus almost entirely on Shiny Pokémon. Rather than continuing the regular numbered storyline, it functioned as a special side-set, similar in spirit to earlier Shiny-focused releases from past eras.
Shiny ex cards raise the appeal
Among its highlights were Shiny versions of ex cards, giving players a chance to pull powerful, competitively relevant Pokémon in their rarer Shiny form. That combination of playability and novelty made packs from this set especially desirable at release.
A high-demand release
Paldean Fates is generally remembered as one of the more sought-after releases of its year, with strong demand driven almost entirely by its Shiny-focused theme. It's a good example of how a smaller, tightly themed set can generate outsized excitement compared to a standard main-series expansion.
Frequently asked questions
When did Paldean Fates release?
Paldean Fates released in early 2024 as a special set within the Scarlet & Violet block.
What makes Paldean Fates different from a regular main set?
It's a smaller, special-style expansion built almost entirely around Shiny Pokémon, similar in spirit to earlier Shiny-focused sets, rather than following the usual main-series structure.
Why did Paldean Fates see such strong demand?
The novelty of Shiny versions of popular Pokémon, including Shiny ex cards, made it highly appealing to both collectors and players, leading to strong demand around release.