The Pokémon Sun & Moon era brought a wave of exciting new Pokémon, mechanics, and cards to the Trading Card Game (TCG). This comprehensive guide delves into the extensive card list, exploring key sets, notable cards, and valuable resources for collectors and players alike. We'll cover everything you need to know about building your Sun & Moon collection.
Key Sets within the Sun & Moon Era
The Sun & Moon era spanned several major sets, each introducing new Pokémon, mechanics, and exciting gameplay possibilities. Understanding these sets is crucial for any serious collector or player:
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Sun & Moon Base Set: This foundational set introduced the Alola region's Pokémon, including the starters Litten, Popplio, and Rowlet, along with iconic Legendaries like Solgaleo and Lunala. Many of these cards remain highly sought after, particularly the rare holographic versions.
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Sun & Moon Guardians Rising: This expansion focused on the Tapu Pokémon, powerful guardians of Alola. It introduced the popular GX mechanic, allowing for powerful one-hit KO attacks. Key cards from this set frequently appear in competitive decks.
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Sun & Moon Burning Shadows: This set featured the legendary Pokémon, Ho-Oh and Lugia, adding a fiery and powerful element to the game. It continued the trend of powerful GX cards and introduced some highly competitive options.
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Sun & Moon Crimson Invasion: This set brought a focus on the villainous Team Rocket organization, featuring powerful Pokémon and trainer cards with disruptive strategies. Many of these cards are still relevant in modern formats.
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Sun & Moon Ultra Prism: This set featured the Ultra Beasts, powerful Pokémon from another dimension. Ultra Necrozma and its devastating abilities made it a top contender in competitive play.
(Table of Key Sun & Moon Sets and Notable Features)
| Set Name | Release Date | Notable Features | Key Pokémon/Cards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun & Moon Base Set | February 2017 | Introduction of Alola Pokémon, new mechanics | Solgaleo, Lunala, starters |
| Guardians Rising | May 2017 | Tapu Pokémon, introduction of GX mechanic | Tapu Koko, Tapu Fini |
| Burning Shadows | August 2017 | Ho-Oh and Lugia, powerful GX cards | Ho-Oh GX, Lugia GX |
| Crimson Invasion | November 2017 | Team Rocket focus, disruptive strategies | Team Rocket cards |
| Ultra Prism | February 2018 | Ultra Beasts, Ultra Necrozma | Ultra Necrozma |
| (And many more!) |
Finding the Complete Pokémon Sun & Moon TCG Card List
Unfortunately, there's no single, universally maintained, up-to-the-minute list encompassing every card from all Sun & Moon sets. The sheer number of cards released makes a completely comprehensive list a monumental task. However, several excellent resources can help you build a near-complete list:
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Bulbapedia: This wiki is a treasure trove of Pokémon information, including detailed card lists for each set. You can find individual set lists and often fan-made comprehensive lists. It's regularly updated by the community.
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PkmnCard.com: This website focuses specifically on Pokémon TCG cards and offers searchable databases that can help you locate specific cards or browse sets.
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TCGplayer: This online marketplace is a great place to browse cards for sale and get a sense of their relative value and rarity. You can search by set to see what cards are included.
Identifying Valuable Sun & Moon Cards
Many cards from the Sun & Moon era have appreciated in value due to their rarity, playability, or nostalgic appeal. Some key factors influencing value include:
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Rarity: Holofoil rares, rainbow rares, and full-art cards are generally more valuable than common cards.
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Playability: Cards that saw extensive competitive play often hold their value or increase over time.
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Condition: The condition of your card is absolutely critical to its worth. Near Mint or Mint condition cards are far more valuable than damaged or played cards.
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Secret Rares: These cards have unique artwork and are generally hard to find, leading to high value.
Building Your Sun & Moon Collection
Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, building a comprehensive Sun & Moon collection requires careful planning and research. Consider the following:
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Budget: Establish a budget and stick to it. Rare and valuable cards can become very expensive.
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Focus: Decide what your collecting priorities are. Are you interested in completing specific sets, collecting all the legendary Pokémon, or focusing on certain card types?
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Storage: Invest in appropriate storage solutions to protect your cards from damage. Card sleeves and protective cases are essential.
The Pokémon Sun & Moon TCG card list represents a significant portion of the Pokémon TCG's history, offering an exciting array of cards for collectors and players alike. By utilizing the resources mentioned and understanding the factors influencing value, you can build a valuable and enjoyable collection. Remember to always research and verify information before making any significant purchases.