Category: sword_shield

  • Collector’s Guide: Melmetal (Darkness Ablaze #130)

    Melmetal (Darkness Ablaze 130) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Melmetal from the Darkness Ablaze set is a Rare card numbered 130. With a sturdy 150 HP and the heavy-hitting Heavy Impact, it offers straightforward power for Metal-type decks.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 130 Rare 150 NC Empire
    • Type: Metal
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Meltan)
    • Attacks:
    • Energy Link: Attach an Energy card from your discard pile to this Pokémon, dealing 30 damage.
    • Heavy Impact: Deals 130 damage, requiring a higher energy cost.
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • Resistance: Grass -30
    • Retreat Cost: 4
    • Flavor Text: At the end of its life-span, Melmetal will rust and fall apart. The small shards left behind will eventually be reborn as Meltan.
    • Illustrator: NC Empire
    • Set: Darkness Ablaze (swsh3)
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This exact printing appears in the Darkness Ablaze expansion of the Sword & Shield series. It is identified by card number 130 and classified as a Rare card. The artwork by NC Empire is unique to this set.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include the set code “swsh3,” the regulation mark “D,” and the card number 130. The card’s rarity is Rare, and it is a Stage 1 Metal-type Pokémon evolving from Meltan.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently listed as legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Players should verify tournament rules before use.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the artwork and condition, store the card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and unique illustration, handle with clean hands and keep it in a rigid top-loader or binder.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze (swsh3): Melmetal’s sole printing in this set highlights a powerful Metal-type Stage 1 Pokémon with strong attacks and a high retreat cost. The flavor text adds lifecycle lore that complements its robust gameplay presence.

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    Melmetal (Darkness Ablaze) #130

  • Collector’s Guide: Cufant (Darkness Ablaze #131)

    Cufant Darkness Ablaze Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Cufant is a Common Pokémon card from the Darkness Ablaze set, numbered 131. With 100 HP and a single attack, Strength, this straightforward Basic makes a clean, sturdy addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 131 Common 100 Akira Komayama
    • Type: Metal
    • Stage: Basic
    • Attack: Strength (60 damage; costs Metal + 2 Colorless)
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • Resistance: Grass -30
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Flavor Text: It digs up the ground with its trunk. It’s also very strong, being able to carry loads of over five tons without any problem at all.
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the Darkness Ablaze printing of Cufant, card number 131. It is a Common rarity card with no known alternate printings or special editions.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact Cufant card. Identification is straightforward by set code “swsh3” and card number 131.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    With a single, reliable attack and 100 HP, Cufant offers a simple, easy-to-understand profile: Strength for 60, Fire ×2 weakness, Grass -30 resistance, and a Retreat Cost of 3.

    Care & Storage Tips

    As a Common card, standard protective sleeves and storage in a binder or card box are recommended to maintain condition. Avoid exposure to moisture and direct sunlight to preserve the card’s vibrant artwork by Akira Komayama.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze (swsh3): Introduced Cufant as a solid Metal-type Basic Pokémon with a simple but effective attack. This set emphasizes powerful Pokémon with straightforward mechanics, and Cufant fits this mold with its reliable Strength attack and notable HP.

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    Cufant (Darkness Ablaze) #131

  • Collector’s Guide: Copperajah (Darkness Ablaze #132)

    Copperajah Collector’s Guide: Darkness Ablaze #132

    Character Intro

    Copperajah from the Darkness Ablaze set is a Rare Holo card numbered 132. It boasts a sturdy 190 HP and features the ability Antibacterial Skin. Its attack, Vengeful Stomp, adds a dynamic edge to gameplay. This card stands out with its robust design and strategic potential.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 132 Rare Holo 190 Kouki Saitou
    • Type: Metal
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Cufant)
    • Ability: Antibacterial Skin — prevents any Special Conditions
    • Attack: Vengeful Stomp — base 120 damage, does 120 more if any Benched Pokémon have damage counters
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • Resistance: Grass -30
    • Retreat Cost: 4
    • Flavor Text: “They came over from another region long ago and worked together with humans. Their green skin is resistant to water.”
    • Regulation Mark: D

