Category: Dark Explorers

  • Collector’s Guide: Aerodactyl (Dark Explorers #53)

    Collector’s Guide: Aerodactyl (Dark Explorers #53)

    Aerodactyl (Dark Explorers 53) Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Aerodactyl from the Dark Explorers set is a Rare card with 90 HP. It features the striking ability Ancient Scream and a powerful Wing Attack. This card is numbered 53 in the set.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 53 Rare 90 Naoyo Kimura
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Restored
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Grass ×2
    • Ability: Ancient Scream — boosts your Pokémon’s attacks by 10 damage against the Active Pokémon before Weakness and Resistance apply.
    • Attack: Wing Attack — deals 40 damage with a cost of three Colorless energies.
    • Flavor Text: “A Pokémon that roamed the skies in the dinosaur era. Its teeth are like saw blades.”
    • Rules: Can only be put onto your Bench with the effect of Old Amber Aerodactyl.

    Key Printings

    Focus: the Aerodactyl card from the Dark Explorers set, card number 53. It is a Rare card with no known alternate printings or special variants.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Aerodactyl card. It is uniquely identified by its set code “bw5” and card number 53. The card features the subtype “Restored,” linking it to its evolutionary origin from Old Amber Aerodactyl.

    Legality & Play Notes

    • Legality: unknown
    • This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. It has a specific play rule requiring it to be placed on the Bench only through the effect of Old Amber Aerodactyl.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the vivid artwork and maintain card condition, store this card in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and unique evolutionary mechanic, keeping it in a binder or top-loader is recommended to avoid edge wear and surface scratches.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set features Aerodactyl as a Restored Pokémon, emphasizing prehistoric themes and unique evolutionary mechanics. The card’s Fighting type and Ancient Scream ability make it a distinctive addition to the set’s roster.

    Aerodactyl (Dark Explorers) #53

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    Aerodactyl (Dark Explorers) #53

  • Collector’s Guide: Groudon-EX (Dark Explorers #54)

    Collector’s Guide: Groudon-EX (Dark Explorers #54)

    Groudon-EX Collector’s Guide

    Character Intro

    Groudon-EX from the Dark Explorers set is a Rare Holo EX with a commanding presence. It has 180 HP and the standout attack Giant Claw. As card number 54 in the set, it’s a noteworthy pull for collectors.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 54 Rare Holo EX 180 Shizurow
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic, EX
    • Retreat Cost: 4
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Resistance: Lightning -20
    • Attacks:
    • Tromp: Deals 20 damage and 10 damage to each of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon.
    • Giant Claw: Deals 80+ damage, with an additional 40 damage if the Defending Pokémon already has 2 or more damage counters.
    • Pokémon-EX Rule: When Knocked Out, your opponent takes 2 Prize cards.

    Key Printings

    This guide covers the single known printing of Groudon-EX from Dark Explorers, card number 54. It is a Rare Holo EX with no evolutions and no special abilities beyond its attacks.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact card. It is identified by set code “bw5-54” and illustrator Shizurow. The card’s image can be found at:
    Groudon-EX

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown.
    This card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. Its high retreat cost and the Pokémon-EX rule make it a strategic choice in casual play.

    Care & Storage Tips

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

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: Groudon-EX appears as a powerful Basic EX Fighting-type Pokémon with strong bench-targeting and high-damage attacks, fitting the set’s theme of exploration and strength. The set’s release date is unknown.

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    Groudon-EX (Dark Explorers) #54

  • Collector’s Guide: Drilbur (Dark Explorers #55)

    Collector’s Guide: Drilbur (Dark Explorers #55)

    Drilbur Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #55

    Character Intro

    Drilbur from the Dark Explorers set is a Common, number 55, with 70 HP. This energetic Basic Fighting-type features the straightforward attack Scratch, making it a clean, early-stage pickup for collectors who appreciate simple, classic designs.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 55 Common 70 Tomokazu Komiya
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • HP: 70
    • Attack: Scratch (30 damage, costs 2 Fighting Energy)
    • Weakness: Water (×2)
    • Resistance: Lightning (-20)
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Flavor Text: It makes its way swiftly through the soil by putting both claws together and rotating at high speed.
    • Illustrator: Tomokazu Komiya
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the Dark Explorers printing of Drilbur, card number 55. It is a Common rarity card with no evolutions or abilities, featuring a single attack named Scratch that deals 30 damage.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Drilbur card. Identifiers include the set code “bw5” and the card number “55.” The card is classified as a Basic Pokémon with Fighting type and Basic subtype.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    Store in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Handle gently to avoid bending or surface wear—especially relevant for commons that see frequent handling.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers: This set includes Drilbur as a Common Fighting-type Basic Pokémon with a simple but effective attack. The card’s artwork and flavor text emphasize its digging ability, making it a thematic fit for the set’s exploration motif.

