Image courtesy of TCGdex.net
Escavalier in the Spotlight as New Sets Roll Out
When a new Pokémon TCG set lands, the market often goes through a distinctive rhythm: a sprint of speculation, a flurry of unboxing videos, and then a measured, strategic recalibration as players and collectors size up what the card pool now demands. In Brilliant Stars, one card that keeps surfacing in market chatter and deck-building conversations is Escavalier (swsh9-101). This Metal-type Stage 1 Pokémon, evolving from Karrablast, arrives with a mix of sturdy defense and reliable offense that makes it a practical pick for players chasing a steady midrange plan while collectors eye its rare and holo variants. And as new set releases ripple through the play environment, Escavalier’s role in competitive lists and its price trajectory offer a neat case study in how market behavior shifts in response to fresh meta-scent. ⚡🔥 For fans of metal-type resilience and calculated trades, Escavalier embodies the shift from raw power to durable tempo. Its ability, Miraculous Armor, reduces damage by 100 from attacks by your opponent’s Pokémon V after weaknesses and resistances are accounted for. In a meta where V Pokemon and emerging archetypes push heavy-hitting turns, that protection can buy an extra turn or two, letting you stabilize and execute a mid-game plan. The accompanying attack, Pike, hits for 90 and also nudges 30 damage onto one of the opponent’s Benched Pokémon. The cost is a straightforward Metal and two Colorless, a typical cadence for Metal-themed tools that want to trade at meaningful pace without overcommitting energy. This dual threat—resilience and reach—often makes Escavalier a practical, value-driven pick for decks that want to weather early aggression and land even turns late in the game.
Understanding the Card at a Glance
- Set: Brilliant Stars (swsh9)
- Rarity: Rare
- Stage: Stage 1
- HP: 120
- Type: Metal
- Evolves From: Karrablast
- Ability: Miraculous Armor — This Pokémon takes 100 less damage from attacks from your opponent's Pokémon V (after applying Weakness and Resistance).
- Attack: Pike — Cost: Metal, Colorless, Colorless. 90 damage. This attack also does 30 damage to 1 of your opponent's Benched Pokémon. (Don't apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)
- Retreat: 2
- Regulation: Regulation Mark F • Standard: Not listed as standard-legal (Expanded: True)
“Miraculous Armor” reshapes how opponents approach the turn where Escavalier slots into the active position, especially against decks that lean on Pokémon V to push heavy damage.
From a collector’s lens, this card’s rarity and its place in Brilliant Stars give it a steady pull for those assembling a complete set of Standard-era staples. The artwork associated with swsh9-101—without naming illustrators here—belongs to a tradition of crisp, metallic-themed illustrations that many players and graders value for presentation. While weaker in novelty compared to some ultra-rare promos, Escavalier holds a reliable, practical appeal: it’s a card you can realistically pull into a midrange metal deck with consistent results, even outside of the highest-visibility chase environments.
Market Pulse During New Set Drops
Price activity around fresh sets is a blend of supply constraints, meta-readiness, and the willingness of players to invest in specific archetypes. For Escavalier swsh9-101, the data snapshot from market sources paints a clear picture:
- CardMarket (EUR): The non-holo version shows an average around 0.08 EUR with a low near 0.02 and a gentle daily trend around 0.05. The reverse-holo foil sits a bit higher, with an average near 0.20 EUR on the higher end, and a market price around 0.14 EUR. The holo foil values tend to be more volatile, reflecting scarcity in certain print runs and demand from players chasing shiny finishes.
- TCGPlayer (USD): For the standard (non-foil) card, low prices can dip as low as 0.01 USD, with mid prices around 0.15 USD and high prices approaching 5.03 USD for standout copies or near-mint examples. The market price hovers near 0.10 USD. The reverse holo foil often sits higher, with a low around 0.05 USD, mid near 0.20 USD, and high around 4.99 USD; market price around 0.14 USD for typical copies.
What these figures tell us is that Escavalier’s price is a practical barometer of broader supply and demand dynamics rather than a runaway “hype” card. In early release weeks, non-foil copies can be very accessible, which helps players test builds; as demand flows into deck testing and tournament prep, especially for metal-enabled strategies, you might see a mild uptick in holo and reverse-holo variants. The presence of the Pike attack plus a durable ability encourages players to invest in a board state that is less about one big KO and more about sustainable chip damage and tempo advantage. It’s a nuance that often shows up in the market as steady, incremental movement rather than explosive spikes. 🔥
Strategic Takeaways for Players and Collectors
- Deck-building angle: Include Escavalier in midrange metal builds as a reliable bridge between early board control and late-game pressure. Its damage mitigation against opposing V-Pokemon can help you weather the most punishing turns while Pike chips away at the opponent’s bench.
- Pricing discipline: For casual players, focusing on the non-foil copies can be a smart entry point, given the low entry price in many markets. If you’re chasing aesthetics or conditional play value, the reverse holo and holo variants may justify a slightly higher sticker price, especially in a meta where such finishes are prized.
- Collector’s note: Escavalier sits in a practical rarity class. It’s not a guaranteed investment target, but it’s a dependable addition for set completeness and for players who want a robust, field-tested option in their Brilliant Stars binder. The card’s enduring utility in steel-and-metal archetypes keeps it relevant beyond a single rotation window.
- Play around new sets: New releases often shift the meta’s attention toward (or away from) certain types. Escavalier’s resilience against V attacks and its bench-damaging Pike make it a sensible counter-measure in formats that lean heavily on big hitters. Watching how tournament lists evolve after a set drop can provide valuable cues for when to pick up or upgrade copies.
As new sets continue to arrive, the market will keep balancing scarcity, playability, and collector desire. Escavalier’s steady pricing, combined with its practical in-game value, exemplifies how a single card can ride the crest of a meta wave without becoming a flash-in-the-pan favorite. For players who enjoy a methodical, tempo-forward approach and collectors who appreciate reliable rarities with clean, metallic art, Escavalier remains a worthy piece of Brilliant Stars’ intricate tapestry. 🎴💎🎮
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