    Key Printings

    This exact Copperajah card is from the Darkness Ablaze set, numbered 132, and is a Rare Holo variant. It is illustrated by Kouki Saitou, whose artwork emphasizes Copperajah’s powerful and resilient nature.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by its set code “swsh3-132,” rarity as Rare Holo, and the regulation mark “D.” The card’s unique ability and attack names also help distinguish it.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Its high retreat cost and powerful attack make it a strategic choice in casual play, especially with its ability to negate special conditions. Building around its damage-scaling attack and protecting your Bench can turn Vengeful Stomp into a reliable finisher.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the holo finish and detailed artwork by Kouki Saitou, store this card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the surface to maintain its collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: This set introduced Copperajah as a strong Metal-type Stage 1 Pokémon with a unique ability that prevents special conditions, enhancing its durability in battle. The card’s Rare Holo status and striking illustration make it a notable collectible from this series.

    Copperajah Darkness Ablaze 132

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    Copperajah (Darkness Ablaze) #132

  • Collector’s Guide: Ducklett (Darkness Ablaze #148)

    Ducklett Collector’s Guide (Darkness Ablaze #148)

    Character Intro

    Ducklett from the Darkness Ablaze set is a Common card numbered 148. It has 50 HP and the attack Flap, making it a simple, charming pickup for collectors.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 148 Common 50 Midori Harada
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Basic
    • Attack: Flap (20 damage, costs 1 Colorless Energy)
    • Weakness: Lightning ×2
    • Resistance: Fighting -30
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Flavor Text: They are better at swimming than flying, and they happily eat their favorite food, peat moss, as they dive underwater.
    • Illustrator: Midori Harada
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    The only known printing of this Ducklett card is from the Darkness Ablaze expansion of the Sword & Shield series. It is a Common rarity card numbered 148 in the set.

    Variants & Identifiers

    This card has no known print variants. It is identified by its set code “swsh3” and regulation mark “D.” The card’s market reference query is “Ducklett Darkness Ablaze 148.”

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    As a Common card with moderate play potential, store this Ducklett in a protective sleeve to prevent edge and surface wear. Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve the vibrant illustration by Midori Harada.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: Ducklett appears as a Basic Colorless Pokémon with a straightforward attack and useful resistance to Fighting-type attacks. This set highlights Ducklett’s aquatic traits through its flavor text and art, making it a pleasant addition for collectors focusing on the Sword & Shield era.

    This guide covers the exact Darkness Ablaze printing of Ducklett, providing collectors and players with essential details for identification and care.

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    Ducklett (Darkness Ablaze) #148

  • Collector’s Guide: Swanna (Darkness Ablaze #149)

    Swanna Collector’s Guide: Darkness Ablaze #149

    Character Intro

    Swanna from the Darkness Ablaze set is a Rare card numbered 149 with 110 HP. It features the Ability Sky Circus and the attack Feather Slice. This elegant Pokémon offers a balanced mix of defensive and offensive options for collectors and players alike.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 149 Rare 110 Taira Akitsu
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Ducklett)
    • Ability: Sky Circus — If you played Bird Keeper from your hand this turn, ignore all Energy in this Pokémon’s attack costs.
    • Attack: Feather Slice — Costs three Colorless Energy; may discard a card to add 70 damage (70+ total).
    • Weakness: Lightning ×2
    • Resistance: Fighting -30
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Flavor Text: “Swanna start to dance at dusk. The one dancing in the middle is the leader of the flock.”
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Set Code: swsh3
    • Series: Sword & Shield
    • Rarity: Rare

    Key Printings

    This printing is from Darkness Ablaze, numbered 149. It carries the Rare symbol and is illustrated by Taira Akitsu, highlighting Swanna’s elegant, commanding presence. Sky Circus synergizes with Bird Keeper, making it a tactical inclusion for decks that run that Trainer.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identification is straightforward via set code “swsh3,” number “149,” the regulation mark “D,” and the distinctive Taira Akitsu artwork.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its ability to ignore Energy costs when paired with Bird Keeper can offer a strategic edge, but tournament viability is uncertain given its unknown legality status.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Protect the card in a sleeve and store it away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve the vibrant illustration and its Rare status. Given its zero retreat cost and unique ability, keeping it in mint condition benefits collectors and players who value its gameplay potential.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze (swsh3): Introduces Swanna #149 as a Rare Stage 1 with a synergy-driven ability and a powerful attack. Its elegant design and strategic potential make it a memorable addition to the Sword & Shield series.
    • Other Sets: No other printings or variants are documented for this exact card.

