Zarude 011/191 Holo Rare – Surging Sparks Near Mint Pokémon Card Guide
The Scarlet & Violet—Surging Sparks expansion brought a lot of attention back to Grass-type attackers, and Zarude 011/191 Holo Rare is one of the standout basic Pokémon from the set. This article walks you through what makes this card interesting for collectors, anime fans, and competitive-minded players—using a specific Near Mint listing as a reference point.
The eBay product we’re discussing appears to be a Near Mint (NM) ungraded copy of Zarude 011/191 Holo Rare from the Surging Sparks set, a standard-sized Pokémon TCG card with a regular holofoil finish. Below is a quick snapshot of the key details.
Zarude 011/191 Surging Sparks – Card Information
| Pokémon | Zarude |
|---|---|
| Set | Scarlet & Violet—Surging Sparks (SV08) |
| Card Number | 011/191 |
| Rarity | Holo Rare |
| Card Type | Grass |
| HP | 120 |
| Condition (listing) | Ungraded – appears Near Mint |
| Estimated Release Year | 2024 (Surging Sparks block) |
According to the official Pokémon TCG card database, Zarude from Surging Sparks is a Basic Grass-type Pokémon with 120 HP and two straightforward attacks: Leaf Drain and a stronger second attack that makes it a solid single-Prize attacker in the right build.
How Zarude 011/191 Fits Into the Pokémon Anime & Lore
Zarude is not just another Grass-type; it’s a Mythical Pokémon first introduced in Generation VIII. It played a major role in the anime film Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle, where Zarude are depicted as a reclusive, vine-wielding tribe living deep in the jungle. That prominent storyline made Zarude instantly recognizable to many anime fans, even outside the main series episodes.
In the games and wider lore, Zarude is known for its aggressive, agile fighting style and its ability to manipulate vines growing from its body. While the Surging Sparks card doesn’t explicitly reference the movie, the artwork—illustrated by GOSSAN according to the official database—captures Zarude’s wild, forest-dwelling nature with a dynamic pose that mirrors how it’s portrayed on screen and in promotional material.
For collectors who love tying their binders back to the anime, this Zarude holo rare is a neat representation of a modern Mythical Pokémon that has already had a feature film spotlight. If you enjoyed Secrets of the Jungle, this card is an accessible way to bring that era of the anime into your TCG collection without breaking the bank.
Because Surging Sparks is a Scarlet & Violet-era set, Zarude here is effectively a “new wave” printing of a Mythical that debuted in the Sword & Shield era. That cross-generational aspect may appeal to fans who are gradually migrating their binders from older Sword & Shield holo rares into more recent Scarlet & Violet foil styles.
Card Text & Attacks – What Zarude Actually Does
According to TCGplayer and the official database, Zarude 011/191 from Surging Sparks has the following key characteristics:
- Stage: Basic Pokémon
- Type: Grass
- HP: 120
- Rarity: Rare Holo
Its first attack is confirmed:
- Leaf Drain – [G] 20 damage
Heal 20 damage from this Pokémon.
The official database lists Leaf Drain but, at the time of writing, most quick summaries focus primarily on that first attack. The second attack on many Zarude prints is typically a heavier-hitting Grass move that scales with energy or has a damage boost, but if you’re buying specifically for game play, you’ll want to check a card image to confirm the exact text on this Surging Sparks version. The listing we’re referencing appears to show the standard holo rare Zarude, so it should match the SV08 wording.
From a gameplay perspective, two big things stand out:
- Single Grass attachment attack: Leaf Drain only costs one Grass Energy, making Zarude a fast, low-commitment attacker.
- Self-heal: Healing 20 damage may sound minor, but it can shift math against decks that rely on spread damage or two-hit knockouts.
Deck Strategy: How to Use Zarude from Surging Sparks
Zarude 011/191 is a single-Prize Basic attacker, and that role defines most of its strategic value. It’s not a flashy Pokémon ex, but it can be very useful in certain deck shells that care about tempo, prize trade, and basic Grass synergy.
