Category: Pokemon

  • Collector’s Guide: Rose (Darkness Ablaze #196)

    Rose (Darkness Ablaze 196) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Rose is a Rare Rainbow card from the Darkness Ablaze set, numbered 196. Its rainbow treatment and distinctive rarity make it a standout pick for collectors seeking vibrant, high-impact additions.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 196 Rare Rainbow Naoki Saito
    • Card ID: swsh3-196
    • Stage: Supporter
    • Subtype: Supporter
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Rules: Attach up to 2 basic Energy cards from your discard pile to 1 of your Pokémon VMAX. If you attached any Energy cards in this way, discard your hand. You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.
    • Weaknesses/Resistances: None listed
    • Abilities/Attacks: None

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Rose appears solely in the Darkness Ablaze set as card number 196. It is a Rare Rainbow variant, making it a visually distinctive and collectible card within the Sword & Shield series.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. The card is identified by its set code “swsh3” and number “196.” The illustrator credit goes to Naoki Saito, whose artwork is a key identifier for this printing.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its unique Supporter rule allows attaching Energy cards from the discard pile to a Pokémon VMAX, adding a tactical option at the cost of discarding your hand.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vibrant artwork and maintain the card’s condition, store Rose in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and unique art style, handling with clean hands and keeping it in a rigid top-loader or binder is recommended.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: Rose appears as a Rare Rainbow Supporter card, notable for its strategic energy attachment rule and striking Naoki Saito illustration. This set emphasizes powerful VMAX strategies, and Rose supports that theme with its energy recovery mechanic.

    Rose Darkness Ablaze 196

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    Rose (Darkness Ablaze) #196

  • Collector’s Guide: Rillaboom (Darkness Ablaze #197)

    Rillaboom – Darkness Ablaze Rare Secret Guide

    Character Intro

    Rillaboom from the Darkness Ablaze set is a Rare Secret card numbered 197. This vibrant Pokémon boasts 170 HP and features the ability Voltage Beat and the attack Hammer In. Its striking presence makes it a notable addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 197 Rare Secret 170 5ban Graphics
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Stage 2 (Evolves from Thwackey)
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Flavor Text: By drumming, it taps into the power of its special tree stump. The roots of the stump follow its direction in battle.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Darkness Ablaze set, numbered 197, and classified as a Rare Secret card. It features the ability Voltage Beat, which allows searching for and attaching Grass Energy cards, and the attack Hammer In, dealing 140 damage with a cost of three Grass and one Colorless Energy.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by its set code “swsh3-197,” rarity as Rare Secret, and the illustrator credit to 5ban Graphics. The card’s regulation mark is D, which helps distinguish it within the Sword & Shield series.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.
      Its ability to accelerate Grass Energy and high-damage attack make it a potentially strategic choice in casual play, though official tournament use is not confirmed.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vibrant artwork and maintain card condition, store this card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity status, consider using a top loader or a rigid case for long-term protection.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: Introduced this powerful Rillaboom variant with a unique ability to accelerate Grass Energy and a strong attack, complementing the set’s theme of intense battles and dynamic Pokémon abilities.

    Rillaboom Darkness Ablaze

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    Rillaboom (Darkness Ablaze) #197

  • Collector’s Guide: Coalossal (Darkness Ablaze #198)

    Coalossal – Darkness Ablaze (swsh3-198) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Coalossal from the Darkness Ablaze set is a Rare Secret card numbered 198. This sturdy Pokémon boasts 160 HP and features the ability Tar Generator. Its attack, Flaming Avalanche, adds a dynamic edge to its battle strategy.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 198 Rare Secret 160 PLANETA Tsuji
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 2 (evolves from Carkol)
    • Ability: Tar Generator – Attach Fire and/or Fighting Energy cards from your discard pile once per turn
    • Attack: Flaming Avalanche – 130 damage, costs Fighting + 3 Colorless Energy
    • Retreat Cost: 4
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Flavor Text: “It’s usually peaceful, but the vandalism of mines enrages it. Offenders will be incinerated with flames that reach 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit.”
    • Regulation Mark: D

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Darkness Ablaze expansion, card number 198, classified as a Rare Secret. It is illustrated by PLANETA Tsuji.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identifiers include the set code “swsh3,” regulation mark “D,” and the card number 198. The card’s rarity is Rare Secret, making it a notable find for collectors.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • Not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats (according to the provided data).

