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  • Collector’s Guide: Tyranitar V (Battle Styles #97)

    Collector’s Guide: Tyranitar V (Battle Styles #97)

    Tyranitar V Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Tyranitar V from the Battle Styles set is a Rare Holo V card with a robust 230 HP. Its powerful attack Single Strike Crush makes it a striking addition to any collection. Numbered 97 in the set, it showcases dynamic Battle Styles design.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Battle Styles 97 Rare Holo V 230 Ayaka Yoshida
    • Card Number: 97
    • Set: Battle Styles (swsh5)
    • Type: Darkness
    • Stage: Basic, V, Single Strike
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Regulation Mark: E
    • Rules: V rule applies—when your Pokémon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.

    Key Printings

    This printing is from the Battle Styles expansion, identified by set code swsh5-97. It is a Rare Holo V card featuring Tyranitar V with two attacks:

    • Cragalanche — 60 damage and discards the top 2 cards of your opponent’s deck.
    • Single Strike Crush — 240 damage and discards the top 4 cards of your own deck.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include the card number 97, the Rare Holo V rarity, and the illustrator Ayaka Yoshida. The card’s Darkness type and Single Strike subtype also distinguish it within the Battle Styles set.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. The V rule applies, meaning if Tyranitar V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the holo finish and Ayaka Yoshida’s artwork, store the card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use a rigid top-loader or a binder with individual pockets to prevent bending and surface scratches. Avoid excessive handling to maintain collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Battle Styles (swsh5): Introduced Tyranitar V as a powerful Single Strike Basic V Pokémon with disruptive deck control and high damage output. This set emphasizes aggressive strategies and features striking holo artwork.

    swsh5-97

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    Tyranitar V (Battle Styles) #97

  • Collector’s Guide: Houndoom (Battle Styles #96)

    Collector’s Guide: Houndoom (Battle Styles #96)

    Houndoom (Battle Styles 96) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Houndoom from the Battle Styles set is a Rare Holo card numbered 96. It has 130 HP and the ability Single Strike Roar, with the attack Darkness Fang. Collectors will appreciate its dynamic presence in the set.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Battle Styles 96 Rare Holo 130 Ryota Murayama
    • Type: Darkness
    • Stage: Stage 1, Single Strike
    • Evolves From: Houndour
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: E
    • Flavor Text: Identifiable by its eerie howls, people a long time ago thought it was the grim reaper and feared it.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Battle Styles set, card number 96.

    • Ability — Single Strike Roar: Attach a Single Strike Energy from your deck to a Single Strike Pokémon, then put 2 damage counters on that Pokémon.
    • Attack — Darkness Fang: 50 damage for a Darkness and Colorless energy cost.

    Variants & Identifiers

    This card has no known print variants. It is identified by its Rare Holo rarity, the Single Strike subtype, and the regulation mark E. The illustrator Ryota Murayama’s signature style is a key visual identifier.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    • Store in a protective sleeve to preserve the holofoil finish.
    • Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
    • Avoid bending or scratching the surface to maintain collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Battle Styles: Introduced the Single Strike and Rapid Strike mechanics, with Houndoom representing a powerful Single Strike Stage 1 Pokémon. This set emphasizes aggressive strategies and energy acceleration.

    swsh5-96

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    Houndoom (Battle Styles) #96

  • Collector’s Guide: Houndour (Battle Styles #95)

    Collector’s Guide: Houndour (Battle Styles #95)

    Houndour (Battle Styles #95) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Houndour from the Battle Styles set is a Common card numbered 95. This Pokémon has 60 HP and features the attack Bite. Its straightforward design makes it a solid addition for collectors focusing on the Battle Styles series.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Battle Styles 95 Common 60 Sanosuke Sakuma
    • Type: Darkness
    • Stage: Basic, Single Strike
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Attack: Bite (20 damage, costs 1 Colorless energy)
    • Abilities: None
    • Evolves From: None
    • Regulation Mark: E

