Tag: Pokemon TCG

  • Collector’s Guide: Larvitar (Darkness Ablaze #86)

    Larvitar (Darkness Ablaze 86) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Larvitar from the Darkness Ablaze set is a Common card numbered 86. It has 70 HP and features the attack Pierce, with a straightforward design that makes it a solid addition for collectors focusing on this set. It also has Sand Spray for early chip damage.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 86 Common 70 Sanosuke Sakuma
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Attacks:
    • Sand Spray (10 damage, 1 Fighting Energy)
    • Pierce (20 damage, 2 Colorless Energy)
    • Flavor Text: Born deep underground, it comes aboveground and becomes a pupa once it has finished eating the surrounding soil.
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This exact Larvitar appears in the Darkness Ablaze expansion of the Sword & Shield series. It is a Common rarity card, numbered 86 in the set. As a Basic Pokémon, it shows no previous-stage evolution on the card and has no special abilities.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants or alternate versions of this Larvitar card. Identification is straightforward via its set code “swsh3-86,” Fighting type, and the illustrator credit to Sanosuke Sakuma.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This Larvitar card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. No additional tournament rules or restrictions are noted.

    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 surface. A binder sleeve or top-loader helps maintain the artwork and structural integrity.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: Larvitar appears as a Basic Fighting-type Pokémon with straightforward attacks and a grounded flavor text emphasizing its underground origins. It fits well within the set’s theme of powerful and evolving Pokémon but remains a simple, common card without special abilities or evolutions.

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Larvitar Darkness Ablaze.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Larvitar (Darkness Ablaze) #86

  • Collector’s Guide: Pupitar (Darkness Ablaze #87)

    Pupitar (Darkness Ablaze 87) Collectors Guide

    Character Intro

    Pupitar from Darkness Ablaze is an Uncommon card (#87) with 80 HP featuring the attack Rocket Evolution. A straightforward, engaging addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 87 Uncommon 80 Sekio
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Larvitar)
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Flavor Text: Even sealed in its shell, it can move freely. Hard and fast, it has outstanding destructive power.
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the Pupitar card from the Darkness Ablaze set, card number 87. It is an Uncommon rarity card illustrated by Sekio. No other print variants are listed for this exact printing.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • Card ID: swsh3-87
    • Set Code: swsh3
    • Subtypes: Stage 1
    • No alternate print variants or special editions are noted for this card.

    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

    To preserve the vivid artwork and maintain card condition, store this Pupitar card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its Uncommon rarity, handling with clean hands and keeping it in a stable environment will help retain its value and appearance.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: An Uncommon, Fighting-type Stage 1 Pokémon with solid HP and two attacks, including Rocket Evolution, which allows evolving directly from this card by searching the deck. The set’s focus on dynamic Fighting-type Pokémon is well represented by this Pupitar printing.
    • Other Sets: Unknown for this specific printing.

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Pupitar Darkness Ablaze.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Pupitar (Darkness Ablaze) #87

  • Collector’s Guide: Tyranitar (Darkness Ablaze #88)

    Tyranitar Collector’s Guide (Darkness Ablaze #88)

    Character Intro

    Tyranitar from the Darkness Ablaze set is a Rare Holo card numbered 88. This powerful Pokémon boasts 180 HP and features the dynamic attack Mountain Swing. Its striking design makes it a notable addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 88 Rare Holo 180 nagimiso
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 2 (Evolves from Pupitar)
    • Retreat Cost: 4
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Resistances: None
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Flavor Text: Its body can’t be harmed by any sort of attack, so it is very eager to make challenges against enemies.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Darkness Ablaze set, card number 88, featuring a Rare Holo rarity. It is illustrated by nagimiso and showcases Tyranitar’s powerful presence with two strong attacks:

    • Bedrock Breaker — Deals 120 damage and discards a Stadium in play.
    • Mountain Swing — Deals 250 damage and discards the top 5 cards of your deck.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include:
    – Fighting type
    – Stage 2 subtype
    – Regulation mark D
    – The card’s unique illustrator signature
    – The set code “swsh3,” which helps confirm authenticity

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its high retreat cost and powerful attacks make it a strategic card for collectors interested in its gameplay potential, though official tournament use is not established.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s Rare Holo finish and vibrant illustration, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use rigid top loaders or binders with individual pockets to prevent bending and surface scratches. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures to maintain card integrity.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: This set introduced Tyranitar with a strong Fighting-type presence and high HP, emphasizing aggressive attacks that manipulate the game state by discarding Stadium cards or deck cards. The set is known for its dynamic artwork and powerful Stage 2 Pokémon.

