Lapras Demonstrates Water-Type Core Mechanics in Pokémon TCG

Lapras card art from Hidden Fates (sm115) illustrated by Kodama

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Waters at the heart of the battlefield: Lapras as a case study

In the Pokémon TCG, Water-type decks often dance between tempo, resilience, and punishing two-hit trades. A great place to observe these core mechanics in action is Lapras from Hidden Fates. This Basic Water-type Pokémon checks all the boxes: a sturdy 120 HP, a reliable two-Water-energy attack, and a manageable retreat cost that keeps your board flexible while you set up the rest of your watery lineup. The card’s rarity—Rare—signals its prominence in builder decks and collector binders alike, while the holo variant adds a splash of shimmer that mirrors the surface of a sunlit sea. 🎴💎

Card name: Lapras
Set: Hidden Fates
Illustrator: Kodama
HP: 120
Type: Water
Stage: Basic
Rarity: Rare
Attack: Aqua Wave — costs Water, Water, Colorless; 80 damage
Weakness: Grass ×2
Retreat: 2
Illustration/Edition: Kodama (Hidden Fates holo/normal)

The Aqua Wave attack stands as a textbook example of Water-type tempo. Spending two Water energies plus a Colorless energy to deal 80 damage creates a straightforward, repeatable pattern: apply pressure with early energy attachment, then leverage the bench as you press for a heavier attack once you’ve primed the field. In practice, Lapras serves as both shield and springboard—a reliable frontline that buys time while you advance your water strategy. The Grass-type weakness keeps you mindful of matchups and encourages thoughtful energy placement, a familiar challenge for any Water-type trainer building a well-rounded deck.

Foundation and flavor: Lapras as the heart of Water core mechanics

Lapras embodies the Water core’s focus on durability and steady pressure. Its 120 HP is a solid platform for trading with threats that might otherwise clock in at a higher offense. The Retreat cost of 2 keeps Lapras accessible on the bench and easy to reposition, which matters when you’re applying a war of attrition in the late turns. The artwork by Kodama—especially in the holo variant—evokes the tranquil strength of oceanic tides, a visual reminder that Water decks are about patient control and calculated aggression, not splashy all-in plays. This emotional resonance is part of why Lapras remains a favorite for nostalgia-driven players and collectors alike ⚡🎨.

Strategy snapshot: playing the long game with Aqua Wave

Strategically, Lapras anchors a water-centric plan built around resource management and tempo. Early turns focus on energy attachment and card draw, letting Lapras weather early exchanges. With Aqua Wave commanding two Waters and a Colorless, you’re incentivized to sequence energy attachments—ideally saving the Colorless for versatile support Pokémon or other Water attackers that round out the late-game push. The 80-damage baseline is deliberately reliable for trading with a broad slice of competition, enabling you to chip away at opponents while you search your deck for synergy pieces like energy accelerators or draw engines. And because Lapras’ retreat is a modest two, you can rotate it out to preserve bench space without sacrificing tempo. Of course, you’ll want to lean into matchups where Water shines—while keeping an eye on grass-based threats that threaten your strategy with their own potent attacks.

Position Lapras as the opening anchor to stabilize early turns.
Attach Water energy consistently to fuel Aqua Wave while preserving Colorless for flexible plays.
Layer draw support and chanting control tools to keep pressure on your opponent as you power up your subsequent Water attackers.

Market pulse and collector insights

From a collector’s vantage point, Hidden Fates’ Lapras is notable for its holo charm and enduring popularity. CardMarket data paints a nuanced picture: the standard (non-holo) copies average around 0.21 EUR with a low of 0.04 EUR and a gentle uptrend around 0.24. For holo copies—the rarer, more decorative variant—the average climbs to about 1.68 EUR, with a strong upward signal around 1.8. On the USD side, TCGPlayer lists non-holo copies around the $0.30 market price, peaking near $1.49 in some listings, while holo versions hover in a broader window of roughly $1.00 to $3.10 depending on condition and listing. These figures reflect Hidden Fates’ enduring appeal and the broader desirability of Water-type nostalgia. If you’re building a display-worthy collection, holo Lapras adds a shimmering focal point to any Water deck binder or shelf setup. 💎💧

Thoughtful collectors know that condition, print variant, and grading can shift value dramatically. The holo’s glow tends to attract display-focused enthusiasts, while the sturdy base stats of Lapras—120 HP, Aqua Wave—keep it relevant in casual formats where older reprints still see play and casual love. The market data, refreshed through late 2025, shows steady interest in this versatile water guardian, a testament to its balanced stat-line and the timeless charm of Hidden Fates.

Art, lore, and the player experience

Beyond the numbers, Lapras brings a sense of voyage and calm to the table. Its lore—the gentle giant ferrying travelers across seas—resonates with players who appreciate a deck built around steadiness and perseverance. Kodama’s illustration captures that mood, offering a quiet, oceanic elegance that resonates with fans who grew up swimming through gym battles and sea-swept adventures. The Water-type aura is not just about damage; it’s about the journey, the rhythms of energy, and the satisfaction of a well-timed Aqua Wave when momentum finally shifts in your favor ⚡🎴.

Accessories that travel with your deck

As you sharpen your water-leaning strategy, consider practical, on-the-go tools that keep you ready for battles, trades, and meetups. The product linked below provides a simple, reliable accessory to secure your phone while you study matchups or review your next plays during a tournament run. It’s a small but handy companion that fits the spirit of a dedicated Pokémon TCG trainer who values both form and function.

Product spotlight:
Phone Grip Reusable Adhesive Holder Kickstand