Collector’s Guide: Dark Machoke (Team Rocket #40)

Quick Facts

Dark Machoke is a Fighting-type Stage 1 Pokémon from the Team Rocket set, numbered 40. It has 60 HP and is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita. This card features two attacks: Drag Off, which allows you to switch your opponent’s Benched Pokémon with their Active Pokémon before dealing 20 damage, and Knock Back, which deals 30 damage and forces your opponent to switch their Active Pokémon with one of their Benched Pokémon. The card’s flavor text notes that while Machoke is usually peaceful, incidents involving cruel Machokes are increasing.

• HP: 60
• Type: Fighting
• Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Machop)
• Retreat Cost: 2
• Weakness: Psychic ×2
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Legality: unknown

Key Printings

This exact printing of Dark Machoke appears only in the Team Rocket set (set code: base5). It is a non-holo uncommon card, featuring classic Mitsuhiro Arita artwork.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include:

• Card Number: 40
• Set: Team Rocket (base5)
• Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
• Stage: Stage 1
• Type: Fighting
• No regulation mark present

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the condition and value of this Dark Machoke card:

• Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader or card holder.
• Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the artwork.
• Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
• Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the card surface.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

• Team Rocket (base5): Introduced Dark Pokémon with a darker theme and unique artwork. Dark Machoke fits the set’s motif as a powerful Fighting-type with disruptive attacks that manipulate the opponent’s board state.