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Houndour is from the Battle Styles expansion, identified by set code swsh5 and card number 95. It is a Common rarity card illustrated by Sanosuke Sakuma. No alternate printings or promotional versions are noted.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include its Darkness type, Single Strike subtype, and the regulation mark E. The card’s market reference query is “Houndour Battle Styles 95,” useful for collectors seeking this specific printing.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown. This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. It has no special abilities and features a straightforward attack, making it a simple choice for casual play or collection.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s vibrant artwork by Sanosuke Sakuma and maintain its condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card, especially since it is a common card that may be handled frequently.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Battle Styles (swsh5): Introduced Houndour as a Basic Single Strike Darkness-type Pokémon with a simple attack and evocative flavor text. This set focuses on dynamic battle themes, and Houndour fits the motif with its eerie howls and pack behavior.

    swsh5-95

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    Houndour (Battle Styles) #95

  • Collector’s Guide: Honchkrow (Battle Styles #94)

    Collector’s Guide: Honchkrow (Battle Styles #94)

    Honchkrow Collector’s Guide: Battle Styles #94

    Character Intro

    Honchkrow from Battle Styles is an Uncommon Darkness-type Stage 1 Pokémon with 130 HP. It features the Insomnia ability and the Voltage Dive attack. This sleek card is numbered 94 in the set.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Battle Styles 94 Uncommon 130 Miki Tanaka
    • Type: Darkness
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Murkrow)
    • HP: 130
    • Ability: Insomnia — This Pokémon can’t be Asleep.
    • Attack: Voltage Dive (Costs Darkness + 2 Colorless) — Deals 80+ damage; does 80 more damage if the opponent’s Active Pokémon has Special Energy attached.
    • Weakness: Lightning ×2
    • Resistance: Fighting -30
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Regulation Mark: E
    • Flavor Text: Its goons take care of most of the fighting for it. The only time it dirties its own hands is in delivering a final blow to finish off an opponent.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing appears in the Battle Styles expansion of the Sword & Shield series. It is an Uncommon card numbered 94, illustrated by Miki Tanaka. The card’s regulation mark is E, indicating its intended tournament legality at release, though current legality is unknown.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No print variants are listed for this card. Key identifiers include:
    – Set code: “swsh5-94”
    – Darkness type
    – Insomnia ability
    – Artwork and layout consistent with Battle Styles

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Play notes: Its ability to prevent Sleep status and its damage-boosting attack make it a tactically interesting choice in casual play, but official tournament use is not documented.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Preserve the artwork and condition by storing the card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its Uncommon rarity, a binder page or top-loader helps prevent edge wear and surface scratches.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Battle Styles (swsh5): Introduced Honchkrow with a focus on aggressive Darkness-type strategies. This set emphasizes dynamic abilities and attacks, with Honchkrow’s Insomnia ability and Voltage Dive attack exemplifying tactical versatility.

    swsh5-94

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    Honchkrow (Battle Styles) #94

  • Collector’s Guide: Vikavolt V (Darkness Ablaze #180)

    Collector’s Guide: Vikavolt V (Darkness Ablaze #180)

    Vikavolt V Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Vikavolt V is a Rare Ultra card from the Darkness Ablaze set, numbered 180. This Lightning-type Basic V Pokémon boasts 210 HP and features the powerful attack Super Zap Cannon. Its bold design makes it a notable addition for collectors.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 180 Rare Ultra 210 Ayaka Yoshida
    • Pokémon: Vikavolt V
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Basic, V
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Set Code: swsh3
    • Series: Sword & Shield
    • Card ID: swsh3-180
    • Image:
      swsh3-180

    Key Printings

    This printing of Vikavolt V appears in the Darkness Ablaze expansion of the Sword & Shield series. It is a Rare Ultra card, numbered 180.

    Attacks

    • Paralyzing Bolt: Prevents the opponent from playing Item cards during their next turn.
    • Super Zap Cannon: Deals 190 damage and requires discarding two Energy from Vikavolt V.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card.

    Key identifiers:
    – Set code: swsh3-180
    – Regulation mark: D
    – Illustrator: Ayaka Yoshida
    – Basic V Pokémon with no evolutions and no abilities

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    • Standard Pokémon V rule: when your Pokémon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
    • It is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to the provided data.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Preserve the vivid artwork and condition by sleeving the card, keeping it away from direct sunlight and moisture, and handling with clean hands. Given its Rare Ultra rarity, use a rigid top-loader or binder to prevent edge wear and surface scratches.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze (swsh3): Introduces Vikavolt V as a disruptive Lightning-type Basic V with high-damage potential. Its Rare Ultra treatment and striking illustration make it a standout collectible from this expansion.

