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CARD INFORMATION

  • SUBTYPES:
    • Stage 1
  • HP: 90
  • TYPES:
    • Water
  • EVOLVES FROM: Vanillite
  • EVOLVES TO:
    • Vanilluxe
  • WEAKNESSES:
    • TYPE: Metal
    • VALUE: ×2
  • RETREATCOST:
    • Colorless
    • Colorless
  • RETREAT COST: 2
  • RARITY: Illustration Rare
  • FLAVOR TEXT: Snowy mountains are this Pokémon's habitat. During an ancient ice age, they moved to southern areas.
  • REGULATIONMARK: I

CARD ABILITIES

This card has no abilities

CARD ATTACKS

  • NAME: Ram
  • COST:
    • Colorless
    • Colorless
  • ENERGY COST: 2
  • DAMAGE: 30
  • DETAILS:
  • NAME: Ice Beam
  • COST:
    • Water
    • Colorless
    • Colorless
  • ENERGY COST: 3
  • DAMAGE: 50
  • DETAILS: Flip a coin. If heads, your opponent's Active Pokémon is now Paralyzed.

MARKET PRICES FOR VANILLISH 💰

Last updated: 2025/10/11
HIGH

19.99

USD
MID

5.35

USDTREND
LOW

5.21

USD

Check the latest prices on:
Tcgplayer
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Vanillish emerges as a strategic mid-evolution Water-type with potential to disrupt opponent momentum.

While not flashy in raw power, this Stage 1 Pokémon offers tactical paralysis potential that competitive players should evaluate carefully before dismissing.

Its 90 HP positions it as a transitional piece rather than a standalone threat in the current meta.




Offensive Score Image Offensive rating: 4/10

Vanillish brings modest offensive capabilities with two straightforward attacks.

Ram delivers 30 damage for two Colorless energy, making it accessible but underwhelming in damage output.

The more interesting Ice Beam requires three energy (one Water-specific) to deal 50 damage with a coin flip for Paralysis.

This status effect can provide tremendous tempo advantage by potentially forcing opponent switches or lost turns.

However, the damage-to-energy ratio is poor (approximately 17 damage per energy), and the coin-flip mechanic introduces inconsistency that tournament players typically avoid.

Without any damage modifiers or ways to improve the paralysis chance, Vanillish struggles against higher HP Pokémon common in competitive play.




Survival Score Image Survival rating: 3/10

With 90 HP, Vanillish sits in a precarious middle ground - too fragile to withstand attacks from evolved Pokémon yet requiring investment as a Stage 1.

This HP threshold means most meta-relevant Basic Pokémon V can one-shot it, while its Metal weakness exposes it to popular attackers.

The two-energy retreat cost is problematic, potentially leaving Vanillish stranded in the active position after your opponent removes your attacker.

Lacking any defensive abilities, healing effects, or damage reduction mechanics, Vanillish provides no built-in protection against the hard-hitting attacks prevalent in the current format.

Its survival capabilities are strictly below average, making it vulnerable in extended exchanges.




Versatility Score Image Versatility rating: 3/10

Vanillish demonstrates limited versatility in competitive environments.

As a Stage 1 Water-type, it fits naturally into Water-focused strategies but doesn't particularly stand out compared to alternatives.

The paralysis effect from Ice Beam offers some utility against decks relying on single powerful attackers, but this alone doesn't justify its inclusion in most builds.

The card doesn't meaningfully counter any prominent archetypes nor does it bring unique technology that addresses specific meta concerns.

Its all-Colorless first attack provides some flexibility in energy requirements, but the low damage output limits its practical applications.

The card struggles to find a defined role beyond being an evolutionary stepping stone to Vanilluxe.




setup Score Image Speed/Setup rating: 4/10

As a Stage 1 Pokémon, Vanillish requires finding and playing Vanillite first, creating inherent setup hurdles.

While not as demanding as Stage 2 lines, this evolution requirement slows its battlefield presence significantly compared to Basic Pokémon.

The energy requirements compound this issue - three energy for its main attack means Vanillish typically needs two turns of energy attachment before becoming offensively relevant.

Without built-in acceleration or compatibility with popular energy acceleration cards, Vanillish operates at a pace too slow for the current high-speed format.

The lack of abilities that aid consistency or setup further diminishes its viability in competitive scenarios where efficiency is paramount.




Vanillish benefits most from companions that accelerate its slow setup and enhance its modest damage output.

Energy acceleration cards, particularly Water-type support, help overcome its three-energy attack cost.

Paralysis synergy cards that capitalize on or extend this status condition can maximize its utility.

Additionally, search cards to consistently establish its evolution line are essential for tournament viability.

Perfect Partners examples:

This Supporter accelerates energy attachment, helping Vanillish reach its three-energy attack requirement faster. Getting Ice Beam online a turn earlier dramatically improves its competitive viability and can help establish paralysis control before opponents fully set up.

This Supporter searches for both Water Pokémon and Water Energy simultaneously, streamlining Vanillishs evolution line setup while ensuring energy availability. This consistency boost helps overcome its inherent setup limitations in tournament play.

This Item card fetches two Water Energy from the deck, supporting Vanillishs energy-intensive Ice Beam attack. When combined with attachment acceleration effects, it enables consistent turn-two Ice Beam attacks in optimal scenarios.




Vanillish ultimately presents itself as a stepping stone rather than a destination in competitive play.

Its paralysis potential through Ice Beam offers occasional utility, but the combination of modest damage output, fragile defenses, and multi-turn setup requirements severely limit its tournament viability.

The card functions best as an evolutionary bridge to Vanilluxe rather than a standalone attacker.

If you insist on using it, prioritize energy acceleration and protective switching options to mitigate its vulnerabilities.

Most competitive players will find better options in the current format, as Vanillish lacks the speed, power, or resilience needed to compete against meta-relevant threats.

Its best application might be in budget Water decks or casual play where its paralysis effect can create memorable gameplay moments without the pressure of tournament optimization.



POWER INDEX

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