• ℹ️ CARD INFORMATION
• ✨ ABILITIES
• ⚔️ ATTACKS
• 💰 LATEST PRICES

CARD INFORMATION

• SUBTYPES:
  • Stage 1
• HP: 140
• TYPES:
  • Water
• EVOLVES FROM: Krabby
• WEAKNESSES:
  • TYPE: Lightning
  • VALUE: ×2
• RETREATCOST:
  • Colorless
  • Colorless
  • Colorless
• RETREAT COST: 3
• RARITY: Uncommon
• FLAVOR TEXT: Its oversized claw is very powerful, but when it's not in battle, the claw just gets in the way.
• REGULATIONMARK: G

CARD ABILITIES

This card has no abilities

CARD ATTACKS

• NAME: Hammer Arm
• COST:
  • Water
  • Water
  • Water
• ENERGY COST: 3
• DAMAGE: 90
• DETAILS: Discard the top card of your opponent's deck.

• NAME: Guillotine
• COST:
  • Water
  • Water
  • Water
  • Water
• ENERGY COST: 4
• DAMAGE: 220
• DETAILS:

MARKET PRICES FOR KINGLER 💰

Last updated: 2025/10/11

HIGH	6.99	USD
MID	0.42	USD	TREND
LOW	0.18	USD

Check the latest prices on:

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Kingler makes a splash in the TCG with its imposing claws and potential for devastating damage output.

This Water-type Stage 1 Pokémon brings a combination of mill tactics and raw power that can catch opponents off guard.

But does this crustacean crusher have what it takes to compete in the current meta, or will it be left high and dry?

Offensive rating: 7/10

Kingler packs a serious punch with two distinct attacking options.

Hammer Arm deals a modest 90 damage for three Water Energy while milling the top card of your opponent's deck.

While the damage is underwhelming, the mill effect provides supplementary disruption that can occasionally remove key resources.

The star attraction is Guillotine, delivering a massive 220 damage for four Water Energy - enough to one-shot many popular V Pokémon and even threaten VMAX/VSTAR creatures.

This raw damage output is impressive, but the high energy cost makes it difficult to power up consistently without significant energy acceleration support.

The lack of additional effects on Guillotine also makes it somewhat one-dimensional despite its power.

Survival rating: 5/10

With 140 HP, Kingler sits in a precarious middle ground for a Stage 1 Pokémon.

While not immediately fragile, it falls short of the durability needed to withstand concentrated attacks from powerful meta decks.

Its Lightning weakness is particularly problematic in a format where Electric-type attackers like Miraidon ex see consistent play.

The hefty three-energy retreat cost severely limits mobility, essentially trapping Kingler in the active position unless you dedicate resources like Switch cards.

Without any built-in defensive abilities or HP-preserving effects, Kingler relies entirely on its moderate HP pool for survival, making it vulnerable to being traded unfavorably in the prize exchange.

Versatility rating: 4/10

Kingler offers limited versatility within the current competitive landscape.

Its dual-attack structure provides some flexibility between moderate damage with disruption or high damage with no extras, but both options require substantial energy investment.

The Water typing grants access to solid support cards like Frosmoth and Kyogre, but doesn't exploit any prevalent weaknesses in the current meta.

The mill aspect of Hammer Arm introduces a secondary win condition angle, though it's too slow and minor to build around exclusively.

Kingler struggles to adapt to different matchups, generally performing the same role regardless of the opponent's strategy.

Its potential is further constrained by the evolution requirement, making it less versatile than single-prize basics or more powerful evolved Pokémon.

Speed/Setup rating: 4/10

Kingler faces significant setup challenges that limit its competitive viability.

As a Stage 1, it requires finding both Krabby and Kingler, slowing its field presence compared to Basic Pokémon.

The real hurdle is the enormous energy requirements - Hammer Arm needs three Water Energy while Guillotine demands four.

Without dedicated energy acceleration, Kingler will take 3-4 turns to power up completely, which is simply too slow for the current fast-paced meta.

Even with support like Frosmoth or Aqua Patch, you're looking at a minimum two-turn setup for meaningful attacks.

The high retreat cost further compounds these issues, as switching out a partially-energized Kingler wastes resources and tempo.

Evolution-based decks also require space for consistency cards, limiting room for technical supporters.

To maximize Kingler's potential, pair it with energy acceleration engines to overcome its hefty attack costs.

Water-type support like Frosmoth can rapidly attach energy from hand, while Kyogre can help with card draw and energy placement.

Include reliable evolution support such as Rare Candy to bypass the Krabby stage when possible, and incorporate mobility cards to offset the high retreat cost.

Perfect Partners examples:

Kingler presents a classic case of high potential hampered by practical limitations.

Its Guillotine attack offers impressive raw damage that can threaten even the most powerful Pokémon in the format, but the combination of evolution requirements, massive energy costs, and lackluster defensive capabilities relegates it to casual play rather than competitive tournaments.

To extract maximum value, focus on pairing Kingler with energy acceleration effects and evolution consistency tools.

The card shines brightest in slower, more controlled matchups where you can set up without immediate pressure.

Consider Kingler as a tech option in dedicated Water decks rather than as a primary attacker, using it as a surprising closer after your opponent has committed resources elsewhere.

While not destined for championship decks, dedicated players can still find success with this powerful pincer-wielder in the right environments.

POWER INDEX

46