    For collectors seeking a visually dynamic and tactically interesting Lightning-type V card, Vikavolt V from Darkness Ablaze is a compelling addition, despite unknown release details and limited tournament legality.

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    Vikavolt V (Darkness Ablaze) #180

  • Collector’s Guide: Golisopod (Darkness Ablaze #18)

    Collector’s Guide: Golisopod (Darkness Ablaze #18)

    Golisopod Collector’s Guide: Darkness Ablaze #18

    Character Intro

    Golisopod from the Darkness Ablaze set is a Rare Holo card numbered 18. With 130 HP and the tactical attack Smash Turn, it offers durable, positional play for Grass decks.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 18 Rare Holo 130 Ryuta Fuse
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Stage 1
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: D

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the Darkness Ablaze printing, card number 18. It has no abilities and features two attacks:
    – Hard Times Slash: 30+ damage, increasing by 50 for each of your opponent’s Pokémon V and Pokémon-GX in play.
    – Smash Turn: 70 damage, then switch this Pokémon with a Benched one.

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code “swsh3-18” and the Rare Holo rarity. The illustrator, Ryuta Fuse, provides a recognizable visual style. The card’s image can be found at: /images/swsh3/swsh3-18.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card’s play legality in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats is unknown. Players should verify current tournament rules before use.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vibrant holo finish and artwork, 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: Golisopod appears as a Rare Holo Stage 1 Grass-type Pokémon with strategic attacks that leverage an opponent’s Pokémon V and GX presence. The set’s focus on dynamic battle mechanics is reflected in this card’s versatile attack options.

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

    Golisopod (Darkness Ablaze) #18

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    Golisopod (Darkness Ablaze) #18

  • Collector’s Guide: Centiskorch V (Darkness Ablaze #179)

    Collector’s Guide: Centiskorch V (Darkness Ablaze #179)

    Centiskorch V Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Centiskorch V from the Darkness Ablaze set is a Rare Ultra card numbered 179. This fiery Pokémon boasts 210 HP and features the intense attack Burning Train. Its striking design captures the blazing energy that defines its battle style.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 179 Rare Ultra 210 5ban Graphics
    • Type: Fire
    • Stage: Basic, V
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Rules: V rule applies — when your Pokémon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    • Radiating Heat: Discard an Energy from Centiskorch V to discard an Energy from the opponent’s Active Pokémon; deals 20 damage.
    • Burning Train: High-damage attack requiring four Fire Energy.

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the exact printing of Centiskorch V from the Darkness Ablaze set, card number 179. It is a Rare Ultra rarity card with no known alternate printings or special editions.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include:
    – Set code: “swsh3-179”
    – Illustrator: 5ban Graphics
    – Distinctive Fire-type coloring and attacks

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vivid artwork and maintain card condition, store Centiskorch V in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use top loaders or binders with rigid pages for added protection, especially given its Rare Ultra status.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: This set introduced Centiskorch V as a powerful Fire-type Basic V Pokémon with strong offensive capabilities and a solid HP pool. It stands out for its striking design and impactful attacks, fitting well into Fire-themed decks.

    swsh3-179

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    Centiskorch V (Darkness Ablaze) #179

  • Collector’s Guide: Houndoom V (Darkness Ablaze #178)

    Collector’s Guide: Houndoom V (Darkness Ablaze #178)

    Houndoom V Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Houndoom V from the Darkness Ablaze set is a Rare Ultra card numbered 178. This fierce Pokémon boasts 210 HP and features the striking attack Vengeful Flame. Its design captures the intense spirit of Houndoom in battle.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 178 Rare Ultra 210 Ayaka Yoshida
    • Type: Fire
    • Stage: Basic, V
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Rules: V rule applies — when your Pokémon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the Darkness Ablaze set printing of Houndoom V, card number 178. It is a Rare Ultra card with no known alternate printings or reprints.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include its card number (178), set code (swsh3), and the illustrator Ayaka Yoshida. The card’s image can be referenced at /images/swsh3/swsh3-178.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown

    Attacks:
    – Searing Flame: Inflicts 20 damage and burns the opponent’s Active Pokémon.
    – Vengeful Flame: Deals 100+ damage, with an additional 100 damage if any of your Benched Fire Pokémon have damage counters.