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vibrant artwork and maintain card condition, store this Rare Secret card in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its high retreat cost and energy requirements, it is a strategic piece for collectors rather than casual play.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: Introduced Coalossal with a unique ability to recycle energies from the discard pile, emphasizing strategic energy management. This set’s Coalossal card stands out for its high HP and powerful attack, making it a prized collectible in the Sword & Shield series.

    Coalossal Darkness Ablaze

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    Coalossal (Darkness Ablaze) #198

  • Collector’s Guide: Big Parasol (Darkness Ablaze #199)

    Collector’s Guide: Big Parasol (Darkness Ablaze #199)

    Big Parasol: Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Big Parasol is a Rare Secret card from Darkness Ablaze, numbered 199. Its striking design and scarcity make it a distinctive choice for collectors seeking standout pieces from the Sword & Shield era.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 199 Rare Secret Toyste Beach
    • Card Number: 199
    • Set: Darkness Ablaze (Sword & Shield series)
    • Card Type: Pokémon Tool
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Illustrator: Toyste Beach
    • Pokémon: Big Parasol
    • Print Variants: None known
    • Weaknesses/Resistances: None
    • Abilities/Attacks: None
    • Flavor Text: Unknown

    Key Printings

    Big Parasol appears exclusively as a Rare Secret card in the Darkness Ablaze expansion. There are no alternate printings or promotional versions documented.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No known print variants. Identified by set code “swsh3-199,” Rare Secret rarity, and Regulation Mark “D,” placing it within the Sword & Shield era.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    • Effect summary: As a Pokémon Tool, Big Parasol attaches to one of your Pokémon that does not already have a Pokémon Tool. While the attached Pokémon is Active, it prevents all effects of attacks from your opponent’s Pokémon on all your Pokémon. Existing effects are not removed, and damage is unaffected.
    • Play note: You may play any number of Item cards during your turn.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vivid artwork by Toyste Beach and maintain condition, store Big Parasol in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its Rare Secret status, consider a top-loader or a binder with rigid pages for added protection.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze (swsh3): Big Parasol debuts as a Rare Secret Pokémon Tool card, notable for its strategic effect and striking illustration. No other sets or reprints are currently known.

    Big Parasol (Darkness Ablaze) #199

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    Big Parasol (Darkness Ablaze) #199

  • Collector’s Guide: Butterfree VMAX (Darkness Ablaze #190)

    Butterfree VMAX Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Butterfree VMAX from the Darkness Ablaze set is a Rare Rainbow card numbered 190. It boasts 300 HP and the powerful attack G-Max Toxbreeze. Its vibrant design makes it a notable addition for collectors.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 190 Rare Rainbow 300 aky CG Works
    • Pokémon: Butterfree VMAX
    • Evolves from: Butterfree V
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: VMAX
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Attack: G-Max Toxbreeze (150 damage; Confuses and Poisons opponent’s Active Pokémon)
    • VMAX Rule: When knocked out, opponent takes 3 Prize cards

    Key Printings

    The key printing is Darkness Ablaze 190 (Rare Rainbow), highlighted by vivid aky CG Works artwork and its high 300 HP—both visually and competitively intriguing.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact Butterfree VMAX. Identify it by:
    – Set code: “swsh3-190”
    – Rarity: Rare Rainbow
    – Grass-type VMAX subtype
    – Regulation Mark: D
    – Evolves from Butterfree V

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    According to the provided data, this card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. The VMAX rule applies: when Butterfree VMAX is Knocked Out, the opponent takes 3 Prize cards.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the Rare Rainbow finish and maintain condition, store Butterfree VMAX in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching, and keep it in a temperature-controlled environment to prevent warping.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: Introduced Butterfree VMAX as a powerful Grass-type VMAX with a status-inflicting attack and Rare Rainbow rarity, enhancing the set’s diversity and collector appeal.

    Butterfree VMAX

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    Butterfree VMAX (Darkness Ablaze) #190

  • Collector’s Guide: Centiskorch VMAX (Darkness Ablaze #191)

    Collector’s Guide: Centiskorch VMAX (Darkness Ablaze #191)

    Centiskorch VMAX Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Centiskorch VMAX from Darkness Ablaze is a Rare Rainbow, 320 HP powerhouse. Numbered 191, it highlights the G-Max Centiferno attack and vivid 5ban Graphics artwork—an eye-catching pick for Fire-type collectors and VMAX enthusiasts.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 191 Rare Rainbow 320 5ban Graphics
    • Type: Fire
    • Stage: VMAX
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Set Code: swsh3
    • Series: sword_shield
    • Attack: G-Max Centiferno (40+ damage, increases with Fire Energy attached, allows energy retrieval from discard)
    • Rules: VMAX rule applies—opponent takes 3 Prize cards if this Pokémon is Knocked Out.

