Dark Ampharos is the second card in the Team Rocket Returns expansion, featuring a powerful Holo Rare treatment and a unique ability that punishes opponent evolution strategies.
Dark Ampharos
2004 • Pokémon • Team Rocket Returns
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Description
Dark Ampharos holds the number 2 spot in the Team Rocket Returns expansion, released in 2004 as part of the Pokémon Trading Card Game's ongoing narrative. This Stage 2 Lightning and Darkness-type Pokémon evolves from Dark Flaaffy and carries 120 hit points. The card is distinguished by its Holo Rare finish, a treatment that appeals to collectors seeking visual impact alongside gameplay utility. Designed by Emi Miwa, this card introduces the Darkest Impulse ability, which places 2 damage counters on an opponent's Pokémon whenever they evolve one from their hand. This mechanic makes Dark Ampharos a strategic deterrent in competitive play, forcing opponents to think twice before advancing their lineup. Its primary attack, Shock Bolt, deals 70 damage but requires discarding all attached Lightning Energy, creating a high-risk, high-reward dynamic. The card’s dual typing and aggressive design reflect the Team Rocket Returns set's theme of shadowy, corrupted Pokémon. For collectors, completing the Team Rocket Returns set often involves securing this key card due to its central role in the series' lore and its distinctive foil treatment.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Dark Ampharos
Game
Pokémon
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Holo Rare
Emi Miwa
Card Stock
English
Holo
120
Lightning, Darkness
Stage 2
Dark Flaaffy
Fighting ×2
2
181
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Ability: Darkest Impulse
As long as Dark Ampharos is in play, whenever your opponent plays an Evolution card from his or her hand to evolve 1 of his or her Pokémon, put 2 damage counters on that Pokémon. You can't use more than 1 Darkest Impulse Poké-Body each turn.
Attack: Ram (30)
Attack: Shock Bolt (70)
Discard all Lightning Energy attached to Dark Ampharos.