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CARD INFORMATION

  • SUBTYPES:
    • Basic
    • Single Strike
  • HP: 90
  • TYPES:
    • Darkness
  • WEAKNESSES:
    • TYPE: Fighting
    • VALUE: ×2
  • RETREATCOST:
    • Colorless
  • RETREAT COST: 1
  • RARITY: Common
  • FLAVOR TEXT: The small spikes covering its body developed from scales. They inject a toxin that causes fainting.
  • REGULATIONMARK: E

CARD ABILITIES

  • NAME: Bursting Needles
  • DETAILS: If this Pokémon is in the Active Spot and is Knocked Out by damage from an attack from your opponent's Pokémon, put 6 damage counters on the Attacking Pokémon.
  • TYPE: Ability

CARD ATTACKS

  • NAME: Poison Jab
  • COST:
    • Colorless
    • Colorless
  • ENERGY COST: 2
  • DAMAGE: 30
  • DETAILS: Your opponent's Active Pokémon is now Poisoned.

MARKET PRICES FOR QWILFISH 💰

Last updated: 2025/10/11
HIGH

5.00

USD
MID

0.08

USDTREND
LOW

0.02

USD

Check the latest prices on:
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Qwilfish from Chilling Reign brings a prickly presence to the battlefield with its defensive Bursting Needles ability.

This Single Strike Darkness-type basic Pokémon might seem unassuming at first glance, but its ability to punish attackers makes opponents think twice before landing the knockout blow.




Offensive Score Image Offensive rating: 4/10

Qwilfish's offensive capabilities are fairly limited.

Its single attack, Poison Jab, deals a modest 30 damage for two colorless energy, which translates to only 45 damage per energy investment.

While the guaranteed poison effect adds 10 damage between turns, the overall damage output remains below average for competitive play.

The lack of scaling damage options or any way to bypass resistances further limits its offensive potential.

As a Single Strike Pokémon, it can benefit from support cards like Single Strike Energy or Houndoom, but these synergies aren't enough to overcome its inherently low damage ceiling.




Survival Score Image Survival rating: 6/10

Qwilfish's 90 HP is underwhelming for the current meta, making it vulnerable to being knocked out in a single hit by most competitive attackers.

Its Fighting weakness is particularly problematic in formats where Fighting-type Pokémon are prevalent.

The low retreat cost of one energy is a positive aspect, allowing for easier pivoting.

However, what truly boosts its survival rating is the Bursting Needles ability, which places 6 damage counters (60 damage) on any Pokémon that knocks it out.

This revenge effect can significantly damage or even knock out attackers with lower HP, creating a deterrent effect that opponents must consider.




Versatility Score Image Versatility rating: 4/10

As a Single Strike Pokémon, Qwilfish has access to a specific suite of support cards that can enhance its performance.

However, its overall versatility remains limited due to its singular attack pattern and defensive-focused ability.

It functions primarily as a tech card against certain matchups where its ability can create favorable exchanges or disrupt an opponent's strategy.

Qwilfish doesn't adapt well to various roles beyond its niche as a revenge attacker.

Its poison-inflicting capability provides some utility against Pokémon reliant on abilities that prevent damage counters but not special conditions.

Overall, Qwilfish is a specialized card rather than a versatile one.




setup Score Image Speed/Setup rating: 8/10

Qwilfish's setup requirements are minimal, which is one of its stronger attributes.

As a Basic Pokémon, it can be played directly to the bench without evolution requirements.

Its attack requires just two colorless energy, meaning it can be powered up in a single turn with Double Colorless Energy or Twin Energy in formats where those cards are legal.

Its Single Strike typing allows it to benefit from Single Strike Energy, which can accelerate its setup while boosting damage.

The Bursting Needles ability is active as soon as Qwilfish is in play, requiring no additional setup to function.

This immediacy of utility gives Qwilfish a respectable setup score despite its other limitations.




Qwilfish works best in Single Strike focused decks where it can leverage type-specific support.

Cards that accelerate energy attachment or enhance Single Strike Pokémon's damage output make Qwilfish more viable as both an attacker and a defensive deterrent.

Protection cards that extend its longevity also increase the threat of its Bursting Needles ability.

Perfect Partners examples:

Houndoom's Single Strike Roar ability allows you to accelerate energy onto Single Strike Pokémon, helping Qwilfish attack earlier and more consistently while maintaining energy resources for your main attackers.

This special energy adds 20 damage to attacks from Single Strike Pokémon, boosting Qwilfish's Poison Jab to 50 damage while enabling Single Strike synergies throughout your deck.

As a powerful Single Strike attacker, Umbreon VMAX benefits from the same support cards as Qwilfish while providing a strong main attacker. Qwilfish serves as a defensive tech option that punishes opponents for taking knockouts.




Qwilfish carves out a niche role in Single Strike decks as a defensive tech card rather than a primary attacker.

Its greatest strength lies in its Bursting Needles ability, which punishes opponents for knocking it out with 60 damage - enough to significantly weaken or even KO some attackers.

While its offensive capabilities are limited by low damage output, the guaranteed poison effect provides consistent chip damage that can set up future knockouts.

Qwilfish shines brightest in matchups against decks featuring Pokémon with 60-120 HP, where its revenge damage can create favorable prize trades.

The card's easy setup requirements and low retreat cost add practical utility.

Consider including Qwilfish as a 1-2 copy tech option in Single Strike decks where its defensive deterrent effect can disrupt your opponent's attacking sequence and create awkward situations for their prize calculations.



POWER INDEX

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