    Key Printings

    The standout printing is the Rare Rainbow variant from Darkness Ablaze, numbered 191. Its vibrant holo finish and detailed 5ban Graphics artwork make it a centerpiece for the set.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by set code “swsh3-191,” Rare Rainbow rarity, and the distinctive 5ban Graphics illustration. The regulation mark is D, situating it within the Sword & Shield era.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown.
    This card follows the VMAX rule—if Centiskorch VMAX is Knocked Out, the opponent takes 3 Prize cards. G-Max Centiferno scales with Fire Energy attachments and can retrieve Energy from the discard, making energy management central to its strategy.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Protect the Rare Rainbow finish by using a sleeve plus a rigid top-loader or a binder with individual pockets. Store away from sunlight and moisture to avoid fading, bending, or surface wear.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: Debuts Centiskorch VMAX as a Fire-type VMAX with a unique energy-retrieving attack and a Rare Rainbow variant that elevates collector appeal.
    • Other sets: No additional printings or variants known.

    Centiskorch VMAX (Darkness Ablaze) #191

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    Centiskorch VMAX (Darkness Ablaze) #191

  • Collector’s Guide: Eternatus VMAX (Darkness Ablaze #192)

    Collector’s Guide: Eternatus VMAX (Darkness Ablaze #192)

    Eternatus VMAX Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Eternatus VMAX from Darkness Ablaze is a Rare Rainbow card with a towering 340 HP. Its Eternal Zone Ability and Dread End attack make it a centerpiece for Darkness-focused builds. This card is number 192 in the set.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 192 Rare Rainbow 340 5ban Graphics
    • Card ID: swsh3-192
    • Stage: VMAX
    • Type: Darkness
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Set Code: swsh3
    • Series: sword_shield
    • Evolves From: Eternatus V
    • Subtypes: VMAX
    • Rules: When your Pokémon VMAX is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 3 Prize cards.

    Key Printings

    The Darkness Ablaze printing of Eternatus VMAX is the Rare Rainbow variant, card number 192. It features vibrant holographic foil, exceptionally high HP, and artwork by 5ban Graphics.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include:
    – Card number: 192
    – Set code: swsh3
    – Rarity: Rare Rainbow
    – Regulation mark: D (within the Sword & Shield era)

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    Ability & Attack Summary

    • Eternal Zone: Allows up to 8 Darkness-type Pokémon on the Bench if all your Pokémon are Darkness type, with restrictions on playing non-Darkness Pokémon.
    • Dread End: Deals 30 damage for each Darkness Pokémon in play, enabling strong scaling in Darkness-focused decks.

    VMAX Rule

    The VMAX rule applies: if this Pokémon is Knocked Out, the opponent takes 3 Prize cards.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Protect the Rare Rainbow foil and surface by sleeving the card, then using a rigid top-loader or a binder with individual pockets. Store away from direct sunlight and moisture, and minimize handling to preserve condition and value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: Eternatus VMAX debuts as a high-HP, Rare Rainbow card with unique Darkness synergy and a scaling damage attack. It stands out for collectors due to striking artwork and powerful gameplay potential. The set’s release date is unknown, but it remains a notable entry in the Sword & Shield series.

    Eternatus VMAX (Darkness Ablaze) #192

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    Eternatus VMAX (Darkness Ablaze) #192

  • Collector’s Guide: Scizor VMAX (Darkness Ablaze #193)

    Collector’s Guide: Scizor VMAX (Darkness Ablaze #193)

