The Best Pokémon TCG Build & Battle Boxes in 2023

Whether you’re a casual Pokémon collector or a competitive player, you’re sure to have seen various Build & Battle Boxes during your time in the community. It can be hard to know whether they’re worthwhile, but generally speaking, Build & Battle Boxes are ideal for filling out your collection and building up some unique competitive decks.

Build and Battle Boxes are released fairly regularly, alongside other frequent drops like Battle Decks with ex cards and Collector’s Chests. Aside from a few special cases, they usually include a 40-card deck (with a promo card or two), booster packs, and a code for the Pokémon TCG Live game.

To help you pick out the best of the best, here’s two of the best Pokémon TCG Build & Battle Boxes to keep an eye out for this year. This article will not feature Build & Battle Stadium Boxes, as they deserve an article all to themselves.

Please note that this article contains some spoilers about what the Build & Battle boxes contain.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet – Obsidian Flames Build & Battle Box

If you’ve been keeping up to date with the Pokémon TCG release schedule for 2023, you’ll know that Obsidian Flames is one of the most anxiously awaited sets in recent years. It looks incredible, and this Build & Battle Box looks like a must-have for anyone who’s keen on how the set is shaping up so far.

The Obsidian Flames Build & Battle Box isn’t actually out yet, although it was temporarily available as a sneak preview of the Obsidian Flames set for people in the tournament community. 

The release date will be towards the end of August officially, with the most likely dates being either the 11th or the 25th depending on your source and location.

Aside from the sheer value that this box offers (providing a 40-card deck and 4 booster packs with some alternate art promotional cards), one of the best things about it is that it could include non-holofoil versions of cards that are only listed as being holofoil cards in the typical Obsidian Flames booster packs. 

This currently is only a speculation, but it would be a great way for collectors to add more scope to their Scarlet & Violet collection if so. 

You can pre-order the Build & Battle Box here. 

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet – Paldea Evolved Build & Battle Box

There have been some incredible releases surrounding Scarlet & Violet this year and this particular Build & Battle Box is worth getting if you’re a fan of the generation. 

This box just came out, launching in most locations on the 23rd of June, and it’s been a hit with most fans so far. The promo cards are the stars of the show, with the potential promo cards for the box being either Baxcalibur, Tinkaton, Murkrow, or Pelipper. 

Aside from the promo cards, this box also features some incredible regular cards. This includes Professor Sada and Professor Turo’s versions of Professor’s Research, a Paldean Tauros, and the Ghetsis iteration of Boss’s Orders. 

Alongside the exciting cards, there’s plenty of utility to consider, too. There’s a code card included in this Build & Battle Box, some Energy cards, plenty of Supporter cards, and some Item cards, too. If you’re just starting out with competitive play, customizing a Build & Battle Box can be a great place to start.

You can purchase the Build & Battle Box here.