# 2004 Pokémon Team Rocket Returns #2

> The 2004 Pokémon Team Rocket Returns expansion featuring Dark Ampharos card #2. This reverse holo rare showcases the Stage 2 Pokémon with the Darkest Impulse ability.

Canonical URL: https://supercatch.com/product/pokemon-team-rocket-returns-dark-ampharos-2-reverse-holo-holo-rare

## Identity

- **Year**: 2004
- **Manufacturer brand**: Pokémon
- **Set / series**: Team Rocket Returns
- **Card number**: #2
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Illustration by Emi Miwa brings this Lightning and Darkness type to life, offering a distinct visual and mechanical presence in the game. As a reverse holo rare, this card stands out in the base set with its shimmering finish, appealing to collectors who value both aesthetic appeal and competitive utility.

Dark Ampharos evolves from Dark Flaaffy and boasts 120 HP, providing a sturdy defensive option. Its signature ability, Darkest Impulse, creates a powerful board state: as long as Dark Ampharos remains in play, any opponent playing an Evolution card incurs 2 damage counters. This mechanic forces opponents to think carefully before advancing their Pokémon, making it a strategic cornerstone for players who enjoy controlling the pace of the match.

The card’s attacks include a basic Ram for 30 damage and the high-impact Shock Bolt for 70 damage. However, Shock Bolt requires discarding all attached Lightning Energy, adding a layer of resource management to its use. With a retreat cost of 2, trainers must balance energy attachment and positioning to keep Dark Ampharos active on the battlefield. This balance of offense, defense, and ability makes it a memorable piece of the Team Rocket Returns set, cherished by fans of the Pokémon Trading Card Game for its enduring design and strategic depth.

## FAQ

### What is the evolution line for Dark Ampharos?

Dark Ampharos is a Stage 2 Pokémon that evolves from Dark Flaaffy. It belongs to the Ampharos evolutionary line within the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

### What does the Darkest Impulse ability do?

As long as Dark Ampharos is in play, whenever your opponent plays an Evolution card from their hand to evolve one of their Pokémon, you put 2 damage counters on that Pokémon. This ability disrupts opponent strategies by punishing the use of Evolution cards.

### What are Dark Ampharos's attacks and energy costs?

Dark Ampharos has two attacks: Ram, which deals 30 damage and has no additional cost, and Shock Bolt, which deals 70 damage but requires discarding all Lightning Energy attached to it. The card has a retreat cost of 2 Colorless energy.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.