    Scizor VMAX Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Scizor VMAX from the Darkness Ablaze set boasts a striking Rare Rainbow rarity and a robust 320 HP. This card features the powerful Max Steelspike attack, making it a notable addition for collectors and players alike. Numbered 193, it stands out with its vibrant design and impressive stats.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 193 Rare Rainbow 320 5ban Graphics
    • Card ID: swsh3-193
    • Stage: VMAX (evolves from Scizor V)
    • Type: Metal
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • Resistance: Grass -30
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Series: Sword & Shield
    • Set Code: swsh3
    • Rules: VMAX rule applies — when knocked out, opponent takes 3 Prize cards.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Scizor VMAX is from the Darkness Ablaze expansion and is identified by its Rare Rainbow rarity. It features two attacks:
    – Hard Scissors — reduces damage taken by 30 during the opponent’s next turn.
    – Max Steelspike — deals 190 damage.
    The card has no abilities.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by its card number 193 in the Darkness Ablaze set, the Rare Rainbow rarity, and the unique 5ban Graphics illustration. The image associated with this printing is available at /images/swsh3/swsh3-193.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. The VMAX rule applies, meaning if this Pokémon VMAX is Knocked Out, the opponent takes 3 Prize cards.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vibrant Rare Rainbow foil and detailed artwork by 5ban Graphics, store this card in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use rigid top loaders or binders with individual pockets to avoid bending or surface scratches.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: Introduced Scizor VMAX as a powerful Metal-type VMAX card with high HP and strong attacks, emphasizing durability and offensive capability in the Sword & Shield series.

    Scizor VMAX (Darkness Ablaze) #193

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    Scizor VMAX (Darkness Ablaze) #193

  • Collector’s Guide: Salamence VMAX (Darkness Ablaze #194)

    Salamence VMAX Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Salamence VMAX from the Darkness Ablaze set is a Rare Rainbow card numbered 194. With a striking 320 HP, it’s a resilient Colorless-type VMAX. Its attack lineup—Sonic Double for spread pressure and Max Wings for heavy burst—adds dynamic potential during battles.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 194 Rare Rainbow 320 5ban Graphics
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: VMAX
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Lightning ×2
    • Resistance: Fighting -30
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Rules: VMAX rule applies—when knocked out, opponent takes 3 Prize cards.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing appears in Darkness Ablaze, identified by set code swsh3 and card number 194. As a Rare Rainbow variant, it’s a visually distinctive and collectible card within the set.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No print variants are listed. Identify it by card number (194), rarity (Rare Rainbow), and illustrator 5ban Graphics. Its attacks, “Sonic Double” and “Max Wings,” along with its Colorless type and VMAX stage, further distinguish it.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.

    • Sonic Double: deals 40 damage to two of your opponent’s Pokémon. Don’t apply Weakness or Resistance for Benched Pokémon.
    • Max Wings: 240 damage. This attack can’t be used on your next turn.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the Rare Rainbow finish and overall condition, store Salamence VMAX in a sleeve, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use a rigid top-loader or a binder with individual pockets to prevent bending and surface scratches.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: Salamence VMAX debuts as a Rare Rainbow card with high HP and impactful attacks, adding a strong Colorless-type VMAX option to the set’s lineup. Its regulation mark D ties it to this specific era of Sword & Shield expansions.

    Salamence VMAX

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    Salamence VMAX (Darkness Ablaze) #194

  • Collector’s Guide: Butterfree VMAX (Darkness Ablaze #2)

    Butterfree VMAX Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Butterfree VMAX from Darkness Ablaze is a Rare Holo VMAX card numbered 2. With 300 HP and the G-Max Toxbreeze attack, it offers durability and a status-inflicting threat in play.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 2 Rare Holo VMAX 300 aky CG Works
    • Card ID: swsh3-2
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: VMAX
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Evolves From: Butterfree V
    • Attack: G-Max Toxbreeze (150 damage; Confuses and Poisons opponent’s Active Pokémon)
    • Rules: VMAX rule applies—when knocked out, opponent takes 3 Prize cards
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This exact Butterfree VMAX appears in Darkness Ablaze as card number 2. It is a Rare Holo VMAX featuring artwork by aky CG Works. No other printings or reprints of this exact card are documented.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Butterfree VMAX. Identifiers include set code “swsh3,” regulation mark “D,” and card ID “swsh3-2.” Its subtype is VMAX, and it belongs to the Sword & Shield series.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. It follows the VMAX rule, meaning if Butterfree VMAX is knocked out, the opponent takes 3 Prize cards.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Protect the holo finish and artwork by sleeving the card and keeping it away from sunlight and moisture. Use a rigid top-loader or a binder with individual pockets to prevent bending and surface scratches.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: Introduced Butterfree VMAX as a powerful Grass-type VMAX with high HP and an attack that inflicts both Confusion and Poison, showcasing VMAX mechanics and bold visual design.

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    Butterfree VMAX (Darkness Ablaze) #2