EX Crystal Guardians

EX Crystal Guardians is the fourteenth Pokémon Trading Card Game set released by Pokémon USA. It is set on an unknown island inhabited by Pokémon and Delta Species Pokémon. It marks the return of Delta Species Pokémon, after they debuted in EX Delta Species and then returned in EX Holon Phantoms. The set symbol is a crystal.

Pokémon-ex
Pokémon-ex are incredibly powerful. Their HP are usually far above that of their regular form, and they are much stronger. On occasions, some Pokémon-ex, such as Steelix ex, have two Resistances, and some have no Weakness (such as Jirachi ex). Some, however, such as Typhlosion ex, have two Weaknesses, putting them at a disadvantage. Another disadvantage of Pokémon-ex is that when Knocked Out, the player who has done so must take two Prize cards instead of the usual one.

Pokémon-*
Pokémon-* tend to be fairly similar to Pokémon-ex in that their HP are sometimes elevated and they can sometimes be stronger than their regular counterparts. However, this is not as regular in Pokémon-* as it is in Pokémon-ex. Pokémon-* usually appear in sets in groups of three; for example, Mudkip, Treecko and Torchic and Regirock, Regice and Registeel. Only one Pokémon-* may be put in a deck, regardless of whether it is a 30-card deck or a 60-card deck.

Delta Species Pokémon
Delta Species Pokémon are Pokémon that have had their genes modified, causing a disturbance in their regular pattern - as well as their natural types. Delta Species Pokémon behave in a very similar way to normal Pokémon: you can evolve a Delta Species Pokémon from a normal Pokémon and vice versa, and they can use the vast majority of Trainer and Energy cards that can be used by normal Pokémon. Delta Species Pokémon also have some Trainer and Energy cards that can be used exclusively with them, such as Holon Researcher.