Tag: sword_shield

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.
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September 30, 2025
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.
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September 30, 2025
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.
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September 30, 2025
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.
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September 30, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Morpeko (Battle Styles #98)
Morpeko (Battle Styles 98) Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Morpeko from the Battle Styles set is an Uncommon Basic Darkness-type card numbered 98. It has 80 HP and features the attack Hangry Tackle—a straightforward addition to any collection.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Battle Styles 98 Uncommon 80 NC Empire
- Type: Darkness
- Stage: Basic
- Retreat Cost: 1
- Weakness: Grass ×2
- Regulation Mark: E
- Flavor Text: Hunger hormones affect its temperament. Until its hunger is appeased, it gets up to all manner of evil deeds.
Key Printings

This exact printing of Morpeko appears in the Sword & Shield Battle Styles set as card number 98. It is an Uncommon rarity card illustrated by NC Empire. No other print variants are listed for this card.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this Morpeko card. It can be identified by its Darkness type, Basic stage, and the set code “swsh5-98.”

Attacks
- Gather Food: Retrieves an Item card from the discard pile.
- Hangry Tackle: Deals increased damage if you have no cards in hand.
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 an Uncommon card from the Battle Styles set, preserving the sharpness of the NC Empire illustration and the card’s edges is important for maintaining collector value. Store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and humidity to prevent fading and warping.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Battle Styles (swsh5): This set introduced Morpeko with a focus on its hunger-driven temperament and unique Darkness-type attacks. The card is a Basic Pokémon with moderate HP and a retreat cost of 1, fitting well into thematic decks that leverage discard pile recovery and conditional attack boosts.
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September 30, 2025
Collector’s Guide: Steelix (Battle Styles #99)
Steelix (Battle Styles 99) Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Steelix from the Battle Styles set is a Rare Holo card numbered 99. This sturdy Pokémon boasts 190 HP and features the powerful attack Heavy Impact. Its robust design makes it a notable addition to any collection.

Quick Facts

set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator

Battle Styles 99 Rare Holo 190 NC Empire
- Type: Metal
- Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Onix)
- Weakness: Fire ×2
- Resistance: Grass -30
- Retreat Cost: 4
- Regulation Mark: E
Key Printings

This Steelix card is from the Battle Styles set, identified by the set code swsh5-99. It is a Rare Holo card, notable for its high HP and powerful attacks.

Attacks:
– Steel Swing — Flip 2 coins. This attack does 80 damage for each heads.
– Heavy Impact — 200 damage.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by its card number 99 in the Battle Styles set, the Rare Holo rarity, and the illustrator NC Empire. The card’s image can be referenced at /images/swsh5/swsh5-99.jpg.

Legality & Play Notes

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

Care & Storage Tips
- Store in a protective sleeve to preserve the holo finish.
- Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Avoid bending or scratching to maintain collector value.
Set-by-Set Micro-summaries
- Battle Styles: Introduces Steelix as a powerful Metal-type Stage 1 Pokémon with high HP and strong attacks, emphasizing strategic coin flips and heavy damage output. The card’s design and abilities reflect Steelix’s rugged and iron-rich body, making it a memorable addition to the set.
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September 30, 2025
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:
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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September 30, 2025
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.
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September 30, 2025
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.
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September 30, 2025
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.

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September 30, 2025