Origin and Lore of Tyranitar V in the Pokémon TCG

Tyranitar V card art from SWSH Black Star Promos

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Origin and Lore of Tyranitar V in the Pokémon TCG

In the vast tapestry of the Pokémon world, Tyranitar is a creature whose legend spans forests, mountains, and the legends whispered by trainers who’ve faced its fearsome silhouette head-on. The Tyranitar line—beginning with Larvitar, evolving to Pupitar, and finally maturing into Tyranitar—embodies a rise from a stubborn larva to a towering behemoth of rock and darkness. The cinematic aura of this lineage is felt in the Pokémon TCG, where Tyranitar V channels that same mythic weight into a modern, high-impact battle presence. ⚡ The SWSH Black Star Promos, including this holo variant, capture the essence of a card that isn’t just about numbers, but about a legacy of raw power.

The card at hand is a Basic Darkness-type powerhouse from the SWSH Black Star Promos line. Its name, Tyranitar V, signals a bold turn in the trading card game: a rare, highly visible V-card that embodies the “Single Strike” philosophy that the modern TCG has celebrated since the Sword and Shield era. The illustration by PLANETA Tsuji brings Tyranitar to life with a gaze that seems to pierce both the battlefield and the lore surrounding it—armor-like hide catching the light, and an aura of unstoppable force. This isn’t just a card; it’s a nod to countless battles where Tyranitar strode into the fray and redefined the tempo of a match. 🎨

From the lore of the fossils to the finish on the card

In the Pokémon universe, Tyranitar is often described as a pseudo-legendary due to its towering stats and fearsome demeanor. The lore paints Tyranitar as a force of nature—an armored behemoth whose emergence can alter landscapes, a creature whose presence speaks of ancient battles and the earth-shaking impact of its footsteps. The TCG translation of that story leans into its Dark-type personality, an echo of cunning, resilience, and raw, unbridled power. Tyranitar V translates that legacy into a modern card frame: two explosive attacks that demand heavy commitment, and a design that communicates the weight of a creature that can change the course of a game in a single, decisive moment. 🔥

Card specifics that shape the legend on the table

HP: 230 — a robust health pool that helps Tyranitar V weather early pressure and take a stand against aggressive starts.
Type: Darkness — a flavor that aligns with Tyranitar’s intimidating presence and the brand-new “Single Strike” energy ethos found in the promo line.
Attacks:
- Cragalanche — Cost: Darkness, Colorless, Colorless; Damage: 60; Effect: Discard the top 2 cards of your opponent's deck. A strategic tool for pressuring the opponent's resources.
- Single Strike Crush — Cost: Darkness, Darkness, Colorless, Colorless; Damage: 240; Effect: Discard the top 4 cards of your deck. A staggering payoff that rewards deck manipulation and risk-taking with a genuinely overwhelming final blow.
Weakness: Grass ×2 — a reminder that even mighty Tyranitar must respect the elemental balance of the board.
Retreat: 3 — a fair but not trivial cost, underscoring Tyranitar V’s status as a late-game anchor rather than a nimble chaser.
Set & Illustrator: SWSH Black Star Promos; illustrated by PLANETA Tsuji.
Rarity & Legality: Rarity listed as None in the data; holo variant exists within the promo line; Regulation Mark E; Legal in Expanded format.

What makes Tyranitar V distinctive isn’t just its raw numbers, but how it encapsulates the confluence of lore and play. The two attacks produce a two-step crescendo: you disrupt the opponent’s deck to slow their momentum with Cragalanche, then answer with a colossal 240-damage strike that can close out a game when you’ve managed your deck draw. The “discard your own top four” clause for Single Strike Crush is a classic double-edged sword that mirrors Tyranitar’s own myth: tremendous power often comes with a price. This duality mirrors the real-world experience of collectors and players who chase big finishes while navigating the perils of milling through their own resources. 🎴

How art and strategy intertwine on the table

The visual language of PLANETA Tsuji’s Tyranitar V elevates gameplay into a narrative moment. The holo finish—applied in this promo variant—enhances the sense of scale and menace, turning a turn-based decision into a cinematic exchange. For collectors, that holo glow is a reminder of limited print runs and the distinct thrill of handling a card that feels both old-world legendary and contemporary powerhouse. The lore of Tyranitar—an armored behemoth that shapes environments—resonates with the idea of a card that can reshape a match with a single, crushing attack. It’s a perfect marriage of story and mechanics. 💎

Collectors and market trends: where Tyranitar V sits today

As a promo from the SWSH Black Star Promos line, Tyranitar V occupies a unique niche in the market. The data shows a modest but steady interest: CardMarket notes an average price around 1.14 EUR with a low around 0.74 EUR, and a trend indicator near 1.17. In other words, this isn’t a blockbuster chase card, but it remains a desirable piece for fans pursuing a complete Tyranitar collection or a showcase of promo-era power. Its Expanded legality keeps it relevant for players who enjoy building with older tools, while its rarity and holo presentation give it appeal as a display card for a fan who cherishes the contrast between the past and present of Tyranitar’s legacy. The card’s 230 HP, brutal 240-damage option, and heavy energy costs mean it shines in thematic decks built around “Single Strike” energy synergy, even if it’s not a Standard staple. Consider it a practical power boost wrapped in a legendary story. 🔥

For fans of lore-driven collecting, Tyranitar V embodies the long arc of a creature that is at once ancient and current. It invites conversations about how a single card can transport a player into the thick of a legendary encounter, just as Tyranitar did in the games and anime, where its presence could swing the momentum of battles across a rugged landscape. The card’s design, its fit within the broader promo ecosystem, and its role in Expanded formats all contribute to a narrative you can fold into your memory of the TCG journey. ⚡

Cyberpunk Neon Card Holder Phone Case MagSafe