The Pokémon Sun & Moon era brought a wave of exciting new Pokémon, mechanics, and cards to the Trading Card Game (TCG). This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Sun & Moon card sets, highlighting key cards and sets for collectors and players alike. We'll delve into the specifics of each set, focusing on notable cards and their impact on the meta-game. Remember to always check official sources like the Pokémon TCG website for the most up-to-date information.
Key Sun & Moon Sets: A Collector's Overview
The Sun & Moon era spanned several sets, each with its own unique features and highly sought-after cards. Here's a breakdown of the major sets, perfect for building your collection or understanding the history of the game:
Sun & Moon Base Set
- Release Date: February 2, 2017
- Notable Cards: This set introduced many Alolan forms of classic Pokémon, including Alolan Vulpix and Alolan Ninetales. The set also featured powerful basic Pokémon like Lycanroc and Decidueye, which became staples in early Sun & Moon competitive play. Many players remember this set for its introduction of Tapu Koko, a powerful Electric-type Pokémon that defined early Sun & Moon meta.
- Key Features: This foundational set lays the groundwork for the entire Sun & Moon era, introducing many core mechanics and Pokémon that would appear in future expansions.
Guardians Rising
- Release Date: March 3, 2017
- Notable Cards: This set introduced the Ultra Beasts, powerful Legendary Pokémon from another dimension. Kartana, Buzzwole, and Xurkitree were all highly sought-after cards due to their unique abilities and high attack stats. This set also saw a rise in the use of Tapu Lele GX, changing the meta with its unique ability to search your deck for any supporter card.
- Key Features: This expansion saw the introduction of the GX mechanic, adding a new layer of strategy to the game.
Crimson Invasion
- Release Date: May 5, 2017
- Notable Cards: Salazzle and other fire type Pokémon found a spot in many decks thanks to this expansion. This set also saw the debut of many notable cards that supported powerful strategies.
- Key Features: This set continued the trend of powerful GX Pokémon, and many cards from this set went on to define the meta.
Ultra Prism
- Release Date: October 6, 2017
- Notable Cards: This set featured cards that boosted popular archetypes and solidified the meta-game to this point. Many cards within this expansion remained relevant for the entirety of the Sun & Moon era.
- Key Features: This expansion built upon the previous sets, refining existing archetypes and introducing new strategies.
Forbidden Light
- Release Date: May 4, 2018
- Notable Cards: The inclusion of Necrozma and its various forms heavily impacted the meta. The power and versatility of this legendary Pokemon made it a staple in competitive play.
- Key Features: This expansion continued the strong trend of powerful Pokémon-GX and featured many cards that had a considerable impact on the competitive scene.
Celestial Storm
- Release Date: August 3, 2018
- Notable Cards: This expansion continued the trend of powerful GX and provided support for existing archetypes and strategies.
- Key Features: Many highly playable cards were found in this set, including support for existing decks.
(Table summarizing key sets - Consider adding a table here with columns for Set Name, Release Date, Notable Cards, and Key Features)
Rarity and Value: Understanding Pokémon Card Values
The value of Pokémon Sun & Moon cards varies greatly depending on several factors:
- Rarity: Cards with lower print rates (e.g., Rainbow Rare, Full Art, Secret Rare) are generally more valuable than common cards.
- Condition: The condition of the card significantly impacts its value. Cards in mint condition command a higher price than cards with scratches, creases, or other imperfections.
- Demand: The demand for a specific card based on its competitive viability or popularity can significantly drive up its price.
(Consider adding a chart or graph here illustrating rarity distribution and potential card value)
Finding and Collecting Sun & Moon Cards
Collecting Pokémon Sun & Moon cards can be a rewarding hobby. Here are some ways to build your collection:
- Booster Packs: Purchasing booster packs offers the chance to discover rare and valuable cards.
- Online Marketplaces: Sites like eBay and TCGPlayer offer a wide selection of individual cards and sets.
- Local Game Stores: Many local game stores sell Pokémon cards and often host events where you can trade or buy cards.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Powerful Pokémon
The Pokémon Sun & Moon era brought significant changes and excitement to the TCG. With powerful Pokémon, innovative mechanics, and a range of sought-after cards, these sets remain popular among collectors and players alike. By understanding the key sets and the factors affecting card value, you can build a comprehensive collection or find specific cards to enhance your deck. Remember to research and verify information before making any purchases to ensure you're getting a fair price and authentic cards.