Excadrill Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #57

Character Intro

Excadrill from the Dark Explorers set is a rare card numbered 57 with 120 HP. This sturdy Pokémon features the dynamic attack Mach Claw, emphasizing its powerful digging abilities and the theme of a fierce underground explorer.

Quick Facts

• Type: Fighting
• Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Drilbur)
• Weakness: Water ×2
• Resistance: Lightning -20
• Retreat Cost: 4
• Attacks:
• Reinforced Drill: Does 50+ damage, with an additional 30 damage if a Pokémon Tool card is attached.
• Mach Claw: Deals 70 damage and ignores Resistance.
• Flavor Text: It can help in tunnel construction. Its drill has evolved into steel strong enough to bore through iron plates.
• Card Number: bw5-57
• Set: Dark Explorers (Black & White series)
• Image:

Key Printings

This Excadrill card is exclusively printed in the Dark Explorers set, identified by the code bw5-57. It is a rare card featuring artwork by Masakazu Fukuda, making it a notable piece for collectors interested in Fighting-type Pokémon or the Black & White series.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. It can be identified by its set symbol, card number 57, and the illustrator’s signature. The lack of a regulation mark and release date means collectors rely on the set code and artwork for authentication.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats, according to available data. Its high retreat cost and specific attack conditions make it more of a collector’s item than a competitive staple.

Care & Storage Tips

Store the card in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and detailed artwork, a flat, stable environment helps prevent warping or fading.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

• Dark Explorers: This set features a variety of Pokémon with thematic ties to exploration and excavation, with Excadrill bw5-57 standing out as a robust Fighting-type with strong attack options and a unique steel drill motif.