Pokemon Guardians Rising Set

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.

1 #164

Max Potion

2 #165

Rare Candy

3 #166

Double Colorless Energy

4 #167

Grass Energy

5 #168

Lightning Energy

6 #169

Fighting Energy

Tips to finish the set

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.

1. 01

   Identify Guardians Rising cards by set code sm2 / symbol — do not sort by art alone

2. 02

   Split bulk commons/uncommons from holos and special rarities before pricing

3. 03

   Track Tapu Lele GX and Tapu Koko GX as priority singles, not pack EV fantasies

4. 04

   Scan or checklist-gap the rest after the chase budget is honest

Scan with the app

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.