Dark Sandslash Collector’s Guide

Character Intro

Dark Sandslash from the Team Rocket Returns set is a Rare card numbered 18 with 70 HP. It features the intriguing ability Poison Payback and the attack Swift. This card offers a distinctive blend of offense and strategy for collectors and players alike.

Quick Facts

• Types: Fighting, Darkness
• Stage: Stage 1
• Retreat Cost: 0
• Weakness: Grass ×2
• Abilities: “Poison Payback” Poké-Body poisons attackers when Dark Sandslash is damaged
• Attack: “Swift” deals 50 damage unaffected by any effects on the defending Pokémon
• Regulation Mark: Unknown
• Flavor Text: Unknown

Key Printings

The key printing of Dark Sandslash is from the Team Rocket Returns set, card number 18. This rare card is notable for its unique dual Fighting and Darkness typing and its ability to poison opposing Pokémon when attacked.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. Identification is straightforward by its set code “ex7-18” and its distinctive illustration by Masakazu Fukuda. The card’s rarity is marked as Rare, and it carries no regulation mark.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its unique ability “Poison Payback” can strategically punish opponents for attacking, while the “Swift” attack bypasses common defensive effects.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the vivid artwork and maintain card condition, store Dark Sandslash in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and unknown release date, careful handling is recommended to retain collector value.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

• Team Rocket Returns: Dark Sandslash appears as a rare Stage 1 Pokémon with a potent poison-inducing ability and a reliable attack, fitting the darker theme of the set.