Why Collectors Chase the Lycanroc EX Variant in the TCG

In TCG ·

Lycanroc ex holo card art from Extradimensional Crisis

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

A Rare Gleam: The Allure Behind Lycanroc ex’s Variant Chase

In the vast expanse of the Pokémon TCG catalog, certain holo variants become magnetic north for collectors. The Lycanroc ex from Extradimensional Crisis is one such beacon. With its striking holo finish, imposing 150 HP, and a swaggering Fighting-type presence, this Stage 1 Pokémon captures both the imagination and the binder-side itch to complete a flawless set. The card’s journey from concept to display case is as much about lore and art as it is about power on the tabletop ⚡🔥. And because it hails from the Extradimensional Crisis block, the A3a code and PLANETA CG Works’ distinctive flair elevate its status beyond a simple stat line.

Four Diamond rarity marks this Lycanroc ex as a premium collectible. In the world of modern TCGs, rarity is more than a number on a price tag—it’s a signal of print runs, foil treatment, and the story collectors tell about a time, a theme, and a competitive era. The holo variant, alongside the normal and reverse prints, reflects a printing philosophy where different play experiences and display aesthetics coexist. The holo version, in particular, shines when you tilt the binder toward the light; the energy and motion of Lycanroc’s attack seem to leap from the card, a little spark喚ing nostalgia for the days when EX-era ferocity defined a format. The result is a card that’s as much about the moment of discovery as it is about the moment of battle. 💎🎴

What makes the battle-ready Lycanroc ex so captivating on the table?

At its core, Lycanroc ex is a Fighting-type Stage 1 that evolves from Rockruff, boasting a sturdy 150 HP. In practical terms, that means it can weather a surprising amount of punishment before a knockout, especially when paired with supportive teammates that can sustain it through rough openings. The primary weapon is Lycanfang, a three-cost attack requiring Fighting, Fighting, and Colorless Energy to deal a robust 130 damage. The bout-taking twist? After delivering the strike, Lycanroc ex must discard a Fighting Energy from itself. That self-cost introduces a clever tension: you’re pouring energy into offense while also managing resources so you don’t stall mid-game. Players who spec the deck with energy acceleration and retrieval cards can turn this drawback into a controlled tempo, blasting hard and refilling later with savvy plays. ⚡🔥

Strategically, this card shines in decks built around mid- to late-game pressure. The two Fighting Energy requirement aligns with other Fighting staples and lets you open with Rockruff’s evolving line for a sustained board presence. The Colorless portion of the attack opens the door to flexible energy sources—whether you’re attaching from hand, bench, or special effects that push additional energy onto Lycanroc ex. Its Grass-type weakness (+20) is a reminder to balance your matchup tree: you’ll want to anticipate foes who can pivot into Grass-heavy strategies, all while leveraging allies that can shield Lycanroc ex from big retaliations. In broader deck-building terms, Lycanroc ex becomes a prime candidate for aggressive tempo midrange, where you want to threaten with big damage before the opponent can stabilize their setup. 🎮🎨

“The chase isn’t just about raw power; it’s about owning a piece of a story—a holo shine that marks a moment when the set’s theme and the art collide with the metagame.”

Art, illustrator, and the lore baked into Extradimensional Crisis

The illustration, crediting PLANETA CG Works, captures Lycanroc ex with a kinetic intensity that mirrors the card’s combat-ready stance. PLANETA CG Works has a knack for conveying motion in still images, and you can feel the swiftness of Lycanroc’s claws and the dynamic energy of the battlefield in the artwork. The Extradimensional Crisis set’s flavor text and iconography—paired with holo foil—suggest a universe where dimensions tremble and Pokémon demonstrate wild, otherworldly power. For collectors, this confluence of design and lore ratchets up the appeal, turning a useful battler into a coveted centerpiece. The variant’s different printings—firstEdition False, holo True, normal True, reverse True—underscore how a single card can live across multiple collector experiences, each with its own charm. 🖼️🎨

From a collector’s perspective, value isn’t merely about instant performance—it’s about provenance. The Lycanroc ex variant, with its high HP and a cost-efficient but punishing attack, sits at the intersection of competitive interest and display-worthy aesthetics. The art, the name recognition, and the rarity all feed a narrative that many trainers chase: the story of a card that feels as dramatic as the battles it promises to deliver. The holo texture, in particular, acts as a visual signature—like a close friend nodding at you from the binder—signaling a print run that’s scarce enough to matter but tangible enough to acquire with diligent hunting. 💎🎴

Tips for collectors and players eyeing this variant

For collectors, the Lycanroc ex holo variant is a reward type that blends aesthetics with potential investment. Inspect the card’s surface for consistent holo lines, clean corners, and the absence of chipping at the edges—factors that dramatically affect resale value in near-mint conditions. The Four Diamond rarity designation signals premium scarcity; pairs with the set’s lore and PLANETA CG Works’ artistry to justify premium pricing in the right market window. For players, the key is not to rely on raw stats alone. The energy cost economy—two Fighting Energy and one Colorless—plus the self-discard mechanic—will influence your deck’s energy-cycling plan and how you structure early-game pressure versus late-game knockout potential. In this sense, Lycanroc ex isn’t just a big attacker; it’s a case study in resource management and tempo control that can bloom into tournament-ready plays with the right supporting cast. 🔥⚡

Whether you’re a veteran binder curator or a commander-level deck architect, this variant invites you to weigh power, rarity, and artistry in a single, gleaming card. The synergy between Lycanroc ex’s rugged fighting spirit and the holo-glossy presentation offers a tactile thrill that online listings can’t capture—until you hold it in your hands, that is.

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