Team Rocket is one of the most iconic and memorable villainous organizations in the Pokémon series. Known for their evil plots and often comical attempts to steal rare Pokémon, they became a beloved part of the Pokémon universe. But they also made their mark in the world of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) with a special set of cards released in 2000.
The Team Rocket expansion was the fourth set in the Pokémon TCG, and it introduced some of the most memorable and unique cards in the game. This article will take a closer look at the Team Rocket Pokémon card list, exploring the highlights of the set and the cards that fans still treasure today.
What Was the Team Rocket Set?
Released in 2000, the Team Rocket expansion was the follow-up to the Gym Heroes and Gym Challenge sets. The set was themed around the infamous Team Rocket, the organization led by the cunning Giovanni, who sought to steal Pokémon for their own purposes. This set introduced a darker tone compared to previous expansions, featuring cards with unique artwork and abilities.
The Team Rocket set was the first to feature dark Pokémon. These cards depicted familiar Pokémon in a “Dark” form, showing them as being under the influence of Team Rocket’s evil schemes. It also introduced the concept of “Energies” with new twists and special Trainer cards that offered unique effects.
The Dark Pokémon
The standout feature of the Team Rocket set was the introduction of “Dark” Pokémon. These cards were a fresh take on the original Pokémon, showing them as if they were under the control of Team Rocket. Instead of their usual colors, these Dark Pokémon had a darker, grimmer design. They represented a more rebellious and sinister version of their regular selves.
Some of the most iconic Dark Pokémon in this set include:
1. Dark Charizard
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Rarity: Holo Rare
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Dark Charizard is undoubtedly one of the most popular and sought-after cards from the Team Rocket set. It had an impressive attack called Dark Flame, and its menacing design made it a fan favorite. Many collectors still value this card for its nostalgic appeal and its powerful abilities in battle.
2. Dark Blastoise
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Rarity: Holo Rare
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Another fan favorite, Dark Blastoise was a powerful Water-type card with abilities that made it a great addition to any deck. Its design was also unique, with a darker, more sinister version of the original Blastoise.
3. Dark Raichu
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Rarity: Rare
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Dark Raichu was one of the few Electric-type Dark Pokémon. It wasn’t as strong as Dark Charizard or Dark Blastoise, but it still gained popularity for its unique design and the novelty of having an Electric Pokémon in a dark form. Plus, its special attack, Thunderbolt, made it a useful card in the right deck.
Special Trainer Cards
The Team Rocket set also brought in some memorable Trainer cards. These cards were based on the members of Team Rocket, adding even more depth to the expansion’s theme. Here are a few notable Trainer cards:
1. Rocket’s Sneak Attack
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Effect: This Trainer card allowed players to disrupt their opponent’s hand by forcing them to discard a card. It added an extra layer of strategy to the game, especially in the late stages of a battle.
2. Rocket’s Mission
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Effect: Another unique Trainer card that allowed players to search for specific Rocket Pokémon. It helped players get the cards they needed faster and made Team Rocket decks more efficient.
3. Trainers’ Hideout
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Effect: This Stadium card allowed you to boost your Dark Pokémon’s damage output. It was a great addition to decks focused on Dark-type Pokémon, and it was one of the few cards that directly supported the expansion’s theme.
The Secret of the Team Rocket Set
Although the Team Rocket set didn’t introduce as many cards as some other expansions, it was packed with unique mechanics and cards that changed the way players built their decks. The Dark Pokémon cards were a huge draw, as players enjoyed the idea of battling with these altered versions of beloved Pokémon.
Another major feature of the Team Rocket set was the “Rocket’s” cards, which gave players a chance to play alongside Team Rocket themselves. This added an interesting element to the gameplay, as these Trainer cards were specifically designed to support the Dark Pokémon and their unique playstyles.
Popular Cards and Collectibility
The Team Rocket set is known for some of the most collectible and valuable cards in the Pokémon TCG. Dark Charizard, in particular, remains one of the most expensive cards from this set. Its high value comes from its status as one of the most iconic Pokémon cards in the game’s history.
Other valuable cards from the Team Rocket set include:
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Dark Raichu
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Dark Blastoise
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Dark Weezing
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Dark Dragonite
Many collectors seek out these cards in their original, mint-condition versions. A PSA 10 Dark Charizard, for example, can fetch a hefty price on the secondary market due to its rarity and popularity.
Team Rocket Set in Modern Play
While the Team Rocket set is now quite old, its influence can still be seen in modern Pokémon TCG. Dark Pokémon continue to appear in newer sets, and the idea of villainous Pokémon or twisted versions of classic Pokémon has persisted in the series. Many of the Trainer cards and mechanics introduced in this set still influence deck-building strategies today, especially in formats that allow older cards.
However, the Team Rocket set is most beloved for its nostalgic value. Many players who grew up with the set still fondly remember collecting these cards and battling with them in their early Pokémon TCG days.