1. Aggro Grass Decks and Early Pressure
In a Grass-focused deck, Zarude can serve as an early-game attacker that puts pressure on your opponent while you build a larger threat on the Bench. Being a Basic with only one Grass Energy required for Leaf Drain allows you to:
- Attack as soon as turn one going second (when attacking is allowed).
- Force your opponent to respond to chip damage while you set up multi-Prize Pokémon.
- Trade efficiently against low-HP evolving Basics or support Pokémon.
Healing 20 damage every turn also makes it awkward for decks that rely on smaller hits or incremental damage; they may need to overcommit just to score a knockout on a single-Prize attacker.
2. Single-Prize Trade & Prize Denial
Modern formats are often dominated by Pokémon ex and other multi-Prize threats. Having a 1-Prize Grass attacker with healing built in gives you a way to alter the prize race. If your opponent has to burn resources to KO a humble Zarude instead of your main ex attacker, you can sometimes gain a tempo advantage.
This is especially relevant if you run multiple copies of Zarude plus recovery cards. Constantly forcing your opponent to chase down single-Prize Pokémon can disrupt their prize mapping and extend the game long enough for you to take a decisive lead.
3. Grass Synergy and Support Cards
Grass has had access to various forms of energy acceleration and type-specific support across Scarlet & Violet. While the exact tier viability of Zarude will shift as the metagame evolves, some general synergies are worth mentioning without over-specifying rotating cards:
- Grass energy acceleration: Any card that attaches extra basic Grass Energy from deck or discard amplifies Zarude’s ability to power up a stronger second attack (if the Surging Sparks version follows that pattern).
- Healing and tanking tools: Tools or Trainer cards that add HP or additional healing can turn Zarude into a small but frustrating wall early in the game.
- Search and consistency cards: Modern search options make it easy to find single-Prize tech attackers like Zarude when you need them.
In short, Zarude is unlikely to be the centerpiece of a top-tier meta deck on its own, but it is a flexible role-player that can shine in Grass strategies that want a quick, self-sustaining attacker.
Players who enjoy building budget-friendly decks may also appreciate that holo rare cards like this are generally affordable. You can often pick up multiple copies from sellers specializing in Pokémon TCG singles without stretching your budget.
Collecting Value: Is Zarude 011/191 Worth Picking Up?
From a pure finance perspective, available data from price-tracking sites like PriceCharting and Sports Card Investor suggest that Zarude 011/191 Holo Rare from Surging Sparks trades in the low single-dollar range for raw Near Mint copies. Recent reported sales often sit around the $1–$2 range for ungraded NM cards, which lines up with the price on the listing described here.
That means this card is currently more of an accessible collection piece than a high-end investment. However, that doesn’t mean it has no long-term appeal. Several factors make Zarude 011/191 interesting for collectors:
- Mythical Pokémon status: Mythicals usually maintain a baseline level of fan interest over time.
- Anime movie connection: Zarude’s starring role in Secrets of the Jungle gives its cards a narrative hook beyond the games.
- Holo rare from a mainline set: While not ultra-rare, holo rares are still more desirable than plain rares for binder collectors.
- Scarlet & Violet holo pattern: Some fans specifically collect holo rares from each modern era for their unique foil styles.
If you’re building a Mythical Pokémon binder or a collection that traces the evolution of Grass-type holo rares over time, Zarude 011/191 slides in neatly as a modern entry. And because it’s currently affordable, it’s easy to pick up playsets or both the regular holo and reverse holo versions without much cost.
Understanding the Condition: What “Near Mint” Usually Means
The listing we’re using as a reference describes this Zarude as NM (Near Mint) and ungraded. That combination is common for recently pulled cards from modern sets like Surging Sparks. While grading standards vary slightly between sellers, “Near Mint” in the Pokémon TCG world typically means:
- Very light or no visible whitening on edges when viewed at normal distance.
