Inteleon Rarity Tiers Explained for Pokémon TCG

Inteleon card art from Mega Evolution set (me01-142)

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Rarity Tiers in Focus: Inteleon (Mega Evolution, me01-142)

When you open a Mega Evolution pack and glimpse the artwork of Inteleon, you’re not just looking at a stunning water-type powerhouse—you’re peering into one of the most storied facets of the Pokémon TCG: rarity tiers. Inteleon, illustrated by Ligton, appears as an Illustration Rare in the Mega Evolution set (me01). This card sits at a unique crossroads: it’s powerful in-game terms, beautiful in print terms, and prized by collectors for its distinct place in the print run. With a robust 150 HP and a Stage 2 evolution, Inteleon embodies the synergy between strategy and aesthetics that defines the modern Pokémon TCG. ⚡🔥

What rarity truly means in the Pokémon TCG

Rarity is more than a label—it’s a signal about print quantity, foil treatments, and collectible desirability. Inteleon’s rarity tag, Illustration Rare, places it among a rarer cadre of cards that combine distinctive artwork with limited print runs. In many sets, Illustration Rare cards are highlighted with special foil treatments or unique art options, and they often appear as holo variants as well. The Mega Evolution release also features normal, holo, and reverse holo variants of Inteleon, giving players multiple paths to enjoy the card’s visual appeal and battlefield potential. The presence of a holo variant in the same print window is a reminder that rarity in the Pokémon TCG blends both scarcity and desirability across formats. 🎴

Inteleon in Mega Evolution: print variants and what they mean for collectors

Inteleon’s card data from me01 notes three print variants: normal, holo, and reverse holo. The illustration—by Ligton—is compelling enough to stand on its own, but the different foils can drastically affect value and display appeal. For collectors, the holo version frequently commands a premium over the non-foil print, while the reverse holo adds a different kind of shine when laid in a binder or shown off in a display. The set itself contains 132 official cards (with a total of 188 across all prints), making each scarce print a coveted piece for completionists. The combination of Illustration Rare status and multiple foil options makes Inteleon a memorable centerpiece for Mega Evolution decks and collections alike. 💎

Key stats and moves: how rarity intersects with gameplay

Beyond the shine, Inteleon brings concrete battlefield tools. This Water-type Stage 2 hits with two efficient Water-attacks. Its first move, Bring Down, costs one Water energy and lets you Knock Out a opposing or friendly Pokémon with the least remaining HP (excluding Inteleon itself). It’s a thoughtful way to swing momentum by removing a fragile threat or eliminating a critical asset in late-game standoffs. The second attack, Water Shot, also costs a single Water energy and deals 110 damage, but requires discarding an Energy from Inteleon—an option that can be leveraged when you’ve stacked energies and built up a late-game finisher. With 150 HP and a modest Retreat Cost of 1, Inteleon sits in a sweet spot: enough staying power to threaten with Bring Down, while maintaining the quick, high-damage payoff of Water Shot. The card’s Standard legality (Regulation Mark I) ensures it can shine in modern decks without drifting into Expanded-only territory. 🧊

Market snapshots: rarity, price, and what to expect

Rarity is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to value. Card pricing data for Inteleon’s print run reveals how demand and condition can shift the numbers. Cardmarket lists an average price around €5.48 for the card, with a low around €2.05 and a steady upward trend suggesting collector interest beyond playable power. On TCGPlayer, holo variants show a broader spread, with low prices around $2.73 and mid-range values hovering near $4.49, while market prices can spike if a high-demand copy surfaces—up to around $31 in some listings. This spread reflects both the Illustration Rare status and the presence of multiple foil variants, which together create a more dynamic pricing landscape than a single-variant card. For players, this means you might balance your deck-building budget with the value you place on owning a prized holo or reverse holo Illustration Rare. 💳

Strategy for collectors and players: balancing art, play, and investment

If you’re chasing the thrill of a rare, visually striking card, Inteleon’s Illustration Rare offers a compelling target. For players, its abilities skew toward mid- to late-game control—and the ability to punish low-HP targets with Bring Down can be a decisive edge when you’ve positioned your bench correctly. The synergy with Water energy and the 150 HP slot makes it a formidable opponent in the right builds, especially when paired with other Water-types that accelerate energy or disrupt the opponent’s energy base. From a collector’s perspective, the combo of Ligton’s artwork, the three print variants, and the set’s overall distribution makes it a standout piece—especially in holo form for binder display and shelf presence. Inteleon’s place within Mega Evolution also reflects a broader theme in the TCG: the thrill of evolving powerful, battle-ready Pokémon with a story-rich evolution line. ⚔️

Practical tips for pursuing rarity glory

Invest in condition: a well-centered holo Illustration Rare can outshine a worn copy in display value.
Watch the print cycle: holo and reverse holo variants tend to price higher in the short term after release.
Balance gameplay and collection: use Inteleon in Standard-legal decks to enjoy its mechanics while building a curated art collection.
Consider regulation and format: as of 2025, Inteleon me01 is Standard-legal under Regulation Mark I, which makes it accessible for competing play in current rotations.
Keep an eye on prices across markets: Cardmarket and TCGPlayer data can diverge, so cross-check if you’re chasing the best deal for a specific print.

For fans who treasure both the lore and the laser-focused tactics of Pokémon TCG, Inteleon’s rarity tier—paired with its art by Ligton—offers a vivid example of how rarity and play converge. The card’s dual identity as a collector's gem and a competitive asset makes it a memorable centerpiece in any Water-type lineup, and its Mega Evolution era status gives it a special place in the timeline of the game’s evolving rarity ecosystem. 🎨

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