    Tyranitar Darkness Ablaze #88

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Tyranitar Darkness Ablaze.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Tyranitar (Darkness Ablaze) #88

  • Collector’s Guide: Trapinch (Darkness Ablaze #89)

    Trapinch Collector’s Guide: Darkness Ablaze #89

    Character Intro

    Trapinch is a Common Pokémon card from the Darkness Ablaze set, numbered 89. It has 60 HP and features the attack Land’s Pulse. This card offers a straightforward addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 89 Common 60 Asako Ito
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Attack: Land’s Pulse (Costs 1 Fighting energy; does 10+ damage, with an additional 10 damage if a Stadium is in play)
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Legal Status: unknown
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    The key printing of Trapinch is Darkness Ablaze #89. It’s a Common Fighting-type with a single attack, Land’s Pulse, which gains extra damage when a Stadium is in play—making it a widely available and simple inclusion for players and collectors.

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing has no known alternate print variants. Identifiers include set code “swsh3,” regulation mark “D,” and illustrator Asako Ito. The card is a Basic Pokémon and does not evolve from any other Pokémon.

    Legality & Play Notes

    The legality of this Trapinch card is unknown. It is not currently listed as legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Players should verify tournament rules before including it in competitive decks.

    Care & Storage Tips

    Even as a Common, store Trapinch in sleeves to protect Asako Ito’s detailed artwork. Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture, and organize by set code (swsh3) and number (89) for easy cataloging.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze (swsh3): Trapinch appears as a Basic Fighting-type with a single attack that synergizes with Stadium cards. This set focuses on dynamic gameplay elements, and Trapinch’s flavor text adds atmospheric depth to its desert habitat.

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Trapinch Darkness Ablaze.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Trapinch (Darkness Ablaze) #89

  • Collector’s Guide: Shelmet (Darkness Ablaze #9)

    Shelmet Collector’s Guide: Darkness Ablaze #9

    Character Intro

    Shelmet from the Darkness Ablaze set is a common card numbered 9 with 70 HP. It features the attack Spray Fluid, offering a straightforward option for gameplay. This card’s simple design fits well in many collections.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 9 Common 70 Megumi Mizutani
    • HP: 70
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 3 Colorless Energy
    • Weakness: Fire ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Flavor Text: When attacked, it tightly shuts the lid of its shell. This reaction fails to protect it from Karrablast, however, because they can still get into the shell.
    • Illustrator: Megumi Mizutani
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Shelmet appears in the Darkness Ablaze set, numbered 9. It is a Common rarity card with no evolutions or abilities. Its single attack, “Spray Fluid,” deals 10 damage for one Colorless Energy, making it a straightforward and accessible card for collectors.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include its Grass type, the regulation mark D, and the unique illustrator credit to Megumi Mizutani. The card’s retreat cost of 3 and its single attack “Spray Fluid” also help distinguish it from other Shelmet printings.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats, according to the provided data. Its simple attack and moderate retreat cost suggest it is more suited for casual play or collection rather than competitive decks.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve this card’s vibrant artwork and condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its common rarity, it is ideal for beginner collectors but still benefits from careful handling to maintain its value and appearance.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: Shelmet appears as a Basic Grass-type Pokémon with modest HP and a simple attack. It fits well within the set’s theme of dynamic and diverse Pokémon, illustrated with a delicate style by Megumi Mizutani. This printing is a solid addition for collectors focusing on the Darkness Ablaze series or Grass-type Pokémon.

