The Guardians of the Galaxy are a team of intergalactic outlaws and mercenaries led by Star-Lord who primarily defend the Andromeda galaxy. The team was founded in 2014 when Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, Groot and Drax the Destroyer assembled to save Xandar from being decimated by Ronan the Accuser. Recognized by the Nova Empire, the Guardians were hired shortly after by the Sovereign's leader Ayesha to defeat an Abilisk, but became their enemies when Rocket stole from them. They gained three new members in Mantis, Nebula and Yondu Udonta when they banded together to defeat Ego, which resulted in Udonta's death. Nebula then left the team as the remaining Guardians resumed their cosmic adventures. Four years after that, the Guardians joined forces with the Avengers to stop Thanos from collecting the Infinity Stones. However, Gamora was kidnapped by Thanos who later sacrificed her for the Soul Stone. Despite their best efforts to stop him, they were defeated on Titan and Wakanda as Thanos completed the Infinity Gauntlet, using it to murder half the universe's population. The Guardians of the Galaxy then ceased to exist as most of its members were now dead, with the only survivors, Rocket and Nebula, officially joining the Avengers. The Guardians of the Galaxy were reassembled in 2023 when most of their members, with the sole exception of Gamora, were resurrected by the Avengers. They participated in the battle against another Thanos alongside an alternate Gamora, both of whom had come from another timeline. Following their victory, the Guardians departed Earth with Thor, who joined the group, with Kraglin Obfonteri joining them shortly after. As they returned to defend the cosmos, the Guardians undertook several missions, culminating in the Battle of Indigarr. After the battle, the team learned of the rampage of Gorr the God Butcher, prompting Thor to leave the group. The Guardians then purchased Knowhere from the Collector, where they found Cosmo, who became their new member. They worked to transform Knowhere into their official headquarters and celebrated Christmas with Kevin Bacon, whom they had kidnapped.