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Rayquaza VMAX Alternate Art Secret VMAX
#218/203Illus. Anesaki Dynamic
Secret Rare

Rayquaza VMAX Alternate Art Secret

#218/203 · from Evolving Skies · released August 27, 2021
Track this card
Holofoil
87/ 100
A-Tier Chase

Cardrake Chase Score

A top Evolving Skies alt art, chased right behind Moonbreon.

Does this score look right?

Quick take

  • Second highest value card in Evolving Skies
  • Rayquaza shown in its natural habitat, the upper atmosphere
  • Artwork by Anesaki Dynamic captures the sunset sky
  • The top Dragon-type collectible from Sword & Shield

Collector's readWhat it means for your master set

Set position
2 of 369
One of the most valuable cards in the set (#2)
Demand vs rarity Est.
132.2×
Well above its rarity · others at this rarity sell for about $9.59
Cost to complete
≈16%
of the ~$8148 to finish Evolving Skies
Completion difficulty Est.
Very Hard
One of the hardest cards to complete
Where it sits in the price lifecycle
Release Hype
Post-Release Correction
Stable / Reprint Risk
End-of-Print Spike
Out-of-Print Maturation
Buy timingOut of print for years — chase cards have held value through several market cycles.
Out of print · pricing stable · estimated

Set landscapeWhere this card sits in Evolving Skies

fewermore cards
Common
39
1
2
42
Uncommon
51
51
Rare
19
19
Rare Holo
8
4
12
Rare Holo V
2
10
2
14
Rare Holo VMAX
3
6
3
12
Ultra Rare
2
13
8
12
4
6
45
Secret Rare
7
14
5
3
5
34
Holo Rare
7
1
8
all
124
10
35
30
20
7
11
237
0.5
1
5
15
50
150
150+
Columns = resale price up to $X (log) · shade = cards in cell (log) · right & bottom = totals · white ring = this card

VariantsCard variants

Holofoil 218/203 · $1268.66 — the only variant this card was printed in (no reverse holo or special pattern), so a master set needs just this one copy.

Rayquaza flies through golden clouds at sunset. That's the image Anesaki Dynamic created for the Rayquaza VMAX Alternate Art from Evolving Skies. It's the second most valuable card in the set behind Moonbreon, and the best Dragon-type representation in the Sword & Shield era. When you see it, you understand why collectors want it.

The storyThe Dragon King of Evolving Skies

Evolving Skies split its attention between Eeveelutions and Dragons. Rayquaza represented the Dragons. The alternate art version became instantly desirable.

“Second highest value card in Evolving Skies”

Rayquaza has always been popular. It's the Pokemon that stopped Groudon and Kyogre from destroying the world. It got the first Mega Evolution reveal for X/Y. It's been a competitive powerhouse across every format it's touched. The fanbase runs deep.

This card gives that legendary status proper treatment. Flying through sunset clouds, looking peaceful instead of aggressive. It's a different take on Rayquaza. Instead of the usual battle pose, you're seeing the Sky High Pokemon in its element.

By the numbersMarket analysis

Price context

Second to Moonbreon in Evolving Skies value. Significantly more expensive than other Dragon alternate arts from the set like Dragonite. Rayquaza commands a premium that other Dragons don't.

Price trend

Followed the standard pattern. High release prices, correction, then stabilization. Has held up well compared to most modern cards. The combination of Rayquaza popularity and Evolving Skies reputation supports the price.

Investment outlook

Rayquaza popularity isn't going anywhere. The set's reputation is established. Both factors support long-term value. Market changes affect everything, but the fundamentals here are solid.

Demand drivers
Rayquaza is a legendary with a massive fanbaseThe artwork quality stands outAlternate art VMAXs are extremely rareDragon-type collectors specifically target this cardEvolving Skies has maintained its reputation
Graded premium

PSA 10 copies sell for about 1.5 to 2x raw prices. Print quality is generally good but check centering before submitting.

Approx. pull rate

One in roughly 400+ packs for any specific alternate art VMAX. The odds of pulling this Rayquaza specifically are very low.

Rarity context

Same rarity tier as other Evolving Skies alternate art VMAXs. Rayquaza's popularity pushes demand and prices above most of them. Only Moonbreon beats it.

ArtworkWhy the art matters

Card artwork
Artist · Anesaki Dynamic

Anesaki Dynamic creates action-oriented Pokemon TCG artwork with strong atmospheric effects. Good at capturing movement and energy in ways that feel natural.

The artwork

Rayquaza weaves through towering clouds lit by a golden sunset. The sky glows orange and yellow. The legendary serpent looks graceful, almost relaxed, gliding through its territory in the upper atmosphere. The scale of the clouds makes Rayquaza feel massive.

Technical details

The textured holofoil enhances the sunset colors. The gold and orange tones catch light and shift as you move the card. The foil makes the sky feel luminous. Recognised as one of the best holofoil treatments in the set.

