Why Houndstone ex Shines in the Scarlet and Violet Meta

In TCG ·

Houndstone ex card art from Obsidian Flames

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Meta Spotlight: Why Houndstone ex Shines in the Scarlet and Violet Era

In the evolving Scarlet & Violet meta, certain Pokémon cards rise not only on raw power but on the gravity they create around timing, resource management, and tempo. Houndstone ex from the Obsidian Flames set embodies that blend brilliantly. With a robust 260 HP and a pair of attacks that scale with the state of your discard pile, this Psychic-type Stage 1 ex has become a surprising centerpiece for decks aiming to outlast and out-damage their opponents on late-game turns. The holo version, illustrated by 5ban Graphics, is a staple for collectors who chase the tactile drama of a strong holo finish—each battle becomes a little more cinematic when this dog-ghost flares into view. ⚡🔥

Card basics and what they mean on the table

  • Type: Psychic
  • Stage: Stage 1
  • HP: 260
  • Attacks:
    • Big Bite — Psychic; 30 damage; “During your opponent's next turn, the Defending Pokémon can't retreat.”
    • Last Respects — Psychic + Colorless + Colorless; 160+ damage; “This attack does 10 more damage for each Psychic Pokémon in your discard pile.”
  • Retreat Cost: 3
  • Illustrator: 5ban Graphics
  • Set: Obsidian Flames (sv03)
  • Rarity: Double Rare
  • Regulation: G

The flavor and function are inextricably linked here. Houndstone ex brings serious durability to the table—260 HP means many foes need multiple turns to consistently KO it, which buys time for your Last Respects to ramp up. The Big Bite option provides a reliable early-game pressure tool, with the added prize of pinning the opponent’s retreat option for the turn. But the real fireworks arrive as you fill your discard pile with Psychic Pokémon and build toward Last Respects, which scales dramatically as the game progresses. This is a card that rewards thoughtful discard management and precise energy planning. 🎴💎

Strategic value in today’s Scarlet & Violet meta

Houndstone ex thrives in a meta where endurance and multi-turn planning pay big dividends. The Last Respects attack is the centerpiece: for each Psychic Pokémon in your discard, you gain a healthier damage ceiling. In practice, decks that can reliably populate their discard with Psychics—whether through rapid-fire searches, discard-support, or synergy with other Psychic lines—can push Last Respects into territory that threatens even well-built engines. A common in-game scenario might look like this: you’ve established a stable board, you’ve seeded the discard with several Psychic Pokémon, and then you swing for 200-250+ damage on the turn you finally hit Last Respects with a well-fed count. The range is not just numbers—it's a psychological pressure on opponents who must read the threat of your next turn and plan accordingly. ⚡🎯

From a gameplay perspective, Houndstone ex also forces opponent decision-making. With Big Bite locking down the Defending Pokémon’s ability to retreat, you create a controlled tempo in which retreat-punishing or fatigue-based strategies can stall the opponent’s engine. That control, paired with a high HP buffer, lets you weather the first big hits while your Last Respects climbs—turn after turn, you inch toward a knockout that can catch an opponent off-guard if they underestimated the scaling potential. The token economy of Psychic energy and Colorless costs means you’ll want a lean, tight deck building plan: enough search power to find Houndstone ex and the crucial energy, but not so many dead resources that you stall out before you reach the critical discard thresholds. 🔥🎮

Collectors also feel the pull here. The Obsidian Flames holo version of Houndstone ex is a visually striking card, and the Double Rare status at sv03 makes it a desirable, durable addition to any Psychic-centric collection. The set’s illustration by 5ban Graphics captures the haunting, spectral look of Houndstone in a way that’s instantly recognizable to fans across generations. For players, the holo finish isn’t just a cosmetic flourish—it often correlates with stronger display value in top-tier play mats and showcases at events. The balance of power and collectability makes this card a perennial favorite for those who love the Scarlet & Violet era’s blend of flavor and mechanics. 🎨💎

Market notes and long-term value for collectors

Pricing on the holo Houndstone ex from Obsidian Flames sits at a modest yet meaningful level for a Double Rare ex. CardMarket data (updated mid-2025) shows an average around 1 EUR with a low around 0.2 EUR, and a recent upward drift (trend around 0.78). The daily/weekly averages (1-day ~1.06 EUR, 7-day ~0.92 EUR, 30-day ~1.01 EUR) suggest a steady interest that isn’t spiking, but remains resilient as players test discard-reliant strategies and collectors seek solid holo examples. In other words, it’s a card that tends to hold value with gradual appreciation, especially in markets where demand for SCARLET & Violet ex cards remains healthy and where the holo variant is in rotation for Standard and Expanded play. This stability, paired with a compelling play pattern, makes it a smart target for both deck builders and long-term collectors. 💎🔎

Of course, market dynamics can shift with rotations, reprints, or the emergence of new archetypes. Houndstone ex’s strength in the current meta is tethered to how reliably you can fuel the discard with Psychic Pokémon and how you balance the energy costs for Last Respects. It’s a card that rewards thoughtful list-building and a patient playstyle, rather than fast, reckless aggression. If you enjoy the thrill of seeing a single attack scale from a thoughtful discard strategy, Houndstone ex delivers that satisfaction in spades. ⚡🎴

Neon Phone Case with Card Holder, MagSafe-Compatible — Glossy Matte

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