The rarest Pokémon from Guardians Rising: A journey through the second expansion of the Sun & Moon cycle.
Welcome to another exciting post on CrispyCards ! Today we're taking you on a journey through the Guardians Rising expansion of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. This expansion is the second in the Sun & Moon cycle and was released on May 5, 2017, in both German and English . The expansion is based on the Japanese " Strength Expansion Pack Sun & Moon" and includes several promo cards that round out the set.
Author: Celine Miles
Last modified: July 19, 2024
Reading time: 8 minutes
Table of contents
An overview of “Watchmen Hour”
With a total of 169 cards (145 + 24), this expansion brings a breath of fresh air to the world of Pokémon trading cards. Particularly noteworthy is the introduction and continuation of the GX Pokémon, which boast exclusive attacks that can only be used once per game. The highlight of the expansion are the powerful Guardian Pokémon Tapu Koko and Tapu Lele , which dominate the set along with other GX Pokémon such as Lycanroc, Alolan Volcano, and Metagross.
The GX Pokémon and their impressive abilities
In Guardians Rising, the GX Pokémon are setting new standards. Tapu Lele-GX stands out with a strong ability and powerful attack. Tapu Koko-GX and Lusardin-GX are also impressive additions, with the latter being further strengthened by the new card "Aqua Patch." These cards not only make collectors' hearts beat faster, but are also of great importance in strategic tournaments.
In addition to these GX cards, there are alternate designs with a shiny silver look, increasing the appeal for collectors. The remaining GX Pokémon in the set, such as Doraemon-GX and Toxaphren-GX , also offer interesting play options, even if they may seem somewhat less powerful.
The regular Pokémon and their strategic advantages
The regular Pokémon in this expansion also show great potential. Unlike the first set of the Sun & Moon cycle , which focused on Abilities, Pokémon attacks are central to Guardians Rising. Garbless, for example, takes advantage of the game's reliance on Item cards, while Trumbort deals more damage when the opponent has a lot of Trainer cards in their hand.
Zobiris has a particularly powerful attack that prohibits the opponent from playing supporter cards , which can significantly influence the game.
New trainer cards enrich the game
In addition to the new Pokémon, Guardians Rising also introduces many interesting Trainer cards. Of particular note is the Aqua Patch card, which allows you to attach a Water Energy from the discard pile to a Water-type Pokémon on your Bench. This card has the potential to significantly speed up the game and enable new strategies.
Another notable card is Field Blower , a newer version of the 2009 rotating Windstorm card. Rescue Stretcher and the golden cards Top Potion and Special Hammer are also valuable additions that enrich the game.
Unfortunately, there are only two supporter cards in this set, but both Maho and Hala look promising and could find their way into many decks.
Quotes about Watchmen
Here are some quotes that illustrate the importance and impact of the Guardians Hour expansion:
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IGN Review of Guardians:
- "With Guardians Rising, the Pokémon Trading Card Game receives one of its strongest expansions yet. The new GX Pokémon and Trainer cards offer fresh strategies and stunning artwork." – IGN, Pokémon TCG Guardians Rising Review
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TCGPlayer about the rare cards:
- "Cards like Tapu Lele GX and the Secret Rares are highly sought after not only for their playability, but also for their rarity and aesthetic appeal." – TCGPlayer.com
Top 10 Most Valuable Cards from Guardians Rising
Below, we'll describe the rarest Pokémon from Guardians Rising and their prices in PSA 10. We'll look at recent sales. It's important to note that prices are subject to change at any time, and rankings may also vary from week to week. Now we come to the rarest Pokémon from Guardians Rising.
CrispyCards
The Top 10 Rarest Pokémon from Guardians Rising
"The introduction of GX Pokémon in Guardians Rising has revolutionized the game. With exclusive attacks that can dramatically impact gameplay, these cards offer new strategic possibilities." – Pokémon.com
- as of July 2024.
10. Full Art/Primarina GX Secret (#149)
- Number: 149
- Price: $71.00
- Description: Primarina GX appears in a secret, fully illustrated variant that showcases her melodic voice and impressive water powers.
9. Full Art/Sylveon GX (#140)
- Number: 140
- Price: $72.11
- Description: Sylveon GX in a fully illustrated variant that reflects the graceful elegance and power of this Fairy Pokémon.
8. Politoed Holo (#25)
- Number: 25
- Price: $78.00
- Description: Politoed appears here in a holographic variant that emphasizes his friendly nature and his water skills.
7. Full Art/Alolan Ninetales GX Secret (#150)
- Number: 150
- Price: $89.00
- Description: Alolan Ninetales GX appears in a secret, fully illustrated variant that showcases its icy grace and impressive ice powers.
6. Rayquaza (#106)
- Number: 106
- Price: $89.00
- Description: Rayquaza, the legendary Dragon Pokémon, is shown in all its impressive splendor and power in this card.
5. Mimikyu Reverse Foil (#58)
- Number: 58
- Price: $91.00
- Description: Mimikyu appears here in a reverse foil variant that underlines his mysterious charm and inspires collectors with its uniqueness.
4. Full Art/Mallow (#145)
- Number: 145
- Price: $102.50
- Description: Mallow, the island queen of the Alola region, is available in an artistic, fully illustrated variant that showcases her connection to nature and her role as a trainer.
3. Full Art/Toxapex GX Secret (#154)
- Number: 154
- Price: $112.62
- Description: Toxapex GX presents itself in a secret, fully illustrated variant that perfectly reflects its poison attacks and protective abilities.
2. Full Art/Sylveon GX Secret (#158)
- Number: 158
- Price: $158.50
- Description: Sylveon GX appears in a secret, fully illustrated variant that showcases its graceful elegance and powerful attacks.
1. Mimikyu Holo (#58)
- Number: 58
- Price: $200.00
- Description: Mimikyu, the shy Pokémon, appears in a holographic version that underlines its mysterious yet lovable nature.
Conclusion on the set and the rarest Pokémon from Guardians Rising
The Guardians Rising expansion focuses on the powerful Guardian Pokémon and a host of new Trainer cards. This set offers many exciting new cards and opportunities for both collectors and players. Whether you're hunting for the rarest cards or looking to improve your deck with new strategies, Guardians Rising has something for everyone.
Stay tuned for the introduction of the rarest and most valuable cards in this expansion that will make your collector's heart beat faster!
The rarest Pokémon from Guardians Rising have some great treasures to offer, but what else do the other sets from the Sun & Moon series have to offer? You'll find out soon in new Top 10 posts. Check out our Pokemon blog regularly.
We hope you enjoyed this in-depth look at the Guardians Rising expansion. Stay tuned for more exciting articles and analyses of the rarest and most valuable Pokémon cards here on CrispyCards !