What makes it special

Most Rayquaza cards show it attacking or roaring. This one shows it at peace. It's flying through the sky because that's where it lives. That calmness, combined with the sunset, gives the card an emotional quality that battle poses don't have.

BackgroundAbout Rayquaza VMAX Alternate Art Secret

Rayquaza appeared in Generation III with Ruby and Sapphire (2002). It calmed the fight between Groudon and Kyogre, becoming the hero of the Hoenn region. Pokemon Emerald made it the box legendary. It got the first Mega Evolution shown for X/Y, and Mega Rayquaza became so strong it got banned from competitive play.

Why fans love it
  • ›Dragon/Flying design combines two popular types
  • ›Hero of the Hoenn legendary conflict
  • ›First Mega Evolution revealed for Gen VI
  • ›The shiny black version is heavily sought after
  • ›Consistently strong in competitive formats
Notable appearances
  • ›Box legendary for Pokemon Emerald (2004)
  • ›Central to Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire's Delta Episode
  • ›Featured in multiple Pokemon movies
  • ›Stage hazard in Super Smash Bros
Competitive relevance

Mega Rayquaza was banned from standard competitive formats for being too strong. That kind of reputation carries over to the TCG. When Rayquaza cards are legal, they see play.

Own it wellCollector guide

Condition notes

Watch for centering and edge whitening. The golden colors can show print inconsistencies. Check textured areas for print lines.

Grading recommendation

High value makes grading worthwhile for clean copies. Check centering carefully. PSA, CGC, and BGS all work well for this card. Read the grading guide →

Storage advice

Double sleeve with a perfect fit, then into a rigid holder. Magnetic one-touch cases work well. Graded slabs provide the best long-term protection. Keep away from direct sunlight. See the storage guide →

Buying advice

TCGPlayer and eBay are the main markets. Check seller reputation carefully. Consider graded copies for expensive purchases. Condition varies a lot, so understand what you're paying for. See the singles buying guide →

Authentication tips

Value attracts counterfeits. Authentic cards have proper texture and correct card weight. The print should be sharp with accurate colors. Graded copies from reputable companies remove the guesswork.

Protect your card

High Chase Score — protect and consider grading. · Amazon affiliate links · Storage guide
Inner sleeveVault X Exact Fit SleevesA snug perfect-fit inner layer — double-sleeve valuable cards with these before the matte sleeve goes on.View on Amazon →Outer sleeveDragon Shield Matte SleevesMatte, archival-safe outer sleeves — the everyday standard for keeping surfaces and edges clean.View on Amazon →Rigid holderCardboard Gold Top LoadersPSA-recommended acid-free top loaders — rigid protection against bends and scratches on raw high-value cards.View on Amazon →Premium binderDragon Shield Card Codex 360A 360-card side-loading portfolio with a padded cover for long-term, display-safe storage.View on Amazon →

Word on the streetCommunity sentiment

Reception

Collectors debate whether this or Moonbreon is the better artwork in Evolving Skies. The consensus puts Moonbreon ahead on value, but many prefer the Rayquaza aesthetically. It's considered one of the best Rayquaza cards ever made.

Notable sales
  • ›PSA 10 copies perform well at auction consistently
  • ›One of the most watched cards on price tracking platforms
Social buzz

Regular feature in discussions about best modern cards. YouTube creators get strong engagement on Rayquaza VMAX pulls. The Evolving Skies alternate art collection, with Rayquaza as a centerpiece, is a collecting goal for many.

Good to knowFrequently asked questions

Yes, significantly. The alternate art has unique artwork and is much rarer. The price difference reflects both the better artwork and the scarcity of alternate art VMAX cards.
Vintage Rayquaza cards like the EX Deoxys Gold Star have their own collector base. This modern alternate art has achieved similar desirability through artwork quality and rarity. Different eras appeal to different collectors.
If it looks clean, yes. Check centering before submitting. PSA 10 or CGC 10 copies sell for a noticeable premium and provide authentication.
It combined all eight Eeveelutions with Dragon-type Pokemon, both popular themes. The alternate art quality across the set is high. Multiple chase cards came from it. The combination of themes and artwork quality gives it lasting appeal.

Keep collectingRelated cards

Rayquaza VMAX SecretSame PokemonRayquaza VMAX SecretUmbreon VMAX Alternate Art SecretSame Set Chase CardUmbreon VMAX Alternate Art SecretZinnias Resolve Full ArtSame SetZinnias Resolve Full Art
Game data
Type
Pokémon
Element
Dragon
Stage
VMAX
HP
320
Rarity
Secret Rare
Artist
Anesaki Dynamic
AbilityAzure Pulse
Once during your turn, you may discard your hand and draw 3 cards.
FLMax Burst
20+
You may discard any amount of basic Fire Energy or any amount of basic Lightning Energy from this Pokémon. This attack does 80 more damage for each card you discarded in this way.
Weakness
DDragonone
Resistance
DDragonone
Retreat
CC

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