    Rule:
    – The V rule means knocking it out awards your opponent 2 Prize cards.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s Rare Ultra quality and vibrant artwork, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use a rigid top-loader or a binder with individual pockets to prevent bending or surface scratches.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze (swsh3): Introduced Houndoom V as a powerful Fire-type Basic V Pokémon with strong offensive capabilities and a notable illustrator credit. The set’s regulation mark is D, but the exact release date for this card is unknown.

    Houndoom V (Darkness Ablaze) #178

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    Houndoom V (Darkness Ablaze) #178

  • Collector’s Guide: Charizard V (Darkness Ablaze #19)

    Collector’s Guide: Charizard V (Darkness Ablaze #19)

    Charizard V Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Charizard V from the Darkness Ablaze set is a striking Rare Holo V card numbered 19. With 220 HP, it’s a formidable Basic Pokémon V whose Fire Spin attack captures the fiery essence of this iconic Pokémon.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 19 Rare Holo V 220 aky CG Works
    • Type: Fire
    • Stage: Basic, V
    • Retreat Cost: 3 Colorless Energy
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Rules: V rule applies—when your Pokémon V is Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.

    Key Printings

    • Printing: This exact printing is from the Darkness Ablaze set, card number 19. It is a Rare Holo V card featuring Charizard V with no evolutions from previous forms.
    • Attacks: Claw Slash (80 damage) and Fire Spin (220 damage), with Fire Spin requiring discarding 2 Energy from Charizard V.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Identifiers include its set code “swsh3-19” and the illustrator credit to aky CG Works. The card’s image can be referenced at /images/swsh3/swsh3-19.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. It carries the standard V rule, which impacts prize card rewards upon knockout.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s holo finish and vibrant artwork, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use a rigid top-loader or binder with individual pockets to prevent bending or surface scratches.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: Introduced Charizard V as a powerful Basic V card with high HP and strong Fire-type attacks, emphasizing aggressive playstyles with energy management due to Fire Spin’s discard cost.

    Charizard V (Darkness Ablaze) #19

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    Charizard V (Darkness Ablaze) #19

  • Collector’s Guide: Rose (Darkness Ablaze #189)

    Collector’s Guide: Rose (Darkness Ablaze #189)

    Rose Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Rose is a Rare Ultra Supporter from the Darkness Ablaze set, numbered 189. Its distinctive rarity and bold artwork make it a standout addition to any Sword & Shield–era collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 189 Rare Ultra Naoki Saito
    • Card Number: 189
    • Set: Darkness Ablaze (swsh3)
    • Type: Supporter
    • Stage: Supporter
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Illustrator: Naoki Saito
    • Image:
      swsh3-189

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Rose appears only in Darkness Ablaze as card number 189. Its Rare Ultra designation makes it a notable target for collectors focused on Sword & Shield expansions.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Rose. Identify it by:
    – Set code: swsh3-189
    – Rarity: Rare Ultra
    – Illustration: Naoki Saito
    – Regulation mark: D

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown

    Card text:
    – Attach up to 2 basic Energy cards from your discard pile to 1 of your Pokémon VMAX.
    – If any Energy cards are attached this way, discard your hand.
    – You may play only 1 Supporter card during your turn.

    This makes Rose a tactical, high‑impact option for VMAX builds that can recover Energy efficiently while managing hand resources.

    Care & Storage Tips

    • Use a protective sleeve and keep away from sunlight and moisture.
    • Handle with clean hands; store in a rigid top-loader or secured binder.
    • Extra care helps prevent edge wear and surface scratches on this Rare Ultra card.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: Rose debuts as a Rare Ultra Supporter card, offering energy recovery mechanics that can shift the momentum of VMAX battles. Its striking illustration and unique gameplay effect make it a memorable addition to the set.
    • Other Sets: No other printings or reprints of this exact Rose card are known.

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    Rose (Darkness Ablaze) #189