Exploring Dondozo Energy Cost Efficiency in Scarlet & Violet

In TCG ·

Dondozo card art from Shining Revelry (A2b-020)

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Dondozo's Energy Cost Equation in Scarlet & Violet

In the bustling world of Scarlet & Violet, energy cost efficiency isn’t just about numbers on a card—it’s a design philosophy that shapes when and how a Pokémon shines on the table. Dondozo, a Water-type Basic from the Shining Revelry set, embodies that balance between raw power and energy discipline. With 120 HP and a sturdy 3 retreat cost, this gluttonous swimmer invites players to build around a deliberate tempo: invest enough energy to unleash a sweeping Ocean Cyclone, then leverage its battlefield presence to pressure both active threats and the bench. ⚡🔥

What the card carries at a glance

  • Name: Dondozo
  • Set: Shining Revelry (A2b)
  • Rarity: Three Diamond
  • Stage: Basic
  • HP: 120
  • Type: Water
  • Attack: Ocean Cyclone – costs Water, Water, Colorless, Colorless; deals 80 damage and also does 10 damage to each of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon
  • Weakness: Lightning (+20)
  • Retreat: 3
  • Illustrator: Tomowaka

Ocean Cyclone is not merely a damage dealer; it is a strategic lever. Paying four energy to deliver 80 damage is a deliberate choice that rewards players who can sustain energy acceleration and smart bench management. The added effect—the poke on every Benched Pokémon—forces the game to evolve into a calculated duel of tempo. When you unleash Ocean Cyclone, you’re not just hitting the active Pokémon in front of you; you’re shaping the next few turns by pressuring the opponent’s bench and forcing reactive plays. This is the essence of energy efficiency: converting hefty costs into a battlefield advantage with relatively predictable energy requirements. 💎🎴

Design intent: cost, tempo, and interaction

The Shining Revelry subset, identified by the A2b code and its distinctive logo, embraces cards that reward thoughtful energy budgeting and board control. Dondozo’s four-energy requirement, paired with a Retreat Cost of 3, signals that you’ll want stable energy sources and smart play sequencing. In Scarlet & Violet’s broader design space, such cards are crafted to reward players who plan ahead—who don’t just slam big numbers, but also set up the right moment to strike, rather than chasing quick, low-effort flushes. The fact that Dondozo is a Basic line with natural bench synergy echoes a theme in the era: a strong late-game presence built on early investment. The lore description—“This Pokémon is a glutton, but it's bad at getting food. It teams up with a Tatsugiri to catch prey”—nudges players toward partner dynamics that can add both thematic depth and practical synergy in deckbuilding. Tomowaka’s illustration captures the creature’s calm, calculating mood, a contrast to the explosive tempo of some other Water-types. ⚡🔥

Strategic deck-building ideas

To maximize Dondozo’s energy efficiency, consider these gameplay angles:

  • Energy acceleration: Prioritize a steady stream of Water energy while maintaining a fallback of Colorless energy to satisfy Ocean Cyclone’s cost. Cards that hasten energy attachment or draw power can help you hit the crucial four-energy threshold without sacrificing early board presence.
  • Bench pressure: Use Ocean Cyclone to apply damage to Benched Pokémon, nudging your opponent toward suboptimal bench setups. This adds a strategic layer to matchups against spread or bench-based engines and can create openings for your other attackers to finish the job.
  • Stage presence with retreat cost: With a Retreat Cost of 3, you’ll want your deck to include efficient switching or healing options so Dondozo can contribute on multiple turns without getting stranded.
  • Counterplay awareness: Lightning-type threats benefit from the +20 weakness, so a thoughtful gym or trainer support plan can help you weather those matchups. Position Dondozo to soak up early damage and come online when the opponent has committed resources for heavier swings.

From a collector’s lens, the Three Diamond rarity signals a premium, but the “normal,” “reverse,” and holo variants in Shining Revelry broaden accessibility for builders and collectors alike. The A2b set container—with 72 official cards in this print run and 111 total—offers a curated, collectible experience that encourages both gameplay investment and display-worthy pulls. Collectors often weigh the allure of the holo finish, the artistry of Tomowaka, and the completeness of the set when evaluating value. 💎🎨

Art, lore, and the pulse of the market

Artwork in this cycle tends to be celebrated for its balance of whimsy and mood—Dondozo’s placid expression juxtaposed with the chaotic energy of Ocean Cyclone creates a memorable visual cue that resonates with players who appreciate design intent as much as card text. The holo variant, in particular, tends to command higher attention from collectors who value rarity tiers and the tactile thrill of chase cards. While pricing data for this exact card’s print runs can fluctuate, the enduring appeal of Water-type attackers with bench-affect mechanics keeps Dondozo in ongoing discussion among players and traders alike. In Scarlet & Violet’s evolving meta, energy-efficient tools like Ocean Cyclone offer a credible path toward midrange control, especially in formats that reward thoughtful tempo rather than pure brute force. ⚡🔥

“A well-timed Ocean Cyclone can reshape a game’s momentum just as surely as a splash of rain reshapes a shoreline.” — Pokémon TCG strategist

For players who enjoy blending nostalgia with modern mechanics, Dondozo stands as a compelling case study in energy budgeting and battlefield management. Its design invites you to plan several turns ahead, set up a bench-dominant strategy, and ride the wave of controlled aggression when the moment is right. The card’s ecosystem—set identity, rarity, and artwork—adds layers of reverence for both new players and seasoned collectors alike. 🎮💎

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