First Partner Illustration Collection: Ultimate Guide to All 3 Amazing Series
The First Partner Illustration Collection is one of the most charming product lines of the Pokémon TCG 30th anniversary. Released across 2026 in three series, it celebrates every starter Pokémon from Kanto to Paldea with brand-new Illustration Rare style promo cards. Each box pairs a special promo pack with regular booster packs and a sticker sheet, which makes it a great gift and an easy way to collect your favourite first partners. This guide explains every First Partner Illustration Collection series, what is inside, which starters appear in each and how to complete the full set of 27 cards in Australia.
The series is part of the wider 30th anniversary celebration covered in our Pokémon 30th anniversary guide. If you collect anniversary products, it sits naturally beside the main anniversary set and its special promos.
Table of Contents
First Partner Illustration Collection at a glance
- Purpose: celebrating 30 years of first partner Pokémon
- Format: three series released through 2026
- Series 1: Kanto, Sinnoh and Alola starters, released in March 2026
- Series 2: Johto, Unova and Galar starters, released in June 2026
- Series 3: Hoenn, Kalos and Paldea starters, released in August 2026
- Contents of each box: a promo pack with three of the series’ nine Illustration Rare style promo cards, two Pokémon TCG booster packs and a sticker sheet
- Total: 27 promo cards across all three series
Starter Pokémon hold a special place for almost every fan. They are the first choice you make in every main series game, and many players remember that decision for years. A product line built entirely around that moment was always going to resonate, and the anniversary timing made it even more meaningful.
How it compares to the 2021 First Partner Packs
Long-time collectors will remember the First Partner Packs from the 25th anniversary in 2021. Those packs featured jumbo cards of each generation’s starters with reprinted classic designs. The new collections feel like a spiritual successor, but with one big difference: the promos are standard-size cards with brand-new artwork in the Illustration Rare style. That means they fit in a normal binder alongside the rest of your collection.
First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1
Series 1 launched the line in March 2026 and covers three regions. Its nine promos feature the starters of Kanto, Sinnoh and Alola.
- Kanto: Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle
- Sinnoh: Turtwig, Chimchar and Piplup
- Alola: Rowlet, Litten and Popplio
Kanto makes Series 1 the most nostalgic of the three, and the Charmander promo has been especially popular. Sinnoh and Alola fans also get some of the most charming artwork of the line.
The Illustration Rare style artwork is what makes these promos stand out. Instead of plain backgrounds, each card shows its starter in a natural scene, often playing, exploring or resting. Laid out together, the three cards of a region form a lovely set, and the art style matches the Illustration Rares found in current expansions.
First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2
Series 2 followed on 19 June 2026 with the same format. Its nine promos cover Johto, Unova and Galar.
- Johto: Chikorita, Cyndaquil and Totodile
- Unova: Snivy, Tepig and Oshawott
- Galar: Grookey, Scorbunny and Sobble
Series 2 is a favourite for fans of Gold and Silver and Black and White, and the Galar trio adds a modern touch to the lineup.
First Partner Illustration Collection Series 3
Series 3 completed the line on 7 August 2026 with the final three regions.
- Hoenn: Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip
- Kalos: Chespin, Fennekin and Froakie
- Paldea: Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly
With Series 3, every first partner from all nine main regions has received a promo, giving collectors a complete set of 27 cards to chase.
Each series uses a different box design featuring its regions, which makes the collection attractive to keep sealed as well. Some collectors buy one box of each series to open and another to display, especially for their favourite generation.
What is inside each box
Every box follows the same simple format, which makes it easy to compare the three series.
- One special promo pack holding three of the series’ nine Illustration Rare style promo cards
- Two regular Pokémon TCG booster packs, with contents that vary
- One sticker sheet featuring first partner Pokémon, perfect for decorating binders and accessories
Because the promos in each box are random within the series, completing all nine cards of a series usually takes several boxes or some trading. The booster packs add extra value and the chance of a hit from current sets.
Sorting is simple. Keep the promos separate from the cards in the regular booster packs, because promos carry their own numbering and stamp. A small checklist with the 27 starters, grouped by region, makes it easy to see which ones you still need.
Look after the promos from the start. Sleeve each card as soon as it leaves the pack and store your favourites in toploaders. Binders should be kept upright in a cool, dry room away from sunlight, which can fade the bright artwork over time.
How to complete all 27 promos
- Pick the series with your favourite region and start there
- Open a few boxes and keep track of which promos you have
- Trade duplicates with friends or at local game nights
- Buy the last few promos as singles once prices settle
- Store the full set in region order for a satisfying binder page
A 9-pocket binder page fits one series perfectly, and three pages hold the whole collection. Many collectors arrange each page by region so the starters line up in classic Grass, Fire and Water order.
Grading is optional with promo cards, but collectors who want to keep a perfect set often grade the most popular starters, such as Charmander, Squirtle and the newest Paldea trio. Check centring and surface carefully first, because promos are printed in large numbers and only the best copies are worth the grading fees.
Who these collections are best for
The First Partner Illustration Collection is ideal for gifts, younger collectors and anyone returning to the hobby. It is affordable, easy to understand and includes playable booster packs. Collectors who already own the main anniversary products can use it to add a beautiful starter page to their binder without chasing expensive secret rares.
Fans of starter Pokémon should also look at the First Partners deluxe pin collection, which pairs Chikorita, Tepig and Totodile promos with a pin and booster packs.
Parents often ask which series to buy first. The simplest answer is the series that includes the region your child plays most, or the region from the first game they ever owned. That personal connection makes the opening more memorable than any rare card.
Collectors on a budget can also start with a single box from each series. That gives you a sample of every region, plus six booster packs, before you decide which series to focus on.
Best First Partner products to buy
- First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1: Kanto, Sinnoh and Alola
- First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2: Johto, Unova and Galar
- First Partner Illustration Collection Series 3: Hoenn, Kalos and Paldea
- First Partners deluxe pin collection: three promos, a pin and packs
Browse more anniversary products on our 30th anniversary collection page.
First Partner Illustration Collection FAQ
How many First Partner promos are there?
There are 27 promos in total, nine in each of the three series, covering every starter from Kanto to Paldea.
When did each series release?
Series 1 released in March 2026, Series 2 on 19 June 2026 and Series 3 on 7 August 2026.
What is inside a First Partner Illustration Collection?
Each box contains a promo pack with three Illustration Rare style promos, two booster packs and a sticker sheet.
Where can I learn more about the anniversary?
The official Pokémon TCG website lists anniversary products and events, and our blog covers every release.
Finally, enjoy the nostalgia. Few products let you hold every first partner from three decades of games in a single binder, and this line makes that goal easy and affordable to reach.
Whether you open one box or collect all three series, each starter is a small reminder of the adventure that started your love of Pokémon.
More Pokémon guides
Continue with our Pokémon 30th anniversary guide, the Ascended Heroes set, which shares the first partners theme, and the Mega Evolution card list. Every article is on the Obsidia Collectables trading card blog.
The First Partner Illustration Collection is a simple, joyful celebration of where every Pokémon journey begins. Pick your favourite region, open a box and enjoy reliving the moment you chose your very first partner.