Alolan Raichu 31/111 Holo Rare (Crimson Invasion) – Collectors, Anime Fans & TCG Players Guide
If you love the Alola era of Pokémon, this Alolan Raichu 31/111 Holo Rare from Sun & Moon: Crimson Invasion is a fun, affordable card that hits three sweet spots at once: anime nostalgia, collecting value, and real gameplay potential.
This particular listing appears to offer an ungraded, Near Mint (NM) Alolan Raichu 31/111 with a holofoil finish from the Crimson Invasion set, released in 2017.
Quick Card Information
| Card Name | Alolan Raichu |
|---|---|
| Set | Sun & Moon: Crimson Invasion |
| Card Number | 31/111 |
| Rarity | Holo Rare |
| Type | Lightning |
| HP | 110 |
| Condition (Listing) | Near Mint (ungraded) |
| Year | 2017 (Crimson Invasion release) |
This guide walks through everything you need to know about this card: what makes Alolan Raichu special in the anime and games, how the Crimson Invasion 31/111 Holo fits into a modern Pokémon collection, and how to use it effectively in casual Pokémon TCG decks.
Alolan Raichu in the Pokémon World and Anime
Alolan Raichu is the regional variant of the classic Raichu from the Alola region, first introduced in Pokémon Sun & Moon. Instead of being a pure Electric-type like Kanto Raichu, Alolan Raichu is an Electric/Psychic dual-type that famously rides its tail like a surfboard. According to Bulbapedia, Alolan Raichu uses psychokinesis to control electricity and glides through the air, attacking with star-shaped thunderbolts.
In the Pokémon anime, Alolan Raichu is often associated with the relaxed, beachy culture of Alola. It appears in various episodes as a cheerful, surfing companion, leaning into that psychic surfing motif that fans love. While this specific Crimson Invasion card is a Lightning-type in the TCG (not Psychic), the artwork and holo treatment evoke that energetic, whimsical version of Raichu that anime fans recognize from the Sun & Moon series.
For collectors who enjoy tying their binders to the anime storyline, this 2017 Alolan Raichu 31/111 Holo Rare captures the era when Ash was traveling through Alola, encountering regional variants like this one for the first time. It’s a nice snapshot of that specific time in Pokémon history.
Because Alolan Raichu is an evolution of Pikachu, many Pikachu and Raichu collectors also try to track down all regional variants. This Crimson Invasion printing slots neatly alongside earlier Sun & Moon Pikachu cards and later Alolan Raichu releases, giving anime-era collectors a consistent theme across their Electric Pokémon pages.
Card Details and Effects – What Alolan Raichu 31/111 Actually Does
From TCGplayer’s database and Crimson Invasion set information, the Alolan Raichu 31/111 Holo Rare has the following notable gameplay features:
- Stage: Stage 1 (evolves from Pikachu)
- Type: Lightning
- HP: 110
- Ability: Surge Surfer
- Main attack: A Lightning-type attack that increases damage based on Energy attached to your opponent’s Active Pokémon
- Weakness: Fighting ×2
- Resistance: Metal −20
- Retreat Cost: 2 Colorless
The exact card text for Surge Surfer, based on official listings, is roughly:
Ability — Surge Surfer: If there is any Stadium card in play, this Pokémon has no Retreat Cost.
Its attack text (paraphrased from TCGplayer’s description) is:
[L][C] – This attack does 20 more damage times the amount of Energy attached to your opponent’s Active Pokémon.
The important part for players is that Surge Surfer effectively makes Alolan Raichu a free retreater whenever any Stadium is on the board, yours or your opponent’s. That ties nicely into strategy, which we’ll discuss below.
Why This Holo Rare Matters for Collectors
Crimson Invasion is part of the early Sun & Moon block, a period that introduced many Alola-native Pokémon and regional forms. While it isn’t the most premium set of the era, it’s increasingly appreciated by collectors who like filling in all the mainline Sun & Moon holo rares without breaking the bank.
From a collecting standpoint, the Alolan Raichu 31/111 Holo Rare checks several important boxes:
- Fan-favorite Pokémon line: Pikachu → Raichu has always been highly collected.
- Regional variant: Alolan forms are a unique, time-contained concept from Gen 7.
- Main set holo rare: Not a promo; it’s a pack-pulled holo with its own set numbering.
