CARD INFORMATION

SUBTYPES:
- Basic
HP: 70
TYPES:
- Lightning
EVOLVES TO:
- Heliolisk
WEAKNESSES:
- TYPE: Fighting
- VALUE: ×2
RETREATCOST:
- Colorless
RETREAT COST: 1
RARITY: Common
REGULATIONMARK: I

CARD ABILITIES

This card has no abilities

CARD ATTACKS

NAME: Double Scratch
COST:
- Colorless
ENERGY COST: 1
DAMAGE: 10×
DETAILS: Flip 2 coins. This attack does 10 damage for each heads.

MARKET PRICES FOR HELIOPTILE 💰

Last updated: 2025/10/11

HIGH	4.99	USD
MID	0.12	USD	TREND
LOW	0.02	USD

Check the latest prices on:

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Helioptile from the Mega Evolution set brings a modest but accessible Lightning-type presence to the TCG arena.

This Basic Pokémon offers a low-investment entry point for players looking to establish Lightning energy lines or set up for its evolution into Heliolisk.

While unassuming at first glance, let's examine if this small lizard can generate enough spark to earn a spot in competitive decks.

Offensive rating: 2/10

Offensively, Helioptile is quite limited with only a single attack.

Double Scratch requires just one Colorless energy, making it energy-efficient, but the coin flip mechanic introduces significant inconsistency.

At best, you'll deal 20 damage (with two heads), which is underwhelming even against other Basic Pokémon.

The average expected damage is just 10 per turn, falling short of what's needed in today's fast-paced meta.

The attack lacks any additional effects that might provide utility beyond its minimal damage output, further diminishing its offensive capabilities.

This card is clearly designed as a setup piece rather than a primary attacker.

Survival rating: 3/10

With just 70 HP, Helioptile sits at the lower end of the durability spectrum, making it vulnerable to being knocked out in a single attack by most competitively viable Pokémon.

Its Fighting-type weakness is particularly problematic in formats where Fighting Pokémon see regular play.

The single retreat cost is manageable but still represents a potential tempo loss when switching to another attacker.

Helioptile offers no defensive abilities or built-in protection mechanics to mitigate these shortcomings.

It lacks any form of damage reduction, healing, or immunity effects that might extend its board presence.

This combination makes Helioptile extremely fragile in competitive environments.

Versatility rating: 4/10

Helioptile demonstrates limited versatility across gameplay scenarios.

As a Basic Lightning-type, it does provide access to Lightning support cards and can serve as a bench-sitter to fulfill type requirements for certain strategies.

The single Colorless energy attack gives it some flexibility in energy-constrained decks.

However, its overall impact on different matchups is minimal, with few defensive or offensive advantages against prominent archetypes.

It functions primarily as an evolution material for Heliolisk rather than as a tech card or adaptable threat.

Helioptile struggles to fill multiple roles within a deck strategy, limiting its utility across different game states and opponent matchups.

Speed/Setup rating: 7/10

Helioptile earns its highest marks in the setup category due to its nature as a Basic Pokémon with a low-cost attack.

Being a Basic means it can be played directly to the bench, avoiding evolution-related delays.

The single Colorless energy requirement for Double Scratch means it can attack on the first turn if going second, providing some immediate board presence, however minimal.

Its relatively low retreat cost allows for decent mobility in the early game.

Searchability is standard for Basic Pokémon, with common search cards like Quick Ball, Ultra Ball, and Nest Ball able to fetch it directly.

As an evolution base, it fulfills its primary purpose efficiently.

To maximize Helioptile's potential, focus on cards that accelerate its evolution into Heliolisk or support Basic Pokémon.

Energy acceleration, damage modification tools, and protective items can temporarily boost its viability while waiting for evolution.

Its true value emerges when paired with cards that either protect it until evolution or use it as an efficient Lightning-type bench-sitter for specific strategies.

Perfect Partners examples:

Rare Candy

Bypasses the stage 1 evolution requirement, allowing you to evolve Helioptile directly into Heliolisk (if available) from hand. This acceleration is crucial for minimizing the time this vulnerable Basic spends on the field.

Exp. Share

When your Active Pokémon is knocked out, Exp. Share allows you to transfer an Energy from that Pokémon to Helioptile, preparing it for evolution and potential attacks without manual energy attachment.

Koffing

In certain formats, pairing with Koffing for a Quick Ball engine improves consistency, allowing you to search out Helioptile reliably while thinning your deck for better draw probability.

Helioptile represents a functional but unexceptional entry point for Lightning-type strategies.

Its greatest strengths lie in its accessibility as a Basic Pokémon and its minimal energy requirements, making it easy to incorporate into decks focused on its evolution line.

However, its limited offensive capability, fragile defensive profile, and lack of unique abilities significantly restrict its standalone value.

In competitive play, Helioptile serves almost exclusively as evolution material, rarely justifying a spot based on its own merits.

Players looking to utilize this card should prioritize quick evolution strategies, protective cards, and energy acceleration to minimize its vulnerabilities.

While not powerful enough to anchor a strategy, it provides an adequate foundation for more impactful Lightning Pokémon to build upon.

For tournament play, always consider whether faster or more resilient Basic options might better serve your Lightning-type needs.