- No major scratches, dents, or creases on the front holofoil surface.
- Clean corners with only tiny imperfections, if any.
- No obvious dirt, stains, water damage, or heavy play wear.
Because the card is ungraded, it hasn’t been officially evaluated by a grading company like PSA, CGC, or Beckett. If you’re extremely condition-sensitive or considering grading, you’ll want to look carefully at listing photos and potentially ask the seller for more images of the front and back. For casual collecting and gameplay, a genuine NM copy should be more than sufficient.
If you’re building a playset of near mint Pokémon cards for a deck or binder, ungraded NM copies like this are usually the best value compared to pre-graded slabs.
Artwork & Aesthetics: Why This Holo Rare Looks Great in a Binder
Artwork is subjective, but GOSSAN’s illustration of Zarude in Surging Sparks has several features that collectors tend to appreciate:
- Dynamic pose: Zarude is shown mid-action, emphasizing its feral, agile nature.
- Forest setting: The background environment supports Zarude’s jungle lore and movie depiction.
- Holofoil highlight: The holo layer helps the background and outline pop, especially under direct light.
Scarlet & Violet-era holo rares use a foil pattern that’s different from older Sword & Shield cards. If you enjoy comparing foil technologies across generations, this Zarude is a good representative of the Surging Sparks era. It also pairs nicely with any reverse holo version of Zarude 011/191 if you like arranging regular holo + reverse holo side by side in your binder.
For people who primarily collect collectible Pokémon cards rather than competitive staples, this particular Zarude card offers a nice balance: recognizable character, movie relevance, and a modern holo pattern—without the premium price tag associated with full arts or special rarity tiers.
Who Should Buy Zarude 011/191 Holo Rare?
Not every card is right for every player or collector. Zarude 011/191 Holo Rare from Surging Sparks is best suited for a few specific audiences.
1. Grass-Type & Zarude Fans
If Zarude is one of your favorite Pokémon because of Secrets of the Jungle or the video games, this card is a straightforward pickup. It represents a Scarlet & Violet-era printing of the Mythical and slots in well alongside older Zarude promos or Sword & Shield releases. Fans building a “Zarude page” in their binder will typically want a copy of this holo rare.
2. Budget & Casual TCG Players
For players who enjoy kitchen-table play or local league matches but don’t need the absolute top-tier meta deck, Zarude 011/191 is a cheap and cheerful attacker. Its single-Energy Leaf Drain attack means you can start swinging early, and the healing can make casual games more interactive and less swingy.
If you’re constructing a Grass deck that your friends can borrow, or a theme-style deck built purely from Surging Sparks, Zarude is a natural inclusion with a low cost of entry.
3. Set Completionists & Holo Rare Collectors
Many collectors aim to complete full Surging Sparks master sets, which means acquiring every card number, including holo rares and reverse holos. In that context, Zarude 011/191 is simply one of the required pieces. Because it’s a holo rare rather than an ultra rare, it’s relatively easy and affordable to obtain, making it a low-stress part of the completion journey.
Binder collectors who focus specifically on holo rares from each expansion may also want a copy, as it embodies both the set’s aesthetic and a notable Mythical Pokémon choice for the Grass slot at low card numbers in the set.
How This Listing Compares to Other Zarude 011/191 Cards
When you’re shopping online, you’ll often see multiple copies of the same card with slightly different descriptions: “LP,” “NM,” “reverse holo,” or “holofoil.” Based on the research available, here’s how this particular listing appears to compare:
- Condition: It is described as “NM” and “Ungraded,” which puts it at the higher end of raw condition compared with “LP” (Lightly Played) or “MP” (Moderately Played).
- Finish: The title notes “Holo Rare,” not “Reverse Holo,” so it appears to be the regular holo rare version rather than the reverse foil.
- Price point: The listed price of around $1.99 USD is in line with other NM singles and typical for a modern holo rare Zarude from Surging Sparks based on external price-tracking references.
