 
Image courtesy of TCGdex.net
Why this Hippowdon is dominating Pokémon TCG auctions
punchy, rugged, and built for big finishes, this Hippowdon from Space-Time Smackdown has become a talking point in auction rooms and online marketplaces ⚡. With a lofty 140 HP and a menacing stage-1 presence, it sits at the center of Fighting-type decks that prize raw power and dependable impact. The two-barrel rarity of Two Diamond elevates its prestige among collectors who chase holo finishes and distinctive silhouettes in the broader Space-Time Smackdown lineup. The card’s artistry by KEIICHIRO ITO blends the tactile earthiness of Hippowdon with a glossy holo sheen that catches both the eye and the eye of the meter-readers in auction catalogs 💎. The standout attack, Earthen Press, is a three-Fighting and one-Colorless affair that clocks in at 120 damage. That hefty number makes it a threat to bench-heavy boards and a satisfying finisher when the board state is right. The retreat cost sits at 4, so tempo matters: Hippowdon wants energy support and careful positioning to maximize its hits while avoiding getting bogged down by quick exchanges. In modern play, the combination of high HP, a strong 120-damage option, and a relatively straightforward evolution line from Hippopotas makes it a go-to for players who value explosive midgame pressure and reliable late-game outs 🔥. Collectors also prize the card for its holo, reverse, and normal variants—each a nod to the set’s design language and printing quirks. Space-Time Smackdown keeps a steady cadence of high-rarity pieces, and Hippowdon’s Two Diamond status signals a premium on both display and play. For fans who follow set dynamics, the official counts—140 cards in the official total and 207 across all printings—signal a balance between accessibility for players and scarcity for collectors. The set’s logo, seen on the card’s border and branding, anchors it firmly in a period where designers embraced bold, interstellar storytelling alongside tactical gameplay 🎨.Key stats at a glance
- Type: Fighting
- HP: 140
- Stage: Stage 1 (evolves from Hippopotas)
- Attack: Earthen Press — 120 damage; costs Fighting, Fighting, Fighting, Colorless
- Weakness: Grass ×2 (+20 to damage in most game contexts)
- Retreat: 4
- Illustrator: KEIICHIRO ITO
- Rarity: Two Diamond
- Set: Space-Time Smackdown (A2); cardCount official 140, total 207
- Print variants: holo, normal, reverse
- Flavor text: "It is surprisingly quick to anger. It holds its mouth agape as a display of its strength."
For players, the practical takeaway is clear: Hippowdon’s 120-damage threat from a Stage 1 body invites aggressive midgame plays that push through with careful energy management. For collectors, the dual appeal of holo aesthetics and Two Diamond rarity makes it a high-interest piece in a modern collection that values both display value and gameplay history 🎴.
Playstyle, market momentum, and the art that sells the card
When you pair Hippowdon’s raw hitting power with the robust energy cost, you’ll want to craft a deck that can reliably supply the three Fighting energies plus the Colorless requirement. That means energy acceleration cards, energy-dense supporters, or even a splash from other Fighting types that can help streamline the early game. In auction circles, the card’s marketability isn’t driven by a single feature; it’s the sum of its tactile holo finish, the striking illustration by Ito, and the card’s performance history. The story-laden flavor text only adds to the aura, making it both a capable tool on the table and a prized exhibit in a glass display case 💎🔥. Maverick players will look for synergy with other Space-Time Smackdown staples, seeking the right matchups to maximize Earthen Press’s impact. While the retreat cost is a consideration—preferring quick sidelines or retreat synergy—Hippowdon’s heavy-hitting threat ensures it remains a recurring problem for opponents who underestimate its midgame foothold. For auction watchers, the card’s rarity and holo variants tend to command premium bids, especially when paired with a near-mint condition backstory, complete sleeves, or a well-preserved binder that narrates a chapter of Space-Time Smackdown lore. The ongoing interest from collectors translates into recurring auction spikes when the card appears in new product drops or curated sets, underscoring why Hippowdon often leads top sale lists in the Fighting niche ⚡🎨.
From a lore perspective, the description surrounding the Hippowdon line feeds into the broader worldbuilding of Space-Time Smackdown, a set that blends interstellar themes with terrestrial power. Ito’s illustration helps ground a creature that can feel both ancient and immediate—the sort of artwork that stands up to second and third glances at a convention table. The result is a card that satisfies both a player’s tactical itch and a collector’s eye for detail, a combination that tends to drive robust auction activity and network chatter 🎴🔥.
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