
| HIGH | 54.95 | USD | |
| MID | 4.66 | USD | TREND![]() |
| LOW | 3.85 | USD |
Archen emerges from the Paldea region as a stage 1 Fighting-type Pokémon that bridges prehistoric power with modern TCG mechanics.
With its modest 80 HP and potentially explosive Acrobatics attack, this fossil Pokémon offers tournament players an interesting risk-reward proposition that deserves careful consideration for specific deck strategies.
Offensive rating: 5/10Archen's offensive capability hinges entirely on its Acrobatics attack, which costs one Fighting and one Colorless energy.
The base damage of 30 can potentially rise to 90 if you flip two heads on the coin flips.
This gives it a damage range of 30-90 for just 2 energy, which translates to an excellent damage-to-energy ratio when luck is on your side.
However, the coin flip mechanic introduces significant inconsistency.
The statistical average output is 60 damage (accounting for probability), which is respectable but not game-changing for a Stage 1 Pokémon.
Without any ability to bypass defenses or apply special conditions, Archen lacks the reliability competitive players typically seek in a primary attacker.
Survival rating: 4/10With just 80 HP, Archen sits in a vulnerable position in the current meta.
This HP threshold means many popular attackers can one-shot it without significant power boosts.
Its Grass weakness is particularly problematic given the prevalence of Grass-type attackers in the current competitive landscape.
The single-Colorless retreat cost is the only saving grace for its survivability profile, allowing for relatively efficient pivoting if Archen finds itself in an unfavorable matchup.
Without any built-in damage reduction, healing capabilities, or protective effects, Archen will rarely survive more than one attack from a properly established opponent, making it a liability in prolonged matches.
Versatility rating: 3/10Archen suffers from limited versatility in the competitive environment.
As a Stage 1 Fighting-type that evolves from a specific fossil card (Antique Plume Fossil), it already faces deck-building constraints that more flexible Pokémon avoid.
Its single attack provides no utility effects, status conditions, or strategic advantages beyond raw damage potential.
The coin-flip mechanic further narrows its strategic applications, as tournament players generally favor consistency over variance.
Archen does benefit slightly from Fighting-type support cards available in the current format, but its evolutionary line and specialized fossil requirement significantly limit the variety of decks in which it can function effectively.
Speed/Setup rating: 4/10Setting up Archen requires multiple steps that slow its competitive viability.
First, you must draw and play the Antique Plume Fossil item card, then evolve it to Archen on a subsequent turn.
This two-step evolution process means Archen cannot typically enter play before turn 2, and sometimes later if you don't draw the necessary components.
The Stage 1 evolution line makes Archen susceptible to disruption strategies that target Basic Pokémon or prevent evolution.
While Archen only needs two energy to attack, the specific requirement for Fighting energy adds another layer of setup complexity.
The lack of any self-accelerating mechanics or search abilities makes Archen decidedly slower than many meta-relevant attackers.
Archen performs best in a deck that maximizes fossil support and provides Fighting-type acceleration.
Cards that improve coin-flip outcomes can transform Archen from unreliable to threatening.
Consider pairing it with draw support to quickly assemble its evolutionary line, and protection options to offset its fragility.
This Tool card allows you to reflip one coin when using attacks with coin flips, dramatically improving Acrobatics' reliability and potentially turning Archen into a more consistent attacker.
As a powerful Fighting-type partner, Koraidon can serve as the main attacker while Archen plays a secondary role. Koraidon's energy acceleration can help power up Archen more quickly in the early game.
This Supporter accelerates the setup process by letting you search your deck for up to two Fossil cards and put them into your hand, significantly improving the consistency of getting Archen into play.
Archen occupies an awkward middle ground in the competitive landscape - neither powerful enough to serve as a primary attacker nor efficient enough to justify its inclusion as a support Pokémon.
Its potential for 90 damage with a fortunate coin flip is intriguing, but the inconsistency and setup requirements hold it back from tournament viability in most circumstances.
The fossil evolution line further complicates its use, requiring additional deck space for cards that have limited utility outside this specific evolutionary chain.
Where Archen might find a niche is in budget Fighting-type builds or casual formats where its coin-flip mechanic can create exciting gameplay moments.
For serious tournament players, Archen represents a stepping stone to its evolution Archeops, which may offer more compelling competitive advantages that justify the complex setup process.
![]() | 34 |
The card has been added!
You can find it in the MY CARDS section
The card has been removed!
Our free website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.