- Accessible price: Market data from TCGplayer shows raw holo copies generally in the low single digits (values fluctuate, but this aligns with a budget-friendly rare).
PriceCharting and TCGplayer both show that this card’s typical raw value (Near Mint, ungraded) tends to stay in a modest range, often around 1–3 USD at the time of writing, depending on condition and market swings. The specific listing you’re looking at is priced around $3.49 USD in Near Mint condition, which is consistent with a clean, holo rare from this era being sold as a collectible single.
Because it’s ungraded, this isn’t positioned as an ultra-high-end investment piece. Instead, it’s a solid binder card for collectors who want a shiny Alolan Raichu without paying grading fees. Many collectors start by buying near mint Pokémon cards like this to complete a Crimson Invasion master set or to fill an Electric-type page focused on the Pikachu evolution line.
Condition and What “Near Mint” Usually Means
The product information for this Alolan Raichu lists the card as Near Mint (NM) and ungraded. In the Pokémon TCG community, Near Mint typically means:
- Very light or no edge whitening
- No major scratching or crease damage on the surface
- No bends, dents, or water damage
- Centering may not be perfect, but is generally acceptable for casual collectors
This listing appears to show a holofoil copy with minimal visible wear in the photos (always zoom in on the edges and holo area to check for micro-scratches). For a 2017 holo rare that’s been out of print for years, NM is usually considered a strong, binder-worthy condition.
Because the card is ungraded, it’s not guaranteed to hit a specific PSA or BGS grade if you choose to submit it. However, many collectors simply prefer keeping these Sun & Moon holos in toploaders or binders rather than sending them to grading services, especially when the raw card price is in the low dollar range.
If you’re building a Sun & Moon binder and specifically want clean, presentable copies, shopping from a store that regularly lists Pokémon TCG singles in Near Mint condition is a good way to standardize the look of your collection pages.
Artwork and Holo Pattern
While the product photos are relatively small, the Crimson Invasion Alolan Raichu 31/111 artwork is known for showcasing the Pokémon in an energetic, action-oriented pose that leans into its Electric-type identity. The background and holo layer give a sense of motion, echoing its anime portrayal gliding across the battlefield or surf-like surfaces.
Sun & Moon-era holos often feature a more subtle foil pattern compared to older WotC-era cards, but they still catch the light nicely in a binder or graded case. On this card, the holo sits behind the artwork, giving Alolan Raichu a sort of electric aura when tilted under a light source.
For collectors who appreciate the evolution of Pokémon TCG foiling—Base Set stars, EX-era cosmos foil, XY and SM holo treatments—this card is a nice example of mid-generation Sun & Moon holo design. It’s not overly flashy, but it has a modern, clean look that contrasts well with vintage Pikachu/Raichu cards.
As a Holo Rare rather than a reverse holo, the character art is the focus, and the foil effect enhances Raichu itself rather than just the card frame. If you like Electric types, this makes a good centerpiece in a row of Lightning Pokémon.
Gameplay Use: How to Build Around Alolan Raichu (Crimson Invasion)
Although Crimson Invasion is no longer in Standard format, Alolan Raichu 31/111 is still very playable in casual, kitchen-table, and expanded-style decks. Its mix of a helpful ability and a scaling attack makes it more than just a binder card.
Surge Surfer – Mobility Is Everything
Surge Surfer, which gives Alolan Raichu free retreat when any Stadium card is in play, opens up some flexible strategies:
- Pivot Pokémon: Use Alolan Raichu as the Pokémon you promote when knocked out or after a switch effect. With a Stadium in play, you can freely retreat into your main attacker.
- Ability chaining: If your deck runs multiple bench-sitters with strong abilities (Jirachi, Tapu Lele, or other format-legal options depending on where you play), Raichu can move in and out of the Active Spot to reset abilities that trigger on promotion.
- Stadium control: Since Surge Surfer cares about any Stadium, your own Stadium cards become even more valuable. Cards that are already staples in many formats—like Thunder Mountain {*} back when it was legal, or generic Stadiums that boost damage or consistency—double as mobility tools for Raichu.
In casual play, a Lightning deck that runs several Stadiums often treats Alolan Raichu as its flexible “glue” card—never the star of the show, but always doing small things that matter over the course of a game.
