Wailord Across Games and Cards: A Pokémon TCG Portrait Comparison

Wailord card art from Cosmic Eclipse SM12, illustrated by Kyoko Umemoto

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Wailord Across Games and Cards: A Portrait Comparison in the Pokémon Trading Card World

In the sprawling ocean of Pokémon TCG releases, few water giants captivate both players and collectors quite like Wailord. Across the Cosmic Eclipse era (SM12), this Stage 1 behemoth—evolving from Wailmer—presents a blend of raw power and strategic nuance that mirrors its in-game presence: vast HP, formidable two-attack options, and a footprint that forces a careful cost-to-damage calculation. Kyoko Umemoto’s illustration places Wailord at the center of a tide-rushing scene, a reminder that the card game is as much about storytelling as it is about numbers. 🌊⚡

Card details at a glance: how this Wailord stands on the table

Name: Wailord
Set: Cosmic Eclipse (SM12)
Rarity: Rare
Stage: Stage 1 (evolves from Wailmer)
HP: 200
Type: Water
Attacks: Heavy Impact (Cost: Water, Colorless, Colorless) for 90 damage; Hydro Splash (Cost: Water, Water, Colorless, Colorless) for 140 damage
Weakness: Grass ×2
Retreat cost: 4
Illustrator: Kyoko Umemoto
Dex number: 321
Variants in print: normal, reverse, and holo versions exist for this card in the SM12 print run

From a gameplay perspective, Wailord’s 200 HP makes it a rare late-stage anchor in water-centric decks. Its two attacks demand thoughtful energy acceleration: Heavy Impact is a sturdy closer, requiring a single Water and two Colorless, while Hydro Splash packs a staggering 140 damage but demands two Water energies and two Colorless. The balance between these options invites deck builders to lean into energy acceleration methods and restoration support to keep Wailord on the field long enough to swing for big numbers. In expanded formats, Wailord’s size and bulk help it weather aggressive early pressure, while the hefty Hydro Splash can finish opponents that overextend. 🔥🎯

Strategic take: when Wailord shines on the table

Wailord’s role is less about nimble strikes and more about sustained, overwhelming presence. The combination of high HP and a high-damage option in Hydro Splash makes it an ideal late-game finisher after setting up a board state that absorbs hits. Players often pair Wailord with draw and search engines that help fetch Water energy and additional Water techs, ensuring the big splash lands exactly when it’s needed. Weakness to Grass ×2 is a reminder to watch for opposing threats that can capitalize on its retreat cost, so pairing Wailord with retreat-reducing or recovery-supporting teammates can mitigate risk. In practice, this means a patient build that controls the pace of the match, punctuating the mid-to-late game with a decisive Hydro Splash when the opponent’s defenses are most vulnerable. ⚡💧

Art and lore: Umemoto’s oceanic vision

Kyoko Umemoto’s artwork presents Wailord as a colossal sentinel of the sea, a creature whose size and calm majesty are conveyed through sweeping curves and deep blues. The Cosmic Eclipse era is known for its expansive, celestial aesthetics, and this Wailord stands as a bridge between the serene vastness of the ocean and the kinetic drama of a battle unfolding. Collectors often praise holo variants for the way light interacts with the glossy surface, but the non-holo original still commands respect for its composition and the story it tells—one of endurance, power, and the quiet drama of a giant beneath the waves. The card’s evolution lineage—Wailmer to Wailord—echoes the growth arc many players love: slowly building up to a game-defining threat while respecting the patience the game demands. 🎨🎴

Collector’s corner: holo, reverse, and the value of rarity

Security in rarity isn’t just about the image, but the physical print’s scarcity and play relevance. In Cosmic Eclipse, Wailord is a Rare Water-type with variants that include holo and reverse holo printing, which commonly fetch higher prices than their standard counterparts. Market data from Cardmarket and TCGPlayer illustrates a clear premium for holo versions, reflecting their desirability among collectors and players who prize display-worthy cards. As of late 2025, Cardmarket’s average price sits around €0.32 for standard copies, with a low near €0.02 and a positive trend of about 0.43. For holo prints, mid prices hover around €1.01 with higher potential upside (low near €0.29, high near €2.00), and a trend index near 1.11 indicates stronger momentum in holo markets. On TCGPlayer, non-holo averages sit around $0.31 with a high around $1.51, while reverse-holo versions move higher (mid around $0.62, high around $2.00, market price around $0.64). For a card like Wailord, the leap in value from standard to holo is a reminder that collectors often chase the shimmer as much as the statistics. 💎📈

Market trends and deck-building reality

Although Wailord’s raw power is compelling, its true value lies in its ability to anchor a competitive Water deck while offering a striking display piece for collectors. The set’s print run (SM12) features a substantial card count and a broad pool of Water-type teammates to weave with, from early-stage draw engines to late-game finishers. The pricing landscape suggests that non-holo copies remain accessible for casual players, while holo and larger-print runs attract premium interest from collectors who want to complete a Cosmic Eclipse set or secure a standout piece for display shelves. In a world where “value” is a mix of playability, rarity, and art, Wailord remains a versatile and aspirational target for many players who appreciate the ocean’s quiet dominion. 🪙🌊

To fans who crave a tactile connection between game nights and desk setups, this card’s grandeur is matched by a practical frame of playability. If you’re seeking a space where strategy, nostalgia, and artistry converge, Wailord’s Cosmic Eclipse print provides a vivid anchor for your collection and your next tournament build. ⚡🎮

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