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    Drilbur (Dark Explorers) #55

  • Collector’s Guide: Excadrill (Dark Explorers #56)

    Collector’s Guide: Excadrill (Dark Explorers #56)

    Excadrill Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #56

    Character Intro

    Excadrill from the Dark Explorers set is a Rare card numbered 56, boasting a solid 120 HP. This sturdy Pokémon features the attack Dig Uppercut, adding a dynamic edge to its gameplay. Its design captures the essence of a powerful underground digger.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 56 Rare 120 Mitsuhiro Arita
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Drilbur)
    • Weakness: Water ×2
    • Resistance: Lightning -20
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Flavor Text: More than 300 feet below the surface, they build mazelike nests. Their activity can be destructive to subway tunnels.

    Key Printings

    This card is from the Black & White series, specifically the Dark Explorers set (set code: bw5).

    Attacks

    • Tunnel Strike: Deals 30 damage to an opponent’s Benched Pokémon without applying Weakness or Resistance.
    • Dig Uppercut: Deals 50 damage and allows you to retrieve a card from your discard pile.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by the card number 56 in the Dark Explorers set and has no regulation mark. The illustrator is Mitsuhiro Arita, whose artwork is a notable feature of this printing.

    Legality & Play Notes

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

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s vibrant illustration and maintain its condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its rarity and detailed artwork, handling with clean hands or gloves is recommended.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): This set features Excadrill as a powerful Fighting-type Stage 1 Pokémon with versatile attacks that support both offense and resource recovery. The card’s design emphasizes its underground, tunnel-digging nature, fitting the set’s darker theme.

    Excadrill Dark Explorers 56

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    Excadrill (Dark Explorers) #56

  • Collector’s Guide: Excadrill (Dark Explorers #57)

    Collector’s Guide: Excadrill (Dark Explorers #57)

    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

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 57 Rare 120 Masakazu Fukuda
    • 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.

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    Excadrill (Dark Explorers) #57

  • Collector’s Guide: Timburr (Dark Explorers #58)

    Collector’s Guide: Timburr (Dark Explorers #58)

    Timburr Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #58

    Overview

    Timburr from the Dark Explorers set is a Common card numbered 58 with 60 HP. This sturdy Basic Fighting-type showcases a straightforward battling style with Low Kick and Hammer In, making it a solid addition to collections focused on early-stage fighters.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 58 Common 60 Mizue
    • HP: 60
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1 Colorless
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Attacks:
    • Low Kick (10 damage, 1 Colorless energy)
    • Hammer In (30 damage, 1 Fighting + 2 Colorless energy)
    • Flavor Text: “These Pokémon appear at building sites and help out with construction. They always carry squared logs.”
    • Illustrator: Mizue
    • Image URL: /images/bw5/bw5-58.jpg

    Key Printings

    This Timburr card is from the Black & White series, specifically the Dark Explorers expansion. It is a common rarity card and does not evolve from any other Pokémon. The card is identified by the set code “bw5” and card number 58.

    Variants & Identifiers

    No print variants are known for this exact printing. The card can be identified by its Fighting type, common rarity, and the unique artwork by Mizue. The card’s market reference query is “Timburr Dark Explorers 58.”

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown.
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. No special rules or abilities are associated with this printing.

    Care & Storage Tips

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

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): Timburr appears as a reliable Basic Fighting-type Pokémon, emphasizing its role in construction with straightforward attacks and modest HP. This set focuses on exploring darker themes within the Black & White series, with this card fitting the practical, hardworking motif.

    Timburr (Dark Explorers) #58

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    Timburr (Dark Explorers) #58

  • Collector’s Guide: Gurdurr (Dark Explorers #59)

    Collector’s Guide: Gurdurr (Dark Explorers #59)

    Gurdurr Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #59

    Character Intro

    Gurdurr from the Dark Explorers set is an uncommon card numbered 59. With 80 HP and the attack Steel Swing, it’s a solid pickup for collectors focusing on the Dark Explorers series.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 59 Uncommon 80 Mizue
    • HP: 80
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Timburr)
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Attacks:
    • Low Kick (20 damage, costs 1 Colorless)
    • Steel Swing (Flip 2 coins; does 60 damage times the number of heads, costs 1 Fighting and 2 Colorless)
    • Flavor Text: “They strengthen their bodies by carrying steel beams. They show off their big muscles to their friends.”
    • Illustrator: Mizue
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Set: Dark Explorers (bw5)
    • Card Number: 59
    • Image:

    Key Printings

    This guide covers the Dark Explorers printing of Gurdurr, card number 59—an uncommon Fighting-type Stage 1 Pokémon with two attacks and no abilities. Steel Swing offers variable damage based on coin flips. No other printings or special variants are noted for this exact card.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It’s easily identified by the set code “bw5,” card number 59, the illustrator credit to Mizue, and its uncommon rarity. The card features a regulation mark that is unknown or absent.

    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

    To preserve the artwork and maintain condition, store this Gurdurr in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Even as an uncommon, careful handling helps retain collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): Features Gurdurr as a straightforward Stage 1 Fighting-type emphasizing physical strength through its attacks and flavor text. Mizue’s artwork highlights Gurdurr’s muscular build.