    Swanna Darkness Ablaze 149

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    Swanna (Darkness Ablaze) #149

  • Collector’s Guide: Steenee (Darkness Ablaze #15)

    Steenee Collector’s Guide: Darkness Ablaze #15

    Character Intro

    Steenee from the Darkness Ablaze set is an Uncommon Pokémon card with 80 HP. Numbered 15 in the set, it offers simple, effective gameplay with the straightforward attack Smack.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 15 Uncommon 80 sui
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Bounsweet)
    • Attacks:
    • Captivate: Switch one of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon with their Active Pokémon (cost: 1 Colorless).
    • Smack: Deals 40 damage (cost: 1 Grass, 1 Colorless).
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Flavor Text: “As it twirls like a dancer, a sweet smell spreads out around it. Anyone who inhales the scent will feel a surge of happiness.”
    • Regulation Mark: D

    Key Printings

    The key printing of Steenee is from the Darkness Ablaze expansion, card number 15. This printing is classified as Uncommon and features artwork by sui. The release date is unknown.

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code swsh3-15 and the regulation mark D. The card is a Stage 1 Grass-type Pokémon with a single retreat cost and no resistances.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface, especially the illustrated area by sui. Keeping it in a rigid top-loader or binder with acid-free pages is recommended for long-term collection.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: Steenee appears as a graceful Grass-type Stage 1 Pokémon with a unique ability to disrupt opponent’s bench positioning via Captivate. Its moderate HP and straightforward attacks make it a balanced addition to the set’s lineup.

    Steenee Darkness Ablaze 15

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    Steenee (Darkness Ablaze) #15

  • Collector’s Guide: Bunnelby (Darkness Ablaze #150)

    Bunnelby Collector’s Guide: Darkness Ablaze #150

    Character Intro

    Bunnelby from the Darkness Ablaze set is a common Pokémon card numbered 150. It has 40 HP and the attack Mad Party. This card is a straightforward addition to any collection with a lively Tomokazu Komiya illustration.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 150 Common 40 Tomokazu Komiya
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1 Colorless Energy
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Attack: Mad Party (20× damage for each Pokémon in your discard pile with Mad Party)
    • Flavor Text: “It excels at digging holes. Using its ears, it can dig a nest 33 feet deep in one night.”
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Illustrator: Tomokazu Komiya
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Bunnelby appears in the Darkness Ablaze expansion of the Sword & Shield series. It is a common card numbered 150 and features no evolutions or abilities beyond its single attack, Mad Party.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by its set code “swsh3-150” and regulation mark “D.” The card’s straightforward design and common rarity make it easily recognizable among collectors.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown. This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its attack Mad Party can be strategically useful in decks that fill the discard pile with multiple Bunnelby cards.

    Care & Storage Tips

    As a common card with no special variants, standard protective sleeves and storage binders are recommended to maintain condition. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and moisture to preserve the card’s vibrant artwork and structural integrity.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze (swsh3): Bunnelby #150 is a simple, common Basic Pokémon card with a unique scaling attack. It fits well in decks that utilize discard pile synergy but is not currently tournament-legal. The set features a clean, consistent art style by Tomokazu Komiya.

    This Bunnelby card is a solid collectible for fans of the Darkness Ablaze set or those interested in discard pile mechanics.

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    Bunnelby (Darkness Ablaze) #150

  • Collector’s Guide: Fletchling (Darkness Ablaze #151)

    Collector’s Guide: Fletchling (Darkness Ablaze #151)

    Fletchling Collector’s Guide: Darkness Ablaze #151

    Character Intro

    Fletchling from the Darkness Ablaze set is a common Pokémon card numbered 151. It features 60 HP and a straightforward attack called Tackle. This modest card offers a simple yet charming addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 151 Common 60 Midori Harada
    • HP: 60
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Lightning (×2)
    • Resistance: Fighting (-30)
    • Attack: Tackle (20 damage, costs 1 Colorless Energy)
    • Flavor Text: “Its body is always warm. Trainers who live in cold areas apparently sleep with it in their bed.”
    • Illustrator: Midori Harada
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Image URL: /images/swsh3/swsh3-151.jpg

