CARD INFORMATION

SUBTYPES:
- Stadium
RULES:
- Whenever any player puts a Basic non-Darkness Pokémon onto their Bench during their turn, place 2 damage counters on that Pokémon.
- You may play only 1 Stadium card during your turn. Put it next to the Active Spot, and discard it if another Stadium comes into play. A Stadium with the same name can't be played.
RARITY: Uncommon
REGULATIONMARK: I

CARD ABILITIES

This card has no abilities

CARD ATTACKS

This card has no attack

MARKET PRICES FOR RISKY RUINS 💰

Last updated: 2025/10/11

HIGH	12.50	USD
MID	0.22	USD	TREND
LOW	0.03	USD

Check the latest prices on:

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Risky Ruins stands as a potent stadium card that significantly punishes bench development for non-Darkness Pokémon.

In the current meta where bench setup is crucial for most strategies, this card creates immediate pressure on opponents while providing Darkness-type decks a distinct advantage in controlling the pace of the match.

Offensive rating: 4/10

Risky Ruins doesnt deal direct damage itself, but its passive effect places 2 damage counters (20 damage) on any non-Darkness Basic Pokémon whenever a player benches them.

This creates excellent chip damage that accumulates throughout the game, softening targets for knockout and disrupting evolution lines.

The stadium particularly shines in matchups against decks that rely on bench-heavy strategies or fragile Basic Pokémon with low HP.

While not an attacker itself, its consistent pressure forces opponents to make difficult decisions about when to bench their Pokémon, often delaying their setup and strategy execution.

Survival rating: 3/10

As a Stadium card, Risky Ruins has no inherent survival mechanics - it remains in play until replaced by another Stadium or removed by effects that discard Stadium cards.

Its survival value comes from its passive, continuous effect rather than its ability to withstand attacks.

The card has particular vulnerability to popular Stadium removal cards like Path to the Peak or Field Blower, and opponents can simply play their own Stadium to override it.

However, its ability to immediately impact the board upon placement gives it value even if removed quickly.

Versatility rating: 5/10

Risky Ruins offers moderate versatility despite its seemingly narrow focus.

While clearly designed to support Darkness-type strategies, it can function effectively in any deck facing bench-reliant opponents.

Its utility spans multiple scenarios: punishing decks that need to bench many Basic Pokémon, disrupting evolution chains by damaging pre-evolved forms, and creating pressure against support Pokémon strategies.

The card loses effectiveness against decks with primarily Darkness-type Pokémon or strategies that dont rely heavily on benched Basics.

Its timing flexibility is notable - playing it early pressures opponent setup while playing it mid-game can disrupt recovery efforts.

Speed/Setup rating: 8/10

Risky Ruins requires minimal setup investment as a Stadium card - it can be played immediately with no energy attachment or evolution requirements.

Its ease of implementation is a significant advantage, allowing for immediate board impact without preparation turns.

The card is easily searchable through common Trainer search cards like Skaters Park or Battle VIP Pass, making it consistently accessible.

Its true effectiveness, however, depends on timing - playing it before your opponent begins setting up their bench yields maximum value.

As a Stadium, it occupies your Stadium play for the turn, creating opportunity cost against other Stadium options.

Risky Ruins naturally complements Darkness-type Pokémon decks, particularly those featuring aggressive attackers that can capitalize on the chip damage.

It pairs exceptionally well with cards that increase damage output or punish damaged Pokémon, creating synergistic strategies that pressure opponents from multiple angles.

Perfect Partners examples:

Zoroark

As a Darkness-type attacker, Zoroark remains immune to Risky Ruins damage while benefiting from its ability to soften targets. Many Zoroark variants have attacks that deal additional damage to already damaged Pokémon.

Boss's Orders

This supporter allows you to target weakened bench Pokémon damaged by Risky Ruins, bringing them into the active position for knockout before they can evolve or contribute value.

Galarian Zigzagoon

Its ability to place additional damage counters creates compounding pressure alongside Risky Ruins, potentially setting up quick knockouts on low-HP basics before they can evolve or become threats.

Risky Ruins represents a powerful disruptive tool that creates immediate bench pressure while supporting Darkness-type strategies.

Its strength lies in passive damage accumulation that punishes bench development - a fundamental aspect of most competitive decks.

While the card isnt game-changing on its own, its consistent chip damage creates meaningful advantages over time.

The stadium performs best in Darkness-focused decks against opponents who rely heavily on benching Basic Pokémon, particularly those with evolution strategies or fragile support Pokémon.

When played early, it forces opponents into uncomfortable choices: delay benching key Pokémon or accept accumulating damage.

Players using this card should focus on timing its deployment to maximize disruption and pair it with effects that capitalize on pre-damaged Pokémon.

Though susceptible to Stadium removal, even short-term presence can provide meaningful advantage in the right matchup.