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    Gurdurr (Dark Explorers) #59

  • Collector’s Guide: Umbreon (Dark Explorers #61)

    Collector’s Guide: Umbreon (Dark Explorers #61)

    Umbreon Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #61

    Character Intro

    Umbreon from the Dark Explorers set is an Uncommon card numbered 61. It features 100 HP and the attack Shadow Shutdown. This card offers a sleek addition to any collection with its dark-themed design.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 61 Uncommon 100 Kouki Saitou
    • Type: Darkness
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Eevee)
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Resistance: Psychic -20
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Flavor Text: When exposed to the moon’s aura, the rings on its body glow faintly and it gains a mysterious power.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Dark Explorers set, card number 61. It features two attacks: Confuse Ray, which confuses the defending Pokémon and deals 20 damage, and Shadow Shutdown, a stronger attack dealing 60 damage with a chance to discard all Energy attached to the defending Pokémon.

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code bw5-61 and the market reference query “Umbreon Dark Explorers 61.” The card’s artwork by Kouki Saitou and its Darkness type are key visual identifiers.

    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

    To preserve the card’s uncommon rarity and detailed artwork, store it 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

    • Dark Explorers: This set features Umbreon as a Stage 1 Darkness-type Pokémon with a focus on status effects and energy disruption, highlighted by its Confuse Ray and Shadow Shutdown attacks. The set’s aesthetic complements Umbreon’s mysterious nature with dark, moody artwork.

    Umbreon (Dark Explorers) #61

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    Umbreon (Dark Explorers) #61

  • Collector’s Guide: Sableye (Dark Explorers #62)

    Collector’s Guide: Sableye (Dark Explorers #62)

    Sableye Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #62

    Character Intro

    Sableye from the Dark Explorers set is an uncommon card numbered 62 with 70 HP. This mischievous Pokémon features the attack Confuse Ray, adding a tricky element to gameplay. Its modest stats make it a strategic choice for collectors and players alike.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 62 Uncommon 70 kawayoo
    • HP: 70
    • Type: Darkness
    • Stage: Basic
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Attacks:
    • Confuse Ray: Deals 10 damage and may confuse the Defending Pokémon on a coin flip.
    • Junk Hunt: Allows retrieval of 2 Item cards from the discard pile to your hand.
    • Weaknesses, resistances, and regulation mark: Unknown
    • Legality: unknown

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Black & White series, set code bw5, titled Dark Explorers. It is card number 62 and classified as Uncommon. The card features no evolutions and no abilities, focusing on its two attacks.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • No known print variants.
    • Identifier: set code “bw5-62.”
    • Illustrator: kawayoo.
    • Image: /images/bw5/bw5-62.jpg.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality status: unknown. According to the provided data, this card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the card’s vivid artwork and condition, store it in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its Uncommon rarity, maintaining mint condition can help retain collector value.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): Introduced Sableye as a Basic Darkness-type Pokémon with a focus on disruption and resource recovery through its attacks. The set emphasizes exploration themes, fitting Sableye’s cave-dwelling nature.

    For collectors and players interested in Darkness-type Pokémon from the Black & White era, this Sableye offers a distinctive blend of thematic design and practical card effects.

    Sableye (Dark Explorers) #62

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    Sableye (Dark Explorers) #62

  • Collector’s Guide: Darkrai-EX (Dark Explorers #63)

    Collector’s Guide: Darkrai-EX (Dark Explorers #63)

    Darkrai-EX Collector’s Guide: Dark Explorers #63

    Character Intro

    Darkrai-EX from the Dark Explorers set is a Rare Holo EX card boasting 180 HP. It features the intriguing ability Dark Cloak and the potent attack Night Spear. This card stands out with its sleek design and strategic potential.

    Quick Facts

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Dark Explorers 63 Rare Holo EX 180 Shizurow
    • Type: Darkness
    • Stage: Basic, EX
    • Ability: Dark Cloak — Your Pokémon with Darkness Energy attached have no Retreat Cost.
    • Attack: Night Spear — Deals 90 damage and 30 damage to one of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon.
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Resistance: Psychic -20
    • Retreat Cost: 2
    • Pokémon-EX Rule: When knocked out, opponent takes 2 Prize cards.
    • Set Code: bw5
    • Series: black_white
    • Legal: unknown

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the Dark Explorers set, card number 63. It is a Rare Holo EX card, making it a visually appealing and sought-after piece for collectors who focus on EX Pokémon from the Black & White series.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. It is identified by its set code “bw5” and card number “63.” The illustrator Shizurow’s signature style is a key identifier, along with the card’s distinctive Darkness-type EX layout.

    Legality & Play Notes

    Legality: unknown
    This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats. The Pokémon-EX rule applies, meaning if Darkrai-EX is knocked out, the opponent takes two Prize cards, which is a critical consideration for gameplay strategy.

    Care & Storage Tips

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

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Dark Explorers (bw5): This set features Darkrai-EX as a powerful Darkness-type Basic EX Pokémon with a unique ability that benefits Darkness Energy users. The card stands out for its high HP and dual damage attack that targets both active and benched Pokémon, adding tactical depth to battles.

    Darkrai-EX Dark Explorers 63

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    Darkrai-EX (Dark Explorers) #63