    Key Printings

    This Fletchling is from the Darkness Ablaze expansion of the Sword & Shield series. A Common card numbered 151, it has a single attack—Tackle—dealing 20 damage for one Colorless Energy, with no abilities or special effects.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Fletchling card. It is identified by the set code “swsh3” and the regulation mark “D.” Its simple design and common rarity make it a straightforward collectible without alternate versions.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its straightforward attack and low HP make it a basic option for casual play but not competitive decks.

    Care & Storage Tips

    As a Common card with moderate play value, store this Fletchling in a protective sleeve to prevent edge wear. Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve the vibrant illustration by Midori Harada. Proper storage in a binder or card box will maintain its condition for collectors.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze (swsh3): Introduces Fletchling as a Basic Colorless Pokémon with a simple Tackle attack—great for beginners and a warm, approachable design for collectors.

    Fletchling (Darkness Ablaze) #151

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    Fletchling (Darkness Ablaze) #151

  • Collector’s Guide: Lugia (Darkness Ablaze #140)

    Lugia – Darkness Ablaze (swsh3-140) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Lugia from the Darkness Ablaze set is a rare card numbered 140. With 130 HP and the striking attack Energy Loop, it offers straightforward power with a bit of strategic energy management.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 140 Rare 130 Hasuno

    Card Stats

    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Lightning ×2
    • Resistance: Fighting -30

    Attacks

    • Gust: Deals 30 damage with a single Colorless energy cost.
    • Energy Loop: Costs three Colorless energies and deals 120 damage; it also returns an Energy attached to Lugia to your hand.

    Flavor & Credits

    • Flavor Text: “It is said to be the guardian of the seas. It is rumored to have been seen on the night of a storm.”
    • Illustrator: Hasuno
    • Card Number: 140/??? (exact total cards in set unknown)
    • Set Code: swsh3
    • Series: Sword & Shield

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Lugia appears in the Darkness Ablaze expansion of the Sword & Shield series. It is a Rare card with no evolutions or abilities, focusing on straightforward, powerful attacks.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by the set code “swsh3” and card number 140. The regulation mark is “D,” and it is classified as a Basic Pokémon with the subtype “Basic.”

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • According to the provided data, this card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vibrant artwork and maintain condition, store this Lugia in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and collector appeal, consider using a top-loader or a binder with individual pockets.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze (swsh3): This set features Lugia as a powerful Basic Pokémon with a focus on energy manipulation through its Energy Loop attack. The card’s high HP and resistance to Fighting-type attacks make it a sturdy addition to any collection from this set.

    Lugia Darkness Ablaze

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    Lugia (Darkness Ablaze) #140

  • Collector’s Guide: Skitty (Darkness Ablaze #141)

    Collector’s Guide: Skitty (Darkness Ablaze #141)

    Skitty (Darkness Ablaze 141) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Skitty is a Common Pokémon card from the Darkness Ablaze set, numbered 141. This lively card features 60 HP and a single attack called Cat Kick. Its straightforward design makes it a charming addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 141 Common 60 Saya Tsuruta
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Regulation Mark: D

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Darkness Ablaze set, card number 141. It features two attacks: “Drawup Power,” which lets you search your deck for an Energy card and add it to your hand, and “Cat Kick,” which deals 20 damage for two Colorless Energy. There are no abilities on this card.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • No known variants or alternate printings.
    • Set code: “swsh3”
    • Card ID: “swsh3-141”
    • Rarity: Common
    • Regulation mark: D

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to the provided data.

    Care & Storage Tips

    As a Common card with no special variants, use standard protective sleeves and store in a binder or card box to preserve condition. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and moisture to maintain the vibrant illustration by Saya Tsuruta.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: This set includes Skitty as a Basic Colorless Pokémon with simple but useful attacks. It fits well in casual decks that benefit from energy searching and modest damage output. The set’s overall theme and release date for this card remain unknown.

    Skitty (Darkness Ablaze) #141

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    Skitty (Darkness Ablaze) #141