Crown Zenith Card List: Gold VSTARs and the Galarian Gallery Explained
Gold VSTARs, a 70-card Galarian Gallery and the end of the Sword & Shield era. Here's the Crown Zenith card list and where to find it now.
5 min read
Pokémon guide
Crown Zenith was the grand finale of the Sword & Shield era, and it went out with a bang. Gold VSTAR cards, a 70-card Galarian Gallery and some of the best artwork of its generation. If you want a clear Crown Zenith card list guide, here’s what’s worth knowing and chasing.
We’ll cover the basics, the chase cards, whether it’s still worth buying and where to find it now that English stock has mostly dried up.
VSTAR Universe, the Japanese counterpart of the set.
In this guide
Crown Zenith at a glance
Sword & Shield, Crown Zenith released in English on 20 January 2023. It was the final special set of the Sword & Shield era, and it’s the English counterpart of the Japanese set VSTAR Universe.
Main set: 160 cards, numbered to 159 plus a secret Pikachu at 160/159.
Galarian Gallery: a 70-card subset numbered GG01 to GG70.
Total: 230 cards.
Japanese equivalent: VSTAR Universe.
The Galarian Gallery is what makes the Crown Zenith card list special. It’s a full subset of beautiful art cards and gold rares, and it’s where most of the chase cards live.
The best cards on the Crown Zenith card list
These are the cards collectors want most. We don’t include prices, but this order reflects demand.
Giratina VSTAR (GG69)
The gold Giratina VSTAR is the top card in the set. Gold cards always look incredible, and Giratina’s dramatic design suits it perfectly.
Mewtwo VSTAR (GG44)
Mewtwo VSTAR in the Galarian Gallery is a fan favourite, with artwork that feels like a nod to the classic Mewtwo films.
Arceus VSTAR (GG70)
The gold Arceus VSTAR is the final card in the Galarian Gallery and a fitting centrepiece for any collection.
Origin Forme Dialga and Palkia VSTAR (GG68 and GG67)
Two more gold VSTARs. Put them next to Giratina and Arceus and you’ve got a seriously impressive page of legendaries.
Leafeon VSTAR and Glaceon VSTAR (GG35 and GG40)
The Eeveelution Galarian Gallery cards are hugely popular, and Leafeon and Glaceon have some of the loveliest art in the subset.
How to collect the Crown Zenith card list
Treat it as two sets. The 160-card main set and the 70-card Galarian Gallery are easier to plan as separate goals.
Start with the Galarian Gallery. If you only want the best art, focus on the Galarian Gallery cards first.
Keep a checklist. Have the Crown Zenith card list on your phone, with GG numbers listed separately.
Buy gold cards as singles. The gold VSTARs are rare, and buying them single is almost always cheaper.
Because the set is a few years old, English sealed products are now hard to find. Be wary of very cheap “sealed” boxes from unknown sellers, as older sets are a target for resealing.
Where to find Crown Zenith now
English Crown Zenith products have largely sold out at retail. The easiest way to open the set today is through the Asian versions of VSTAR Universe.
Korean VSTAR Universe
Factory sealed
Secure checkout
Japanese VSTAR Universe
The Japanese VSTAR Universe booster box is the original set, and it’s famous for its pull rates and print quality. It’s one of the most loved Japanese boxes of the Sword & Shield era.
Japanese and Korean cards use the same artwork as the English set, but they’re numbered differently, so don’t expect them to match the Crown Zenith card list exactly.
Is Crown Zenith still worth collecting?
We think so. It’s one of the most celebrated sets of the modern era, and the Galarian Gallery is a collector’s dream. If you love gold cards and full art, few sets compare.
The honest caveat is availability. English sealed product is scarce, so most collectors now build the set through singles or open the Japanese and Korean versions instead.
If you love legendary Pokémon, our Perfect Order card list guide covers a newer set built around Mega Zygarde ex.
Who it suits
Sword & Shield fans, gold card collectors, legendary Pokémon fans and anyone who wants a set with a truly standout art subset.
What is a VSTAR?
VSTAR cards were a mechanic from the Sword & Shield era. A Pokémon V could evolve into a VSTAR, which had a powerful once-per-game VSTAR Power. You’ll see lots of them on the Crown Zenith card list, especially in the Galarian Gallery.
Displaying the Galarian Gallery
Seventy cards fit neatly across eight 9-pocket pages, which makes the Galarian Gallery one of the nicest subsets to display. Many collectors give it its own binder, separate from the main set, so the art cards really stand out.
Looking after older cards
If you’re buying singles from this era, check them carefully for whitening on the edges and scratches on the surface. Keep your best cards in top loaders, and store binders upright and away from sunlight.
Frequently asked questions
How many cards are on the Crown Zenith card list?
There are 230 cards in total: a 160-card main set and the 70-card Galarian Gallery.
When did Crown Zenith come out?
It released in English on 20 January 2023.
What’s the best card in Crown Zenith?
The gold Giratina VSTAR (GG69) is the most wanted card in the set.
See the official set page on pokemon.com, or find more guides on the TCG blog.