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Shelmet Darkness Ablaze.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Shelmet (Darkness Ablaze) #9

  • Collector’s Guide: Hippowdon (Darkness Ablaze #94)

    Collector’s Guide: Hippowdon (Darkness Ablaze #94)

    Hippowdon Collector’s Guide: Darkness Ablaze #94

    Character Intro

    Darkness Ablaze Hippowdon (#94) is a Rare Stage 1 Fighting-type with a sturdy 150 HP and the powerful Land Crush attack. It offers a solid presence for collectors and players alike.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 94 Rare 150 KEIICHIRO ITO
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Hippopotas)
    • Retreat Cost: 4
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Flavor Text: Stones can get stuck in the ports on their bodies. Dwebble help dislodge such stones, so Hippowdon look after these Pokémon.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing appears in the Darkness Ablaze expansion of the Sword & Shield series as a Rare card numbered 94. It features two attacks:
    – Triple Smash: Deals 80 damage per heads flipped on three coins.
    – Land Crush: A straightforward 150 damage attack.

    Variants & Identifiers

    This card has no known print variants. It can be identified by its set code “swsh3-94,” Fighting type, and the illustrator KEIICHIRO ITO. The card’s image can be referenced at /images/swsh3/swsh3-94.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vivid artwork and maintain card condition, store Hippowdon in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity, handle with care to avoid edge wear and surface scratches.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: Hippowdon appears as a rare Fighting-type Stage 1 card with strong attacks and a high retreat cost, emphasizing its tank-like durability and offensive potential.

    Hippowdon (Darkness Ablaze) #94

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Hippowdon Darkness Ablaze.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Hippowdon (Darkness Ablaze) #94

  • Collector’s Guide: Rhyperior V (Darkness Ablaze #95)

    Collector’s Guide: Rhyperior V (Darkness Ablaze #95)

    Rhyperior V Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Rhyperior V is a Rare Holo V card from the Darkness Ablaze set, numbered 95. With 230 HP and the standout attack Heavy Rock Artillery, it delivers a sturdy, hard-hitting presence in play and a striking visual for collectors.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 95 Rare Holo V 230 Eske Yoshinob
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic, V
    • Retreat Cost: 4
    • Weakness: Grass ×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 printing of Rhyperior V, card number 95. It is a Rare Holo V card with high HP and impactful Fighting-type attacks. The art by Eske Yoshinob provides a vivid, detailed depiction.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include the set code “swsh3” and card number 95. The card’s market reference query is “Rhyperior V Darkness Ablaze 95.” The image of this card can be found at /images/swsh3/swsh3-95.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. It carries the standard V rule where knocking out this Pokémon awards your opponent two Prize cards. Its high retreat cost of 4 and weakness to Grass types are important considerations for gameplay.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s Rare Holo V condition, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface, especially the holographic areas. Use a rigid top-loader or a binder with individual pockets for long-term storage.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze (swsh3): This set includes the powerful Rhyperior V as card number 95, featuring strong Fighting-type attacks and a high HP pool. The set is known for its dynamic Basic V Pokémon, with this card standing out due to its heavy damage output and strategic discard effect. Release date is unknown.

    Rhyperior V (Darkness Ablaze) #95

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Rhyperior V Darkness Ablaze.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Rhyperior V (Darkness Ablaze) #95

  • Collector’s Guide: Diggersby (Darkness Ablaze #96)

    Collector’s Guide: Diggersby (Darkness Ablaze #96)

    Diggersby Collector’s Guide: Darkness Ablaze #96

    Character Intro

    Diggersby from the Darkness Ablaze set is a rare card numbered 96. It boasts a sturdy 130 HP and features the powerful attack Land Crush. This card offers a solid addition to any collection seeking robust Pokémon.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 96 Rare 130 0313
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Bunnelby)
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Resistances: None
    • Regulation Mark: D

    Key Printings

    This exact printing of Diggersby appears in the Darkness Ablaze set, identified by card number 96. It features two attacks:
    – Hammer In — 90 damage for a moderate Fighting and Colorless energy cost
    – Land Crush — 140 damage requiring more Fighting energy

    The card’s rarity is Rare, making it a desirable piece for collectors focusing on the Sword & Shield series.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by the set code “swsh3” and the card ID “swsh3-96.” The illustrator is listed as 0313, and the regulation mark is D. The card’s image can be found at /images/swsh3/swsh3-96.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to the provided data. No additional tournament or play notes are available.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and detailed illustration, handle with clean hands and consider a rigid case to maintain its value and appearance.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: This set features Diggersby as a powerful Fighting-type Stage 1 Pokémon with strong attacks suitable for aggressive playstyles. The card’s artwork and flavor text emphasize its strength and utility in excavation and construction, fitting the set’s dynamic theme.

