Pokemon Guardians Rising Set
A 169-card expansion introducing the Island Guardians and the competitively essential Tapu Lele GX.
Overview
Guardians Rising is a 169-card expansion released in May 2017, showcasing the Island Guardian Tapu Pokemon from Alola. The set defined competitive play for years through Tapu Lele GX, whose Wonder Tag ability to search for any Supporter card made it the most important support GX ever printed. Lycanroc GX and Alolan Ninetales GX also became competitive staples.
Most Valuable Cards
Tapu Lele GX in all rarities commands premium prices: the rainbow rare (#155) reaches $80-150+, Full Art (#137) sits at $40-70, and even the regular art holds $10-20. Sylveon GX Full Art (#140) appeals to Eeveelution collectors at $20-35. Lycanroc GX Full Art and rainbow rare Tapu Koko GX are also premium pulls.
Cards from Guardians Rising
Completion Tips
Guardians Rising was widely opened due to Tapu Lele GX demand, so bulk commons are cheap. The challenge is the Full Art and rainbow rare tier. With 12+ secret rares, expect to buy singles for the most expensive cards rather than pulling them from packs.
Scan with Pokex
Tapu Lele GX exists in regular, Full Art, rainbow rare, and promo versions. The scanner identifies the exact printing and rarity, which significantly impacts value. It also reads the guardian deity symbols and island-themed set artwork correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 Why is Tapu Lele GX so expensive?
Tapu Lele GX's Wonder Tag ability searches your deck for any Supporter card when played from hand, making it essential in virtually every competitive deck from 2017-2019. This universal demand across all deck types kept prices high.
Q2 How many secret rares are in Guardians Rising?
Guardians Rising contains over 20 secret rare cards numbered above 145, including Full Art GX, rainbow rare GX, Full Art Supporters, and gold Trainer/Energy cards.
Q3 What are the Tapu guardian Pokemon?
The four Island Guardians are Tapu Lele, Tapu Koko, Tapu Bulu, and Tapu Fini, each protecting an island of Alola. Guardians Rising features Tapu Lele GX, Tapu Koko GX, and Tapu Bulu as key cards.
Q4 Is Guardians Rising good for competitive players?
Guardians Rising is one of the most competitively impactful sets ever released. Tapu Lele GX, Lycanroc GX, Alolan Ninetales GX, Choice Band, Field Blower, and Aqua Patch all became tournament staples.
Related Sets
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