If you simply want a clean copy for a binder page or deck, this sort of listing is usually ideal. Collectors seeking graded pieces might instead hunt for well-centered copies with sharp corners and later submit them to grading services, but that’s optional for a modern holo rare at this price level.
Shops that specialize in Pokémon TCG singles often stock multiple copies of the same Surging Sparks cards, which can be useful if you’re trying to grab a full set of Grass-types or a 4x playset of Zarude for deck building.
Tips for Buying Zarude 011/191 Online
If you’ve decided this Zarude belongs in your collection or deck, keep a few basic best practices in mind when purchasing online:
- Check photos carefully: Zoom in on corners, edges, and the holo surface to confirm the condition looks consistent with “Near Mint.”
- Read the description: Make sure the listing explicitly says “holo” or “holo rare” if that’s what you want, rather than reverse holo or non-holo.
- Look at seller feedback: High feedback scores and positive reviews for accuracy and shipping are good signs when buying collectible Pokémon cards.
- Confirm set and numbering: Ensure the card is indeed SV08 Surging Sparks 011/191, as Zarude has other printings in different sets.
Following these steps will help ensure that the card you receive matches your expectations, whether you’re chasing pristine binder copies or simply want a solid playset for your Grass deck.
FAQ – Zarude 011/191 Holo Rare (Surging Sparks)
Is Zarude 011/191 from Surging Sparks good in competitive play?
Zarude 011/191 is more of a solid role-player than a top-tier competitive staple. Its one-Energy Leaf Drain attack provides early pressure and self-healing, which can be useful in budget or Grass-themed decks. However, most top meta lists tend to center around stronger multi-Prize attackers and more specialized single-Prize techs. Zarude is best seen as a flexible, low-cost option rather than a flagship competitive card.
What is the current value of Zarude 011/191 Holo Rare?
Recent sales data from tracking sites show raw Near Mint copies of Zarude 011/191 Holo Rare often selling in the $1–$2 USD range. Prices can fluctuate slightly based on condition, seller, and whether the card is regular holo or reverse holo. Always check up-to-date listings and sold-item history for the most accurate current value.
What’s the difference between the regular holo and reverse holo Zarude 011/191?
Both versions use the same artwork and card text, but the foil pattern differs:
- Regular holo rare: The Pokémon artwork box is holofoil, while the rest of the card remains non-holo.
- Reverse holo: The card’s background (outside the artwork window) is holofoil, while the art box itself is usually non-holo.
Collectors often pick up both versions for master sets or to complete a dedicated Zarude page in their binders.
Is this Zarude card related to the Pokémon anime or movie?
While the card itself doesn’t directly reference the film, it features Zarude, the Mythical Pokémon that stars in Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle. The Surging Sparks holo rare captures Zarude’s jungle-dwelling, vine-wielding aesthetic, which lines up closely with how it’s portrayed in the movie and broader lore.
Should I grade my Zarude 011/191 Holo Rare?
Grading is a personal choice. Because Zarude 011/191 is a modern holo rare with relatively low raw value, grading is usually more about personal enjoyment and preservation than profit. If you have an exceptionally clean, well-centered copy and you love Zarude as a character, grading could be worthwhile for your collection. If you’re mainly concerned with gameplay or casual collecting, keeping it ungraded in a sleeve and binder is usually sufficient.
Where can I find more Near Mint Surging Sparks singles?
Many online sellers stock Surging Sparks cards. If you’re looking for more NM Grass-types or other holo rares to round out your deck or binder, you can browse a wider selection of collectible Pokémon cards from dedicated TCG stores on marketplaces like eBay.
Whether you’re a Zarude fan, a Grass-type enthusiast, or just filling out your Surging Sparks set, Zarude 011/191 Holo Rare is a low-cost, flavorful addition that connects the modern Scarlet & Violet TCG era with one of the more memorable Mythical Pokémon from the anime movie line.