Energy-Based Damage – Punishing Heavy Attackers
Alolan Raichu’s attack scales its damage based on the amount of Energy attached to your opponent’s Active Pokémon. This means it naturally preys on:
- Big Basic attackers that need three or more Energy to swing
- GX, V, or EX-style threats in formats where they’re allowed, which often load up energy quickly
- Decks that accelerate energy to a single main attacker rather than spreading it around
While the base damage is modest, the scaling can become significant if your opponent stacks energy on one Pokémon. In some casual games, it can become a surprise finisher that turns an energy-rich threat into a liability.
Because its attack cost is relatively low (Lightning plus Colorless), it’s also reasonably quick to set up in Lightning decks that already run standard acceleration tools or manual attachments over a couple of turns.
Deck Ideas Featuring Alolan Raichu 31/111
Here are a few ways players can slot this card into fun decks, especially in non-tournament or legacy-style playgroups:
1. Lightning Toolbox Decks
Lightning decks often rely on a suite of attackers and support Pokémon that cover each other’s weaknesses. Alolan Raichu fits as:
- A secondary attacker that punishes high-energy threats
- A pivot Pokémon thanks to Surge Surfer
- A Stage 1 evolution that benefits from Pikachu’s synergy with other Lightning-support cards
In a toolbox shell, you might run a line like 2 Pikachu / 2 Alolan Raichu alongside other Electric attackers. Surge Surfer ensures that even if Alolan Raichu isn’t attacking, it’s still contributing by making your board more agile.
2. Theme Deck-Style Upgrades
Many casual players modify official theme decks or preconstructed products. Because this Alolan Raichu comes from the Crimson Invasion era, it’s a natural upgrade for any older Lightning-based theme deck that lacks mobility and scaling damage. Swapping in Alolan Raichu gives you:
- Better retreat options for clunky, high-retreat Pokémon
- A stronger mid-game attacker against energy-heavy foes
- An evolution line that ties into Pikachu’s widespread support across the TCG
Compared to many theme-deck Stage 1s from that era, Alolan Raichu’s combination of ability and attack is generally more interesting and interactive.
3. Budget-Friendly Casual Builds
Because this card is not ultra-rare or high-value, it’s ideal for players on a budget. You can build a casual Electric deck featuring a playset of Alolan Raichu without spending much. Cards like this are perfect for teaching new players or playing with friends who enjoy the vibe of the Sun & Moon anime but don’t want to chase the latest, most expensive staples.
For budget-minded collectors who also play, picking up collectible Pokémon cards in the 1–5 USD range is a smart way to overlap hobbies: your deck pieces also look great in a binder.
Comparing Alolan Raichu 31/111 to Other Printings
Alolan Raichu has appeared in multiple sets and promos across the Sun & Moon era and beyond. This Crimson Invasion holo has a few traits that distinguish it from other versions:
- Main-set holo vs. promo: Some Alolan Raichu cards are tied to specific promo products. 31/111 is a straightforward, pack-pulled holo from a booster set, which some collectors prefer.
- Crimson Invasion numbering: Collectors trying to complete the set need this specific 31/111 copy, not just any Alolan Raichu.
- Deck-exclusive variant noted by databases: Some entries list this card as part of deck exclusives as well, but the artwork and card number remain the main reference point for collectors.
Value-wise, most Alolan Raichu holo rares from this era sit in a similar range unless they’re part of a particularly scarce promo run. The Crimson Invasion 31/111 version holds steady as a mid-tier, affordable holo that sees the most interest from Pikachu/Raichu collectors and Sun & Moon set-builders.
If you already own other Alolan Raichu versions, this card complements them nicely, especially if you sort your binders chronologically by set. It’s an important piece in telling the story of how the TCG represented Alolan forms during the Gen 7 generation.
Who Is This Card Best For?
Because it has crossover appeal, this Alolan Raichu 31/111 Holo Rare works for several types of collectors and players:
Anime Fans
If you enjoyed Ash’s Alola journey and the soft, tropical aesthetic of the Sun & Moon anime, this card is a direct tie-in to that era. The Pokémon itself is canon to the show, and the artwork reflects the high-energy, friendly personality Alolan Raichu often shows on screen.
Set Collectors
If you’re trying to complete Sun & Moon: Crimson Invasion, this is a required holo rare. Getting it in Near Mint ungraded condition at a reasonable price is usually the most efficient way to check it off your list and keep your binder pages uniform.
