Big monsters and tiny, gem-eating gremlins shouldn't work together. Yet, in the weird world of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, they do.
When Sableye & Tyranitar-GX first dropped in the Unified Minds expansion back in 2019, people were kinda confused. You had this massive, 280 HP behemoth paired with a creature that literally fits in its hand. But if you've spent any time on the ladder or at locals lately, you know this duo is more than just a weird art piece by Mitsuhiro Arita. It's a powerhouse that refuses to go away.
Honestly, the card is a beast.
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What makes Sableye & Tyranitar-GX so dangerous?
Most players look at the energy cost and immediately check out. Five Darkness energies? In this economy? It sounds like a death sentence. But the payoff is where the "Greedy" part of the card name comes in.
The first attack, Greedy Crush, hits for 210 damage. That’s a decent chunk, but the secondary effect is the real kicker: if you knock out an opponent's Pokémon-GX or Pokémon-EX with it, you take an extra prize card.
In a game where the prize race is everything, taking three or four prizes in a single swing is basically a "delete" button for your opponent's hope.
Then there’s the GX attack. Gigafall-GX. 250 damage is scary enough, but if you’ve got five extra energy attached (for a total of ten), you discard the top 15 cards of your opponent's deck.
I’ve seen entire matches end instantly because a player lost their only remaining win conditions to the discard pile. It's mean. It's salty. It's exactly what Darkness decks are supposed to do.
The current meta and the "Sabletar" comeback
You’ve probably noticed that older Tag Team cards are having a bit of a moment in Expanded formats and retro-cups. Why? Because the HP creep hasn't quite rendered 280 HP obsolete yet.
While newer VSTAR and ex cards are faster, they don't always have the "swing" potential of Sableye & Tyranitar-GX.
Building around the heavy energy cost
How do you actually get five energies on this thing without getting knocked out first? You don't just manual attach every turn. That’s a recipe for disaster.
- Dark Patch: This is your bread and butter. Getting energy from the discard onto your benched Darkness Pokémon is the only way to keep pace.
- Weavile-GX: Its "Shadow Connection" ability lets you move those energies around freely. You can power up a smaller attacker, then shift everything to the Tag Team when it's time for the big play.
- Galarian Moltres V: Even though it's a newer card, its "Direflame Wings" ability is a perfect battery for this deck.
Most people get it wrong by trying to lead with the Tag Team. Don't. You've got to hide it. Keep it on the bench, load it up, and bring it out only when you can guaranteed a "Greedy Crush" knockout.
Market value: More than just a game piece
If you’re looking at your binder and wondering if that Alternate Full Art version is worth anything, the answer is a resounding yes.
As of early 2026, the Sableye & Tyranitar-GX Alt Art (#226/236) is sitting at a pretty penny. We’re talking anywhere from $150 to $250 depending on the day and the condition. Even the standard Ultra Rare and the Rainbow Rare versions hold steady because collectors love the Mitsuhiro Arita artwork.
The Japanese "SA" (Special Art) version from Miracle Twins is even higher, often crossing the $1,000 mark for PSA 10 copies.
It’s a "chase card" in every sense of the word. People love the contrast between the two Pokémon. It captures a specific era of the TCG where Tag Teams were the undisputed kings of the table.
Dealing with the Fighting weakness
Every king has a weakness. For this card, it’s Fighting types.
One well-placed attack from a Marshadow or any relevant Fighting-type ex can one-shot your 280 HP investment. Since your opponent takes three prizes for a Tag Team knockout, you basically lose half the game in one turn.
Smart players tech in things like Big Charm or Buff Padding to push that HP past the 300 mark. It’s not a perfect fix, but it forces your opponent to find more resources to get the kill.
Actionable advice for collectors and players
If you want to play or invest in this card, here is the reality.
First, check your energy acceleration. If your deck can't get four energies on the board by turn three, Sableye & Tyranitar-GX will just be a very expensive paperweight. Use cards like Dark Patch or even the newer energy acceleration engines in Expanded to make it viable.
Second, if you're buying for investment, focus on the Alt Art. The standard Full Art and Rainbow Rares are cool, but the Alt Art has the "collector's soul" that keeps value high long-term. Look for clean centering on the back; these Sun & Moon era cards were notorious for being slightly off-kilter.
Finally, keep an eye on the "Prize Trade." Playing a Tag Team is a massive risk. You are giving your opponent a three-prize target. Only bench this duo if you have a clear path to taking at least three prizes yourself with that first Greedy Crush. If you can't guarantee that trade, you're better off sticking to single-prize attackers until the board is softened up.
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The era of Tag Teams might be technically over in Standard play, but the legacy of this specific card lives on through its sheer, oppressive power. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the biggest threats come in the weirdest pairings.
To get the most out of your card, prioritize finding a "Shadow Connection" Weavile-GX to manage your board state effectively. If you're purely a collector, aim for the 226/236 Alternate Art in Near Mint condition, as supply for high-grade copies is tightening significantly this year.