Lycanroc in the TCG Meta: Performance vs Similar Pokémon

In TCG ·

Lycanroc card art (SM6) from Forbidden Light, illustrated by Megumi Mizutani

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Lycanroc in the TCG Meta: Measuring Performance Against Similar Fighters

In the Expanded arena, Lycanroc’s Forbidden Light-era data card stands out as a tempo-driven option for players who like to pressure the opponent’s bench. With a sturdy 120 HP and the Fighting typing, this Stage 1 evolution from Rockruff brings a two-pronged threat: a bench-reactive finisher and a straight-up heavy-hitting option. The card’s artwork, illustrated by Megumi Mizutani, captures Lycanroc’s gritty, sunlit resolve, a perfect fit for decks that chase momentum and selective removal. ⚡

On the battlefield, Lycanroc’s attack lineup offers a balance between aggression and efficiency. Dangerous Rogue costs Fighting + Colorless and does 20+ damage, plus an escalating bonus of 20 damage for each of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon. That means the more your opponent packs the bench, the harder Lycanroc hits. The potential is enormous in the late game when benches are swollen by chip damage and late-game setup, turning a seemingly modest attack into a knockout threat. Think of it as a tempo lever—each additional benched foe raises your power ceiling. 🔥

Its secondary option, Accelerock, requires Fighting + Fighting + Colorless and delivers a straightforward 100 damage. In practice, that makes Lycanroc a credible mid- to late-game closer, especially when you set up the bench to amplify Dangerous Rogue’s payoff. The combined toolkit fits well with a strategy that aims to pressure the opponent into overextending on their bench, then spike with a decisive Resonance-hit from Accelerock. The synergy is a satisfying blend of risk and reward, a hallmark of the Expanded format’s more flexible deck-building vibe. 💎

Card snapshot: the core stats you’ll want to know

  • Set: Forbidden Light (SM6)
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Stage: Stage 1
  • Type: Fighting
  • HP: 120
  • Evolves From: Rockruff
  • Attacks:
    • Dangerous Rogue — Cost: Fighting, Colorless; Damage: 20+; Effect: This attack does 20 more damage for each of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon.
    • Accelerock — Cost: Fighting, Fighting, Colorless; Damage: 100
  • Weakness: Grass ×2
  • Retreat: 2
  • Illustrator: Megumi Mizutani
  • Legal: Expanded only (not Standard)
  • Variants: Normal, Holo, Reverse holo

For collectors, the distinction between the holo and non-holo versions matters. The holo variant pops on display shelves, while the normal and reverse illusions offer affordable entry points for players who want the gameplay value without the premium foil aesthetic. In the modern market, these variants have distinct price dynamics, which we’ll explore in the collector section below. 🎴

How Lycanroc stacks up against similar fighters

When you pit Lycanroc against other Fighting-type attackers from the same era and beyond, its strength lies in bench interaction. Many fighting staples rely on energy acceleration or strategic spread rather than bench-reactive damage. Dangerous Rogue is a direct nod to the “play the board” mindset: the more your opponent commits to the bench, the more you reward Lycanroc for keeping pace with your own setup. In that sense, Lycanroc can outperform slower, power-only options by leveraging opponent bench density to snowball its damage output.

Compare this to other Stage 1 Fighting types that may hit hard but don’t scale with the opponent’s bench to the same degree. Lycanroc’s acceleration on the second attack helps it stay relevant across mid- to late-game turns, especially in matches where players trade attrition and bench control becomes the deciding factor. It’s not just about raw numbers; it’s about how you time Dangerous Rogue to punish a trainer who overcommits to a single attacker or ignores the perils of a full bench. In this sense, Lycanroc is a strategic countermeasure to decks that lean heavily on resource denial or bench pressure. ⚡

Of course, the Grass weakness remains a practical hurdle; a well-timed Grass-type pivot can threaten Lycanroc’s longevity. That’s why many Expanded lists include supportive basics and trainers to mitigate early hits and ensure you can unleash Dangerous Rogue in a position where it will maximize its “20 per benched Pokémon” effect. If you enjoy bench-oriented tactics and mid-range aggression, Lycanroc provides a satisfying bridge between speed and power, with a dash of nostalgia for fans who remember Rockruff’s evolving journey. 🎮

Market snapshot: value and collectibility

From a collector’s perspective, Lycanroc’s price profile in the Expanded window reflects its rarity and playable status. CardMarket data shows an average around €0.97 for standard copies, with holo variants trending higher at around €1.60. The low end frequently dips much lower (even near €0.10 for non-foil copies), while the holo market tends to be steadier but still approachable for a casual collector. The trend indicators point to a stable, modest value in the current climate, making it an approachable addition for players who want a bench-centric fighter that can disrupt tempo without a steep price tag.

On the U.S. side, TCGPlayer data paints a parallel picture. Normal (non-holo) copies hover around USD 1.14 as a mid price, with low ends near USD 0.60 and highs around USD 3.00 for standout copies. Market price sits near USD 1.17, reflecting its role as a functional Expanded pick rather than a chase-foil centerpiece. For collectors, holo examples attract premium attention, but the overall liquidity remains solid, making Lycanroc a dependable pick for both players and collectors alike. 🔎

Art, lore, and the joy of the mechanic

Mizutani’s art captures Lycanroc’s sunlit intensity, a nod to the fierce energy of a Pokemon that thrives on momentum and calculated risk. The Forbidden Light era brought a rich parade of creative concepts, and this Lycanroc stands as a testament to the set’s dark-spark intensity. While the card’s mechanics are the star in gameplay, the visual storytelling—together with its place in the Expanded ecosystem—gives players a sense of heritage and excitement. It’s the kind of card you’re happy to sleeve up and show off, especially when you pull off Dangerous Rogue’s bench-busting crescendo at just the right moment. 🎨

Whether you’re chasing competitive wins in Expanded or building a binder full of rare variants for a future trade, Lycanroc offers a flavorful blend of strategy and nostalgia. It’s a reminder that Pokemon TCG history isn’t only about the newest set; it’s about how a single card can still swing a match by reading the board and choosing the right moment to strike. 💥

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