CARD INFORMATION

SUBTYPES:
- Stage 1
HP: 130
TYPES:
- Darkness
EVOLVES FROM: Corphish
WEAKNESSES:
- TYPE: Grass
- VALUE: ×2
RETREATCOST:
- Colorless
- Colorless
- Colorless
RETREAT COST: 3
RARITY: Uncommon
REGULATIONMARK: I

CARD ABILITIES

This card has no abilities

CARD ATTACKS

NAME: Vise Grip
COST:
- Colorless
ENERGY COST: 1
DAMAGE: 30
DETAILS:

NAME: Cutting Riposte
COST:
- Darkness
- Darkness
- Colorless
ENERGY COST: 3
DAMAGE: 130
DETAILS: If this Pokémon has any damage counters on it, this attack can be used for Darkness.

MARKET PRICES FOR CRAWDAUNT 💰

Last updated: 2025/10/11

HIGH	4.99	USD
MID	0.12	USD	TREND
LOW	0.01	USD

Check the latest prices on:

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Crawdaunt from the Mega Evolution set brings an interesting dynamic to the darkness-type lineup with its damage-activated discount attack.

This Stage 1 Pokémon offers a compelling risk-reward mechanic that could potentially turn the tide in crucial tournament moments when played strategically.

Offensive rating: 8/10

Crawdaunt comes equipped with two attack options: a basic Vise Grip dealing 30 damage for one colorless energy, and the more impactful Cutting Riposte delivering 130 damage for three energy (two darkness plus one colorless).

The true strategic value emerges when Crawdaunt takes damage, allowing Cutting Riposte to be used for just a single darkness energy - a massive efficiency spike.

This damage-activated discount transforms Crawdaunt from an average attacker into a potentially devastating one, providing 130 damage output for minimal energy investment.

The base damage-to-energy ratio is decent, but the discounted version offers exceptional efficiency when conditions are met.

Survival rating: 5/10

With 130 HP, Crawdaunt sits at a moderate survival threshold for a Stage 1 Pokémon.

Its x2 Grass weakness presents a vulnerability in certain matchups, particularly against popular Grass-type attackers that can capitalize on this weakness for one-hit KOs.

The heavy retreat cost of three colorless energy severely hampers its mobility, potentially leaving it stranded in the active position.

Crawdaunt lacks any inherent defensive abilities or damage reduction mechanics, which, combined with its dependency on taking damage to maximize offensive output, creates a precarious survival proposition.

The card effectively wants to be damaged to unlock its potential but lacks the durability to withstand significant punishment.

Versatility rating: 6/10

Crawdaunt presents an interesting risk-reward proposition that can fit into several deck archetypes.

In damage-manipulation strategies, it can shine by intentionally taking controlled damage to access its discounted attack.

It pairs well with healing support cards to maintain longevity while keeping the damage-activated discount.

Against aggressive opponents, Crawdaunt can effectively punish early damage with a strong counter-attack.

However, its versatility is limited by type-specific energy requirements and lack of abilities that would allow it to serve in support roles.

The card functions almost exclusively as an attacker, with its utility heavily dependent on the specific game state and energy acceleration available.

Speed/Setup rating: 6/10

As a Stage 1 Pokémon, Crawdaunt requires finding and evolving from Corphish, adding a layer of setup complexity.

In optimal scenarios with energy acceleration, Cutting Riposte can be ready by turn 2, but more realistically by turn 3.

The conditional discount mechanic creates two distinct setup paths: either investing three energy normally or finding ways to strategically damage Crawdaunt while providing a single darkness energy.

This dual-path approach offers flexibility but also introduces inconsistency.

The heavy retreat cost further complicates positioning strategies, potentially requiring additional cards like Switch or Escape Rope to optimize placement.

Crawdaunt benefits significantly from energy acceleration cards but requires careful sequencing to maximize its damage output timing.

Crawdaunt thrives in decks with strategic damage manipulation and energy acceleration.

It pairs excellently with cards that can place damage counters on your own Pokémon to trigger its discounted attack cost, along with healing support to extend its longevity.

Energy acceleration cards are critical to overcome its normally expensive attack cost when the discount isn't active.

Perfect Partners examples:

Galarian Zigzagoon

Places damage counters on Pokémon when put into play, allowing you to strategically damage your Crawdaunt and immediately access its discounted attack cost without waiting for opponent interaction.

Weavile GX

Its Evil Admonition attack gets stronger based on damage counters on your Pokémon, creating synergy with a damaged Crawdaunt while providing a secondary attacker that benefits from the same strategy.

Manaphy

Provides healing capabilities that can extend Crawdaunt's longevity after taking damage to activate its discount, allowing it to potentially survive longer while maintaining offensive pressure.

Crawdaunt occupies an interesting tactical niche with its damage-activated discount mechanic.

Its greatest strength lies in potentially delivering 130 damage for just one darkness energy - an efficiency rarely seen in the TCG.

This creates a compelling risk-reward dynamic where taking damage becomes advantageous rather than purely detrimental.

However, this strategy comes with significant challenges: moderate HP, a punishing weakness, and a prohibitive retreat cost.

In tournament play, Crawdaunt works best when surrounded by damage manipulation tools, healing support, and energy acceleration options.

The card rewards forward-thinking players who can create scenarios where Crawdaunt takes controlled damage while remaining viable as an attacker.

While not a standalone powerhouse, in the right deck architecture focused on maximizing its unique mechanics, Crawdaunt can deliver surprising tournament performances that opponents might not adequately prepare for.