If you’ve been eagerly counting down the days for the Phantasmal Flames release—or waiting for your Moltres pre-orders to finally rise from the ashes—then you’ve probably felt that all-too-familiar mix of excitement and frustration. Delays happen, sure… but that doesn’t mean your card-opening itch has to go unsatisfied!
While the fiery bird takes its sweet time, here are a few fun sets, packs, and goodies to crack open in the meantime. Because let’s be honest—nothing soothes the sting of shipping delays quite like the scent of freshly torn foil.
1. Dive Into the Archives – Classic or Older Sets
If you’ve got a few older boosters lying around (or you can snag some at a good price), now’s the perfect time to revisit them. Sets like Obsidian Flames, Temporal Forces, or even Evolving Skies hit that sweet spot between nostalgia and thrill. You never know—maybe you’ll pull something that rivals the glory of a Moltres alt art.
2. Mystery Boxes and Mini Tins
When patience wears thin, mystery boxes can be pure serotonin. The mix of randomness and possibility scratches that collector’s itch while you wait. Plus, the mini tins often come with cool artwork and promos that don’t get enough love.
3. Singles Shopping Spree
Who says you have to open packs to get your fix? While the next shipment’s in limbo, hunt for singles you’ve been eyeing—maybe that full-art Trainer, or the holo you missed from a previous set. Sometimes completing a binder page feels just as good as pulling something new.
4. Accessory Overhaul
While you wait, why not upgrade your setup? New sleeves, deck boxes, binders, or even a fiery Moltres-themed playmat can give your collection a fresh spark. When your Phantasmal Flames packs finally arrive, you’ll be ready to showcase your pulls in style.
5. Community Fun
Check out local trade nights, Discord openings, or watch pack battles on Twitch or YouTube. Sharing the hype with others makes the wait way more bearable—and you might even win some giveaways while you’re at it.
Final Thoughts
Sure, the Phantasmal Flames and Moltres delays are a bummer, but think of it as a chance to explore, experiment, and reignite your passion for collecting. Whether you’re revisiting old sets or diving into digital play, there’s always something to keep the flame alive.
And when those long-awaited packs finally land?
You’ll be ready to tear them open like a true Fire-type master.