Koffing Analyzed Against Similar Poison Pokémon in TCG

Koffing card art from Hidden Fates set (SM115)

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Koffing Analyzed Against Similar Poison Pokémon in TCG

In the colorful world of the Pokémon TCG, some under-the-radar cards quietly teach us valuable lessons about tempo, price, and deck-building philosophy. Koffing from Hidden Fates (SM115) is one of those pocket-sized professors. A basic Psychic-type with 60 HP and a modest attack, it doesn’t look flashy at first glance. Yet when we place it alongside other poison-type basics like Grimer and Ekans, and consider its potential evolution into Weezing, a clear strategy emerges for expanded play and collection value ⚡🔥.

Card snapshot

Name: Koffing
Set: Hidden Fates (SM115)
Rarity: Common
Type: Psychic
Stage: Basic
HP: 60
Attack: Tackle — Cost: Colorless, 20 damage
Weakness: Psychic ×2
Retreat: 1
Illustrator: Saya Tsuruta
Legal in formats: Expanded (not standard)

With a colorless attack cost, Koffing can branch into a variety of expanded decks that leverage low-energy starts and cheap bench presence. Its 60 HP is respectable for a Basic from this era, but it also signals a reminder: early-stage Koffing games rely on careful support and timing rather than sheer staying power. The Psychic weakness is a consideration, especially when facing aggressive evolves and other Psychics in the expanded pool, but that same pool often includes readily accessible counterplay to keep pace in the mid-game.

Performance trends: how it stacks up against similar poison Pokémon

In the expanded format, poison-types frequently hinge on two axes: disruption at the bench and careful evolution timing. Grimer and Ekans—staples of many poison-focused lines—offer different energy costs and typing advantages that can outpace Koffing in a straight scrap. Yet Koffing’s accessibility is a strength. Being a basic with a one-cost retreat makes it easy to deploy early, draw into a Weezing or other threatening pivots, and keep your opponent from collapsing into a single-feathered tempo plan. The lesson for players is not to rely on brute force, but to weave Koffing into a broader strategy that uses cheap, fast pressure to set up the real payoff pieces later in the match ✨.

“Small, consistent damage plus smart evolution timing often outplays trying to land a few big hits in the first turn.”

Speaking of evolution, the pathway from Koffing to Weezing is familiar to long-time collectors and players: a Basic with a clear upgrade that can turn a modest 60 HP into a more intimidating late-game presence. Weezing—whether built around disruption or additional Poison utility—offers a way to transform a humble start into a board-control engine. This kind of trajectory is what makes Koffing appealing in a budget or midrange build: you can flex between early pressure and late-game board dominance without splurging on premium rares.

Collectibility and market vibes

From a collector’s perspective, Hidden Fates remains a magnet for nostalgia and pull-off-the-shelf charm. Koffing’s Common rarity means many players will encounter it frequently in booster drafts or random packs, but its holo variant—where available—adds a splash of shine that elevates its display value. Market data paints a realistic picture: non-holo copies tend to hover around the cent-to-centime range in EUR, while reverse holo and holo examples carry noticeably higher figures. CardMarket’s average around €0.04 for non-holo and roughly €0.27 for holo variants reflects the broader economics of common cards from this beloved set, while TCGPlayer’s normal copies can range from mere pennies to the dollar in floating conditions depending on wear and demand. For collectors building out a Hidden Fates run, Koffing represents a colourful, affordable thread that complements rarer pulls without breaking the bank 💎.

For price-conscious players, this is particularly meaningful: a small investment in multiple Koffing cards can flesh out a poison-themed deck while you chase higher-impact evolutions and tech Pokémon. The expanded environment rewards versatility; Koffing’s evolving path to a fuller Weezing can become a centerpiece to a budget-friendly poison archetype, especially when paired with supportive trainers and energy acceleration that smooths the transition from Basic to evolved threats. And if you crave a fun, nostalgia-soaked display piece, the card’s artwork by Saya Tsuruta—a distinct and enduring style—reminds us why Hidden Fates remains a favorite among collectors and players alike 🎨⚡.

Art, lore, and player experience

Saya Tsuruta’s illustration brings a playful yet mischievous aura to Koffing, matching the gas-borrowed menace we associate with this Pokémon in the anime and games. It’s a reminder that the TCG is as much about story and personality as it is about numbers. Hidden Fates’ atmosphere—full of shiny surprises and pop-culture nods—lets players enjoy the card’s aesthetic while strategizing around its stats. The art doesn’t just decorate a card; it invites players to imagine the battlefield as a smoky alley where a handful of Colorless energy and a cunning plan can slip past a dawning Weezing-level threat. That blend of strategy and storytelling is what keeps the TCG community energized, even when a single card sits at the edge of the meta ⚡🎴.

As you consider your collection or a new deck, keep in mind the practical realities: Koffing’s expansion-legal status makes it a solid choice for modern, playful builds that want to test the waters of poison synergy, without sacrificing speed or reliability. The contrast with larger, more ambitious Poison Pokémon emphasizes a broader theme in Pokémon TCG history: sometimes the most enduring strength lies in consistency, clever timing, and a dash of nostalgia ⚡🔥.

Ready to add some glow to your gear and your game? Check out the Neon MagSafe Phone Case with Card Holder to pair with your favorite booster-fueled adventures—and keep your Koffing cards neatly displayed as you battle through your next tournament or casual evening with friends.

Neon MagSafe Phone Case with Card Holder