Casual TCG Players
If you play casually with friends or family, this card offers:
- A fun, honest power level—strong but not oppressive
- Useful mechanics: mobility via Surge Surfer and scaling damage
- An evolution line everyone recognizes and enjoys
It’s the type of card that helps newer players learn the value of positioning, energy management, and Stadium control without requiring deep knowledge of top-tier meta strategies.
Long-Term Outlook and Collectibility
While no one can guarantee future prices, we can talk about general trends: Pikachu, Raichu, and related forms tend to hold steady collector interest over time because they’re franchise mascots and long-standing fan favorites.
This particular Alolan Raichu 31/111 Holo Rare is not a chase card in the same sense as secret rares or alt-arts from modern sets. Instead, its collectibility is supported by:
- The enduring popularity of Pikachu and its evolutions
- The limited time frame of Alolan forms being actively printed
- Its position in a now out-of-print Sun & Moon expansion
Price data from sources like TCGplayer and PriceCharting show relatively stable, low-dollar values for Near Mint copies, with mild fluctuations rather than extreme spikes. That makes it a low-risk, high-fun pickup for collectors who care more about theme and aesthetic than speculative value.
If you like the idea of slowly assembling an Alolan-themed binder page—Alolan Raichu, Alolan Ninetales, Alolan Marowak, and so on—this card is essential. Its holo finish and recognizable artwork help anchor such a page visually.
FAQ: Alolan Raichu 31/111 Holo Rare (Crimson Invasion)
Is Alolan Raichu 31/111 from Crimson Invasion worth buying?
If you’re a fan of Pikachu and Raichu, the Alola region, or Sun & Moon-era artwork, this card is a strong value pick. It’s usually affordable in Near Mint condition, has solid holo artwork, and sees occasional use in casual TCG play thanks to Surge Surfer and its scaling attack.
Is this card good in competitive TCG play today?
In official current Standard formats, Crimson Invasion is rotated out, so this card is mainly used in Expanded, casual, or house-rule formats. Within those settings, it’s not a top-tier meta staple but can absolutely pull its weight in budget Lightning decks and fun thematic builds.
What does Surge Surfer actually do?
Surge Surfer is an ability that effectively removes Alolan Raichu’s retreat cost as long as any Stadium card is in play. That means you can promote it to the Active Spot and then retreat for free back into your main attacker, giving your board a lot more flexibility.
Is the listed card graded?
No. The product details describe the card as ungraded Near Mint. That means it has not been sent to grading services like PSA, BGS, or CGC. The condition description is based on the seller’s assessment and the visible photos.
Is Alolan Raichu Electric/Psychic in the TCG like in the games?
In the video games and lore, Alolan Raichu is Electric/Psychic. In the Pokémon TCG, however, this Crimson Invasion 31/111 version is printed as a Lightning-type only. The Psychic side of its identity is reflected more in its ability and attack design, not in a secondary TCG type.
How rare is the 31/111 Holo compared to the reverse holo?
Both the regular holo 31/111 and its reverse holo counterpart are available in Crimson Invasion packs. Market listings suggest the regular holo and reverse holo typically sit in a similar price band, with small variations depending on condition and demand. The card featured here appears to be the standard holo rare, not the reverse holo.
Where can I find more cards like this?
You can browse additional Pokémon TCG singles and similar Sun & Moon-era holo rares through the seller’s store at this Pokémon card storefront on eBay. It’s a convenient way to pick up other Electric-types, Alolan forms, and Near Mint holo rares to round out your collection.
Should I grade this card?
Grading is a personal choice. Because the raw value of Alolan Raichu 31/111 Holo Rare is relatively low, most collectors do not grade it unless they have a particularly pristine copy or are building a graded Pikachu/Raichu evolution showcase. If you simply want it for a binder or casual play, keeping it ungraded in a sleeve and toploader is usually enough.
Is this card a good gift for a Pokémon fan?
Yes. Alolan Raichu is widely liked, and this holo rare is an affordable, visually appealing card that fits well into a small gift bundle, especially if the recipient watched the Sun & Moon anime or likes Electric-type Pokémon.
Overall, the Alolan Raichu 31/111 Holo Rare from Sun & Moon: Crimson Invasion is a great example of a card that blends anime flavor, collecting appeal, and solid casual gameplay into a single, accessible package.