    Diggersby (Darkness Ablaze) #96

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Diggersby Darkness Ablaze.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Diggersby (Darkness Ablaze) #96

  • Collector’s Guide: Passimian (Darkness Ablaze #97)

    Collector’s Guide: Passimian (Darkness Ablaze #97)

    Passimian Collector’s Guide: Darkness Ablaze #97

    Character Intro

    Passimian from the Darkness Ablaze set is a Common card with 110 HP. It features the attack Rock Hurl, showcasing its dynamic combat style. This card is number 97 in the set, making it a straightforward addition for collectors.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 97 Common 110 SATOSHI NAKAI
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1 Colorless
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Resistance: None
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Flavor Text: Displaying amazing teamwork, they follow the orders of their boss as they all help out in the search for their favorite berries.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Darkness Ablaze expansion, card number 97. It is a Common rarity Basic Pokémon card with no evolutions. The card’s two attacks are “Call for Family,” which lets you search your deck for up to two Basic Pokémon to bench, and “Rock Hurl,” a 70-damage attack unaffected by resistance.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Passimian card. It can be identified by its Fighting type, the regulation mark D, and the illustrator credit to SATOSHI NAKAI. The card image can be referenced at /images/swsh3/swsh3-97.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve this card’s vibrant artwork and condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface to maintain its collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: Introduced Passimian as a Common Fighting-type Basic Pokémon with solid HP and useful benching support through “Call for Family.” The set emphasizes dynamic battling strategies with strong Fighting-type options.

    Passimian (Darkness Ablaze) #97

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Passimian Darkness Ablaze.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Passimian (Darkness Ablaze) #97

  • Collector’s Guide: Galarian Sirfetch’d (Darkness Ablaze #98)

    Collector’s Guide: Galarian Sirfetch’d (Darkness Ablaze #98)

    Galarian Sirfetch’d Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Galarian Sirfetch’d from the Darkness Ablaze set is a Rare card numbered 98. With 130 HP and the standout attack Meteor Assault, its vibrant, striking design makes it a notable addition to any collection.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Darkness Ablaze 98 Rare 130 Ryota Murayama
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Galarian Farfetch’d)
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Regulation Mark: D
    • Flavor Text: Only Farfetch’d that have survived many battles can attain this evolution. When this Pokémon’s leek withers, it will retire from combat.

    Key Printings

    The key printing of Galarian Sirfetch’d is from the Darkness Ablaze expansion, card number 98. It features two attacks:
    – Pierce — 40 damage for one Fighting energy
    – Meteor Assault — 180 damage, with a restriction on repeated use until the Pokémon leaves the Active Spot

    Variants & Identifiers

    This card has no known print variants. It is identified by its set code “swsh3-98” and regulation mark “D.” The illustrator credited is Ryota Murayama, whose artwork is distinctive for this card.

    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

    To preserve the vibrant artwork and maintain card condition, store Galarian Sirfetch’d in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity status, handle with clean hands and avoid bending or scratching the surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Darkness Ablaze: Introduces Galarian Sirfetch’d as a rare Fighting-type Stage 1 Pokémon with strong offensive capabilities and a unique battle lore tied to its evolution and signature leek.

    Galarian Sirfetch'd (Darkness Ablaze) #98

    Catch This Card on eBay

    Search live listings for Pokemon TCG Galarian Sirfetch'd Darkness Ablaze.


    Browse eBay listings

    This section contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Galarian Sirfetch'd (Darkness Ablaze) #98