Gloom Evolution Line Across Archetypes: Frequency and Trends

In TCG ·

Gloom BW7-2 card art by Atsuko Nishida from Boundaries Crossed

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Charting Gloom Across Evolution Lines: Frequency, Archetypes, and Trends

Gloom is a patient, ever-present piece of the Grass-type puzzle in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Evolving from Oddish into a Stage 1 creature, this Uncommon standout in the Boundaries Crossed expansion (BW7) embodies how a single development step can serve as a flexible bridge between early-game setup and late-game pressure. Atsuko Nishida’s illustration breathes life into a card that, while not the centerpiece of the meta, quietly powers a number of archetypes through status effects and board control. ⚡🔥

In the broader landscape of evolving lines, Gloom’s frequency across archetypes reflects a familiar pattern: it’s most often a transitional engine rather than a direct finisher. The line Oddish → Gloom → Vileplume forms a classic three-stage arc that many Grass decks rely on for disruption and stall. In Boundaries Crossed, Gloom’s Stage 1 presence makes it a prime candidate for decks that want to accelerate into stronger Vileplume lines or pivot into Bellossom-heavy strategies in other generations. The card’s two attacks—Foul Odor and Poison Powder—play into this role neatly. With Foul Odor’s “Both this Pokémon and the Defending Pokémon are now Confused” effect, Gloom creates a street-friendly stall that can force misplays from aggressive decks, while Poison Powder’s guaranteed Poison keeps persistent pressure on the opponent’s active threats. The synergy between status effects and a modest 80 HP makes Gloom a reliable crosser between early tempo and mid-game control. 💎

From a gameplay perspective, the attack costs and effects are emblematic of archetypal design choices in BW-era sets. Foul Odor costs two Colorless and can flip the momentum with a single coin toss, turning a seemingly straightforward match into a labored grind. Poison Powder, at Grass plus two Colorless for 40 damage, compounds the pressure by forcing the Defending Pokémon to absorb both the Poison damage and the ongoing risk of further status effects. In archetypes built around stall and chip damage, Gloom’s ability to slow the pace of the game makes it a frequent bench companion to heavier hitters that require a little more setup time. And when you factor in the retreat cost of 1 and the expected Fire-type weakness x2, Gloom sits in a delicate balance—fragile enough to keep the opponent honest, sturdy enough to weather a couple of turns of pressure. 🔥

Archetype Frequency: Where Gloom Fits Best

  • Stall and fatigue decks: Gloom’s dual status effects help stretch the game while your heavier attackers set up.
  • Bridge lines into Vileplume: The Stage 1 slot ensures a smooth transition to more impactful evolutions, especially when you can accelerate into Vileplume with Belted Stone or other acceleration cards in the broader Grass toolbox.
  • Spread and control variants: With Poison Powder stacking Poison on the Defending Pokémon, Gloom can support boards that rely on gradual damage alongside targeted disruptors.
  • Counter-meta timing: In formats where fast, aggressive starts risk to overrun your setup, Foul Odor’s self-confounding effect buys crucial turns to stabilize the field.
  • Collectors and variants: The BW7 set includes normal, holo, and reverse-holo variants, giving Gloom a distinct appeal for collectors chasing the feel of classic art by Atsuko Nishida across finishes. 🖼️

From a collector’s lens, the rarity and finish variant ecosystem matter as much as the card’s in-game utility. Gloom’s Uncommon status makes it relatively accessible, but the holo and reverse-holo versions can swing noticeably in price, especially when graded or sought after by vintage-seeking players. Current market signals show very low baseline prices for the non-holo, with holo options stepping into a more premium tier in markets that value vintage art and nostalgia. For players who chase both playability and collection allure, Gloom’s price spectrum is a microcosm of the broader BW7 audience: affordable enough to justify a playset, collectible enough to justify a shelf display. 🪙

Illustrator Atsuko Nishida has a storied legacy within the franchise, credited with many of the early favorites that defined the look of Kanto and beyond. Her work on Gloom captures that unmistakable Mushroom-like aura, with a sense of moodiness and botanical detail that resonates with fans who enjoyed Oddish’s family tree even before their first TCG duel. This artistic lineage helps explain why Gloom remains a beloved part of many players’ collections, regardless of meta shifts. 🎨

Strategically, budding deck builders should consider how to leverage Gloom’s versatility within a cohesive plan. The card serves as a bridge, not a finish line, and its value increases when paired with other Grass staples that can capitalize on status effects or pivot into stronger evolutions as the game unfolds. For instance, search and draw support that finds Gloom quickly, then use its Confusion-friendly entry to create a favorable exchange with your opponent’s Pokémon. The 80 HP and the 1-retreat cost keep it approachable while you line up your next move. In the long arc of a typical Grass archetype, Gloom’s role is to keep options open—whether that means stalling long enough to deploy Vileplume or laying the groundwork for a Bellossom-style flank in later sets. ⚡🎯

As the hobby continues to evolve, the Gloom line across archetypes offers a microcosm of how evolution lines function as strategic ramps. You get a dependable bridge, a tool for status-based disruption, and a collectible icon that celebrates the art and lore of the Boundaries Crossed era. For players who relish the tactile thrill of a well-timed Foul Odor or Poison Powder, Gloom remains a small but meaningful piece of a larger tactical mosaic. And for collectors, those holo variants serve as a vivid reminder of the era when Pinkish-green leaves and expressive art defined a generation of Pokémon battles. 🎴

If you’re curious about the broader market, consider the card’s pricing landscape: cardmarket data shows an average near €0.23 for non-holo copies, with holo variants catching a higher premium, and TCGPlayer lists a spectrum from as low as $0.10 to nearly $2.00 for more polished examples. These numbers are dynamic, shifting with new printings, reprints, and the ebb and flow of audience interest. Whether you’re chasing budget play or a gleaming holo for your display shelf, Gloom’s evolution line in the Boundaries Crossed set remains a bright, evergreen thread in the tapestry of the Pokémon TCG. 💎

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