Why Wingull Fits Its Water/Flying Typing in Pokémon TCG

In TCG ·

Wingull card art from Sun & Moon SM1-37

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Wingull: The Subtle Strength of Water and Sky in the Pokémon TCG

On the water’s edge, Wingull skims the breeze with a confidence that belies its compact frame. In the Pokémon Trading Card Game, this Basic Water-type falcon of the skies embodies a quiet versatility that fans have learned to value in the early stages of a match. Illustrated by Aya Kusube, Wingull’s artwork captures that crisp Alola-air aura—the kind of card you glance at and immediately imagine the waves lapping at a sunlit coast. While some Pokemon demand flashy reverses of fate, Wingull proves that steady, incremental plays can set a foundation for victory. Its Sun & Moon base set presentation, though modest in stature, earns a special place in both collection and strategy shelves.

At a glance, Wingull is a humble 60 HP with a common rarity. That combination makes it an excellent plug-and-play starter in Expanded formats, where its resilience and retreat dynamics can help you weather early pressure while you set up bigger threats. The shared Water-type identity with its eventual evolution, Pelipper, gives a cohesive path for players who like to build tempo through smooth transitions rather than brute-force power. And for collectors, its artistry by Aya Kusube—paired with the familiar, sea-drenched silhouette—embodies the era when Water and Flying began to dance more intentionally on the TCG stage.

Wingull at a Glance: stats that shape decisions

  • HP: 60
  • Type: Water
  • Stage: Basic
  • Attacks: Roost (Colorless) — Heal 30 damage from this Pokémon. It can’t retreat during your next turn.
  • Weakness: Lightning ×2
  • Resistance: Fighting −20
  • Retreat Cost: 1
  • Rarity: Common
  • Set: Sun & Moon
  • Illustrator: Aya Kusube

That Roost attack is the heart of Wingull’s value. It costs only Colorless energy, which makes it incredibly accessible early in a game when you’re juggling energy attachment and evolving your board. Healing 30 damage helps you sustain a creature you may need for an extra turn or two, especially when you’re facing the more brutal early-game pressure from other Basic Pokémon. The trade-off is that Wings keep you anchored, because Wingull cannot retreat on the very next turn after using Roost. It’s a small constraint that rewards thoughtful pacing—let Wingull weather a couple of hits, then pivot to Pelipper or another attacker once you’ve bought the right amount of breathing room.

In practical play, Wingull shines as part of a broader Water-type plan. You can use its low-cost attack to stall while you prep Pelipper, a natural evolution that often offers greater HP and additional pressuring options. The expansion of Water-type resources in Sun & Moon era decks emphasizes a tempo-based game: Wingull buys time, Pelipper delivers stronger tempo or disruption, and together they create a board state that’s tough to push through when timed well. The card’s Expanded legality makes it a neat choice for players exploring legacy formats who want a reliable, budget-friendly starter that doesn’t require a heavy energy investment.

Collector insights and market perspective

As a Common card in the Sun & Moon set, Wingull is typically accessible to new players and long-time collectors alike. In contemporary markets, non-holo copies hover in very low ranges—historically a few cents on Cardmarket, with recent averages near 0.04 EUR—while holo variants can fetch slightly more, driven by nostalgia and display value. This makes Wingull a smart add for a themed Water deck in Expanded or a budding collection for players who value art by Aya Kusube and the gentle sea-beat vibe of the Sun & Moon era. If you chase more polished looks, consider holo or reverse-holo versions, which can edge into higher, yet still accessible, price points in the market.

From a practical standpoint, Wingull’s standard legality is not current, as this card is marked not-standard but expanded-legal. For players building with this card today, it’s an invitation to dive into the broader palette of Expanded format where you can blend Wingull with Pelipper and other Water–Flying staples to craft a layered strategy. The evolving pricing data, including a holo-market spread around 0.24 EUR for holo variants and low single-digit euros for typical non-holos, reflects a healthy demand among both nostalgic collectors and players seeking affordable, reliable pieces for their decks.

Art, lore, and the feel of a tidepool deck

Aya Kusube’s illustration captures Wingull’s carefree, weather-ready attitude—a bird perched on a spray of mist, eyes bright with possibility. In the TCG, that mood translates into a deck archetype rooted in resilience and spacing rather than sheer blast power. The Water typing isn’t just a color on a card; it signals a philosophy: you’re building a safe harbor—one where you heal, tempo, and evolve—before you release Pelipper’s broader reach and the fleet of Water attackers that follow. For fans of sea-bound storytelling, Wingull is a lovable anchor that reminds us how a simple, well-timed heal can shift the momentum of a match and keep the dream of a bigger picture afloat. ⚡🔥💎🎴🎨🎮

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Phone Case with Card Holder - Clear Polycarbonate

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