The Ultimate Collector's Guide To Pokémon's 'Shiny Treasures Of Ruin' (Paldean Fates)

The term 'Pokémon Shiny Treasures of Ruin' has become a massive buzzword in the collecting community, representing a potent mix of highly-coveted video game distributions and the latest, most spectacular Trading Card Game (TCG) set. As of the current date, December 14, 2025, this phrase primarily refers to the Japanese TCG expansion, Shiny Treasure ex (SV4a), which has created unprecedented excitement among collectors globally, and its highly anticipated English equivalent, Paldean Fates.

This comprehensive guide dives deep into what the "Treasures of Ruin" truly are in the Pokémon universe, why their Shiny forms were so significant, and most importantly, which incredibly rare and valuable cards from this TCG set you need to chase right now. The merging of the video game's legendary quartet with a massive, high-class Shiny card set has made this one of the most exciting releases of the entire *Scarlet & Violet* era.

The Dual Meaning of 'Shiny Treasures of Ruin'

The name "Shiny Treasures of Ruin" is a blend of two major, recent Pokémon events—one from the video game and one from the TCG—that have captivated fans. Understanding both is crucial to appreciating the set's significance.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

1. The Video Game Event: Breaking the Shiny Lock

In the *Pokémon Scarlet and Violet* video games, the four Legendary Pokémon known as the Treasures of Ruin were initially "Shiny Locked." This means players could not obtain their alternate color variations through normal gameplay, such as breeding or random encounters.

However, The Pokémon Company officially released these Shiny forms via a limited-time distribution event. This was a monumental moment for collectors and competitive players, as it made the four legendary creatures legally available in their rare, alternate colors.

• The Ruinous Quartet: The four Pokémon are Wo-Chien (the Ruinous Pokémon of the Tablet), Chien-Pao (the Ruinous Pokémon of the Sword), Ting-Lu (the Ruinous Pokémon of the Vessel), and Chi-Yu (the Ruinous Pokémon of the Beads).
• Distribution Method: The Shiny forms were primarily distributed through Special Tera Raid Battles and subsequent Mystery Gift codes after players collectively achieved a massive victory goal.

2. The Trading Card Game (TCG) Set: Shiny Treasure ex / Paldean Fates

The TCG set that has dominated the conversation is the Japanese "High Class Pack" set, Shiny Treasure ex (SV4a), which was released on December 1, 2023. This set is a modern equivalent of fan-favorite "Shiny" sets like *Hidden Fates* and *Shining Fates*, featuring an enormous number of Shiny Pokémon cards.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

The English version of this highly-anticipated set is called Paldean Fates, scheduled for release on January 26, 2024.

This set is a collector's dream, featuring over 100 Shiny Pokémon, including the popular Paldean starters, their evolutions, and, yes, the four Treasures of Ruin Pokémon themselves in stunning full-art cards.

The 5 Absolute Chase Cards in the 'Shiny Treasures' Set

The Shiny Treasure ex set (and its English counterpart, Paldean Fates) is massive, boasting over 350 cards in the Japanese version alone, including a plethora of Secret Rares. While the pull rates for the rarest cards are reportedly better in a High Class Pack than in standard sets, there are a handful of cards that stand out as the most valuable and sought-after.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

Here are the top five chase cards that define the set's value and excitement:

1. Iono (SAR - Special Art Rare)

Without question, the Special Art Rare (SAR) of the popular Gym Leader and streamer Iono is the undisputed king of this set. This card commands the highest value due to the "waifu effect," where cards featuring popular female trainers in unique, full-art poses are highly desirable. The artwork is vibrant, showcasing Iono's energetic personality and distinctive style.

2. Shiny Charizard ex (SAR)

No modern Pokémon TCG set is complete without a high-value Charizard card, and Shiny Treasure ex delivers. The Shiny Charizard ex card is a guaranteed blockbuster, featuring the iconic Pokémon in its sleek, black Shiny form. This card appeals to every generation of collector and remains a staple of high-value TCG chases.

3. Shiny Gardevoir ex (SAR)

Gardevoir is another fan-favorite Pokémon that receives a stunning Special Art Rare treatment in its Shiny form. The card’s value is driven by the Pokémon's long-standing popularity and the beautiful, intricate artwork typical of SARs. This card is a major target for collectors who appreciate elegant design and powerful Pokémon.

4. The Treasures of Ruin ex Cards (SAR)

The four main Ruinous Pokémon—Wo-Chien ex, Chien-Pao ex, Ting-Lu ex, and Chi-Yu ex—are all featured with their own special, highly-detailed Art Rare cards. These cards are essential for fans who connected with the video game event, as they complete the "Shiny Treasures of Ruin" collection. The sleek, dark aesthetic of these Legendary Pokémon translates perfectly into the TCG's full-art format, making them highly collectible.

5. Shiny Mew ex (SAR)

Mew, one of the most beloved Mythical Pokémon, is featured in its rare blue Shiny form as an ex card. Mew cards are consistently popular, and the combination of the Shiny variant, the ex mechanic, and the full-art treatment ensures this card is a top-tier pull. It’s a nostalgic chase card for older collectors and a beautiful centerpiece for new ones.

LSI Keywords and Entities for Topical Authority

To fully understand the collecting landscape of this set, it's helpful to be familiar with the key terminology and entities that define it:

• High Class Pack: The Japanese designation for sets like Shiny Treasure ex, which typically contain more cards per pack and a higher guaranteed rarity rate compared to standard expansions.
• Paldean Fates Release Date: January 26, 2024, the official launch for the English version of the set.
• SV4a: The official set code for the Japanese Shiny Treasure ex expansion.
• Shiny Locked: The term used to describe Pokémon in the video games, such as the Treasures of Ruin, whose Shiny forms are intentionally made unobtainable through normal means.
• SAR (Special Art Rare): The highest rarity tier in this *Scarlet & Violet* era, featuring a Pokémon or Trainer with full-card artwork and unique texturing.
• Trainer Supporters: Cards featuring characters like Iono, which often become the most expensive chase cards in a set.
• Pull Rates: The statistical chance of drawing a rare card; reportedly favorable in Shiny Treasure ex due to the High Class Pack structure.

Other key Pokémon and entities featured prominently include: Koraidon, Miraidon, Skeledirge, Quaquaval, Meowscarada, Pikachu, and other popular Shiny Pokémon from the Paldea region.

Why You Should Be Collecting Paldean Fates (Shiny Treasures of Ruin)

The Paldean Fates set is poised to be one of the most impactful TCG releases in years. The sheer volume of unique Shiny Pokémon, coupled with the inclusion of highly desirable Trainer Supporters like Iono, makes every pack opening an event. For collectors, this set offers an opportunity to own visually stunning cards of the four Treasures of Ruin—Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, and Chi-Yu—in a format that celebrates their rare Shiny variants. Whether you are a dedicated player or a casual collector, the "Shiny Treasures of Ruin" set promises a thrilling hunt for some of the most beautiful and valuable cards of the modern TCG era.