If you’ve been eyeing the Lost Origin Elite Trainer Box (ETB) from the Pokémon TCG Sword & Shield series and wondering if it’s worth the investment, you're not alone. With so many sets releasing over the years and the hype behind every new expansion, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or skeptical. So, I took the plunge and picked up a Lost Origin Elite Trainer Box to open and share the entire experience — the pulls, the value, and whether it truly delivers the thrill we all chase when cracking packs.
Let’s dive into what I got, how it felt, and whether it lived up to expectations.
First Impressions: A Sleek and Mysterious Box
Before even opening the box, I was impressed with the presentation. Pokémon does a fantastic job of making their ETBs look like collectibles from the start. The Lost Origin ETB is themed around Giratina, and the dark red and gold palette gives it a powerful and mysterious vibe that fits the tone of the expansion perfectly.
The packaging was solid and felt premium, as always. It’s not just the cards we collect — even the box itself becomes part of the storage setup for many collectors, and this one definitely earns a place on the shelf.
What’s Inside?
If you haven’t opened a Pokémon ETB before, here’s what comes in a Lost Origin Elite Trainer Box:
· 8 Lost Origin booster packs
· 65 card sleeves featuring Giratina
· 45 Pokémon TCG Energy cards
· A player’s guide to the Lost Origin expansion
· 6 damage-counter dice
· 1 competition-legal coin-flip die
· 2 acrylic condition markers
· 1 acrylic VSTAR marker
· A collector’s box with 4 dividers
· A code card for Pokémon TCG Live
All the usual ETB items were present and accounted for. The Giratina sleeves, in particular, looked fantastic — glossy, durable, and suitable for serious play or simply protecting your collection.
But let’s be honest. We’re all here for the booster packs.
The Pulls: Here’s What I Got
Now for the main event: opening the 8 Lost Origin booster packs. As someone who’s opened a fair share of ETBs across several sets, I know that the pulls can be hit or miss. Some boxes feel like jackpots, others like a lesson in humility. So, how did this one fare?
Pack 1:
· Rare: Comfey (Holo)
· A decent start. Comfey is part of the competitive meta due to its Flower Selecting ability.
Pack 2:
· Rare: Hoopa (non-Holo)
· A bit underwhelming, but solid artwork.
Pack 3:
· Trainer Gallery: Pikachu (TG01)
· Rare: Gengar (Holo)
This pack brought the first real thrill. The Trainer Gallery Pikachu is vibrant and beautifully illustrated. Gengar is always a fan favorite, too.
Pack 4:
· Rare: Magnezone V
· My first ultra-rare pull from this box. Magnezone doesn’t have huge competitive appeal, but as a collector, I appreciated it.
Pack 5:
· Rare: Pidgeot V (Full Art)
· A big win here. The texture and color on this Full Art were phenomenal. Definitely one of the highlights.
Pack 6:
· Trainer Gallery: Charizard (TG03)
· Rare: Spiritomb (non-Holo)
· Two words: worth it. This Trainer Gallery Charizard was the absolute gem of the box. Getting a Charizard in any form always feels special.
Pack 7:
· Rare: Mr. Mime (non-Holo)
· Probably the least exciting pull of the batch.
Pack 8:
· Rare: Hisuian Goodra VSTAR
· What a way to end. This card alone added value and visual impact. The VSTAR texture and shine gave me that real collector’s buzz.
Final Summary: Hits vs Misses
So, here’s a quick breakdown:
· Total Ultra Rares/VSTAR/Full Arts: 3
· Trainer Gallery Cards: 2
· Holos: 2
· Non-Holo Rares: 3
Out of 8 packs, I pulled a solid mix of value, playability, and collector appeal. Not every card was a winner, but a Trainer Gallery Charizard and a Hisuian Goodra VSTAR more than made up for the weaker pulls.
Is the Lost Origin ETB Worth It?
Let’s talk real-world perspective. An ETB generally costs around $40 to $50 depending on where you buy it. The value of what you pull isn’t always guaranteed to match or exceed that. But the Lost Origin ETB offers more than just a gamble on rares:
· Gorgeous card sleeves and accessories — perfect for players and collectors alike.
· Trainer Gallery cards — these offer additional opportunities for hits.
· Decent variety of V, VSTAR, and Holo cards — especially for a mid-size box.
· My box wasn’t a "god box," but it also wasn’t a dud. It delivered enough excitement and value to feel satisfying — and that’s what keeps collectors coming back.
Final Thoughts
There’s something timeless about opening Pokémon packs — the mix of nostalgia, surprise, and the hunt for rare cards. The Lost Origin Elite Trainer Box captures that magic, especially if you’re a fan of darker, mysterious Pokémon like Giratina.
If you’re considering grabbing one, I’d say go for it — especially if you enjoy the full ETB experience: sleeves, dice, and all. The Trainer Gallery cards alone make this set feel more dynamic than some others. And with characters like Charizard, Gengar, and Pikachu showing up, there’s always a chance at a big hit.
At Top Ripping, we bring the thrill of Trading Card Games (TCG) to collectors and players worldwide. Specializing in Booster Packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, Rare Collectibles, and Exclusive Sets, we provide top-quality TCG products from brands like Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Magic: The Gathering. Join our live ‘Rip & Ship’ events on TikTok, where we open packs in real time and ship them directly to you. With secure, fast shipping and a passion for the TCG community, we ensure an exciting and seamless experience.