Predicting Rotation Effects on Butterfree V in Pokémon TCG

Butterfree V holographic card art from Darkness Ablaze (swsh3-177) illustrated by Saki Hayashiro

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Predicting Rotation Effects on Butterfree V in Pokémon TCG

Butterfree V soars into focus not just for its cute, fluttering art by Saki Hayashiro, but for the strategic questions it raises when formats rotate. This Ultra Rare Grass-type Basic Pokémon from Darkness Ablaze (swsh3-177) sits at a sturdy 190 HP, with two distinctly hybrid attacks that invite thoughtful deck-building. Its first attack, Dizzying Poison, costs a single Grass energy and potentially confuses and poisons the foe in one breath—an elegant setup that can derail an opponent’s tempo ⚡. The second, Blasting Wind, hits hard for 130 damage at the cost of two Grass and one Colorless energy. In a rotation-heavy landscape, the way these two moves interact with the broader card pool is the heart of Butterfree V’s viability 🎯.

Rotation in the Pokémon TCG often redefines what “viable” means for any given card. When Standard rotates, many key staples—needing little setup or relying on highly optimized lines—exit the stage. Butterfree V, however, is flagged as not legal in Standard but allowed in Expanded, a format where the Grass toolbox is larger and older sets remain relevant. This shift can transform Butterfree V from a niche curiosity into a dependable puzzle piece for players who enjoy a measured, disruption-focused tempo. The card’s 190 HP helps it survive early trades, and its two-attack kit invites a plan: players can apply poison and confusion to stall while safely edging into a killed-by-slow-play win condition later in the game 🔄💎.

How Butterfree V aligns with Expanded-era tactics

Disruption that sticks: Dizzying Poison isn’t just damage; it introduces two status effects in one swing. In Expanded, you’ll frequently see matchups hinge on who can land a Condensed Stall first and whether the opponent’s set-up can push through poisons before you’re knocked out. The timing matters: with 190 HP, Butterfree V can weather a few counterpunches and still come back swinging.
Damage tempo with Blasting Wind: That 130-damage punch is strong in the midgame, especially when your energy lines are in place. The cost requires deliberate energy acceleration, but in Expanded you often have multiple routes to feed Grass energy onto Butterfree V across turns, enabling a reliable later-game KO while your opponent is busy answering the board.
Weakness and resilience: Facing Fire-type threats is a reality in Expanded formats, where several archetypes lean into high-damage Fire attackers. The ×2 Fire weakness means Butterfree V can be pressured quickly, so patience and proper retreat management (1 retreat cost) are essential as you navigate riskier matchups 🔥.

From a collector’s lens, this card’s holo variant, illustrated by Saki Hayashiro, remains a striking piece in any Darknes Ablaze-era collection. The card’s Googleable aura aside, its practical role in a deck—particularly post-rotation—will often hinge on how well you can fuse disruption with steady damage output. The onus is on the trainer to weave in supportive tools that sustain Butterfree V through the longer Expanded games, whether that’s draw engines, search options, or energy acceleration lines that don’t overshoot the mana curve. The result is a battlefield where a single Dizzying Poison can tilt a close match in your favor, especially when you’re ready to finish with Blasting Wind ⚡🎴.

Practical deck-building notes for rotation-era play

Prioritize reliable energy acceleration for Grass cultures—enabling Blasting Wind without stalling your board.
Factor in a plan to mitigate Fire-type pressure, such as resilience in your bench or smart retreat timing.
Use Dizzying Poison as a tempo tool: aim to apply status while thinning your deck for the late-game KO via Blasting Wind.

Collectors and players alike should also keep an eye on market dynamics. As rotation narrows the Standard pool, Expanded staples can see shifts in demand. Butterfree V’s holo version, with a solid HP and two-versus-one attack dynamic, sits at an intriguing crossroads between nostalgia and practical play. CardMarket data suggests a steady, modest price baseline in euros, while TCGPlayer’s holo pricing hints at volatility—reflecting its dual appeal to collectors and competitive players alike. A prudent buyer may watch for rotation-induced price stabilization as more players test Expanded-only builds, while a seller might capitalize on demand from players seeking a disruption-focused Grass option 🪙🔥.

Artistically, the Butterfree V card from Darkness Ablaze remains a standout. The art by Saki Hayashiro captures a vivid, almost cinematic flutter, and the card’s presentation pairs well with any display portfolio. The card’s rarity and iconic status in the Flying-Butterfree lineage make it a memorable addition, regardless of format. For players, it’s a reminder of how a single card’s concept—status-inflicting disruption paired with solid mid-range damage—can define a deck’s identity even as the meta evolves 🎨🎮.

Market snapshot: value whispers and bold bets

At a glance, Butterfree V is a card with both play value and collectibility. The dual-attack package makes it more than a flavor choice; it’s a credible tool in the Expanded toolbox. On CardMarket, holo variants tend to hover in the euro range with intermittent spikes, while TCGPlayer’s holo data shows a broader swing—from modest mid-range pricing to occasional higher-dollar spikes driven by demand and scarcity. For players, this means you can invest in real utility without feeling the pressure of chasing a hyper-scarce card. For collectors, it’s a chance to own an eye-catching, well-illustrated V card with an enduring place in Darkness Ablaze lore 📈💎.

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Thinking about the next move? If you’re eyeing a tactile, disruption-heavy Grass option for Expanded, Butterfree V offers a thoughtful blend of tempo and power. Its two-pronged attack gives you a credible road to victory even as the meta shifts, and its collector appeal keeps it in the conversation long after rotation hits. Ready to test it in your lineup? Neon Gaming Rectangular Mouse Pad 1/16-Inch Thick Non-Slip ⚡