Houndoom

Description

The Houndoom card from the 2021 Battle Styles set serves as a key component for trainers focusing on the Dark-type strategy. As a Stage 1 Pokémon, it evolves from Houndour and boasts a substantial 130 HP, providing durability in match play. This release is printed as a Holo Rare, identified by its distinctive foil treatment and card number 96 within the BST set code. Collectors appreciate this card for its integration into the Single Strike mechanic introduced in the series. The card features the 'Single Strike Roar' ability, which allows players to search their deck for a Single Strike Energy card and attach it to a Single Strike Pokémon, followed by shuffling the deck. This ability offers strategic utility for players building decks around that specific energy type. Its primary attack, Darkness Fang, deals 50 damage but requires two Colorless energy in addition to a Darkness energy to activate. Ryota Murayama provided the artwork for this edition, capturing the essence of the Pokémon known for its eerie howls. The flavor text references the legend that people once feared the creature as the grim reaper due to its haunting calls. For investors and casual hobbyists alike, Battle Styles remains a popular subset for completing base sets and exploring the expanded mechanics of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. The card's regulation mark E ensures it remains recognizable within the current legal play formats, making it a relevant piece for any serious collection seeking to cover the full scope of the Battle Styles expansion.