Koffing Performance Heatmap by Tournament Region

In TCG ·

Koffing card art from Hidden Fates (SM115-28)

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Regional Performance Spotlight: Koffing in Tournament Play

Across the many regional circuits of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, some cards quietly thread their way into successful lists while others shout for attention. The common Psychic-type Koffing from Hidden Fates (SM115) is a perfect case study for a heatmap approach: not the flashiest attacker, but a nimble bench presence that reveals how budget options can influence regional strategies. In tournament regions from North America to Europe and beyond, Koffing’s persistently low HP but dependable single-energy attack can shape early-game tempo, while its evolution into Weezing offers a broader late-game plan for players who prize consistency over power spikes. ⚡🔥

Card Snapshot: Koffing (Hidden Fates, SM115-28)

  • Name: Koffing
  • Set: Hidden Fates
  • Card Number: SM115-28
  • Rarity: Common
  • Type: Psychic
  • Stage: Basic
  • HP: 60
  • Attack: Tackle — Cost: Colorless, Damage: 20
  • Weakness: Psychic ×2
  • Retreat Cost: 1
  • Illustrator: Saya Tsuruta
  • Evolution: Evolves into Weezing
  • Variants: holo, reverse holo, normal
  • Legal in Formats: Expanded (not Standard)
  • Dex Number: 109

Koffing’s charm isn’t just its cost or its cute (yet moody) design. In terms of gameplay, its 60 HP makes it a disposable treat for early trades, a stepping-stone toward a fuller Weezing strategy, and an ideal target for players who want to test pressure without overcommitting precious resources. The single Colorless energy requirement for Tackle keeps the door open for flexible energy acceleration, a hallmark of many budget Psychic decks in various regional meta snapshots. As a basic, Koffing also unlocks the potential to surprise opponents who underestimate an opponent’s early-game stall game or who misread your timing when you push into Weezing’s more resilient presence. 💎🎴

Reading the Heatmap: Region-by-Region Trends

Heatmaps drawn from tournament data tend to show Koffing appearing most often in Expanded formats and in regions that reward durable, tempo-conscious play rather than raw power. In North America, for example, you might see Koffing tucked into budget Psychic shells that rely on steady bench pressure and late-game Weezing pivots rather than dramatic opening blows. European circuits often mirror this approach, with players valuing consistency and the ability to evolve into Weezing for a mid-to-late-game presence that can weather tougher matchups. In Asia-Pacific regions, where rapid deck tuning is common, Koffing shows up as a flexible piece in sub-archetypes that prioritize reliable turns and the capacity to “buy time” while setting up a more robust board. Across all regions, its status as a Common card means it tends to appear more frequently in lists that favor value over velocity. ⚡

From a strategic vantage, Koffing’s weakness to Psychic becomes a meaningful guardrail when the regional meta leans heavily on Psychic or Grass-type attackers. In heatmaps, that often translates into players weighing their lines: do you bench Koffing early to soak up trades, or do you accelerate toward Weezing with a plan to threaten a larger board late? The evolution path is a key piece of the decision, because Weezing typically represents a more durable stage with greater impact on the mid-game board state. The heatmap therefore reflects not just raw numbers, but the fluid decisions players make about when to commit resources and how to balance tempo with board control. 🔥

Collector's Insight: Rarity, Availability, and Value Trends

As a Common card, SM115-28 Koffing sits at a price band that’s friendly for casual collectors and budget players alike. Market data paints a useful picture: Cardmarket shows an average around 0.04 EUR for standard non-holo copies, with a low near 0.02 and a modest upward drift over time. In USD on TCGPlayer, non-holo copies hover around a mid price of approximately 0.13 USD, with lows near 0.01 and highs that can spike to ~1.49 USD for standout listings. The reverse holo and holo variants carry a noticeably higher price ceiling, averaging around 0.27 EUR or more on Cardmarket and a mid-price near 0.29 USD for non-holo holo equivalents, with highs that can surge toward 1.49 USD in peak markets. In short, while the base card remains an accessible entry point, the holo and reverse-holo forms offer a modest but tangible value lift for collectors chasing condition and presentation. These values, updated through 2025 data, reflect a healthy interest in Hidden Fates-era cards that fans revisit for nostalgia and deck-building experimentation. 💎

From a collecting perspective, Saya Tsuruta’s artwork helps give the card enduring appeal. The art style blends playful whimsy with a touch of whimsy that fans of the Koffing-Weezing line often recognize; it’s a reminder that even “baseline” cards can carry personality and story. This is especially true in a set like Hidden Fates, where holo and reverse-holo variants are prized by collectors who want a bit more shine on their shelves. The value story isn’t just about market price; it’s about the moment a card captures—whether a regional heatmap moment or a memory of opening a booster in a packed tournament hall. 🎨

Deckbuilding & Practical Play: Making the Most of Koffing

  • Tempo first, power second: Use Koffing to set up early bench pressure and tax your opponent’s early turns, then pivot into Weezing for stronger mid-to-late-game stalls and board presence.
  • Energy discipline: Rely on Colorless energy efficiency and plan your transitions so you’re never left with a dead hand while you wait for the evolution to pay off.
  • Weakness awareness: In regions where Psychic-heavy lineups are common, anticipate targeted removal and plan safe retreat or bench strategies to minimize losses.
  • Collection-first edge: If you’re chasing holo or reverse-holo copies, consider the market trends cited above, and look for holo variants in better-condition lots to maximize display value on tournament tables or display shelves.
  • Aesthetic pairing: For fans who blend personal collecting with play, the art by Saya Tsuruta is a nicety that complements Hidden Fates’ retro vibe, making the card a pleasant centerpiece in a display-focused deck. ⚡🎴

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