Salazzle's Inclusion Rate Across Deck Archetypes Explained

In TCG ·

Salazzle SV03-140 card art from Obsidian Flames

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Inclusion Rates and Salazzle’s Footprint Across Deck Archetypes

Salazzle from the Obsidian Flames set stands out as a lean, midrange option in the Darkness family. With 120 HP and a two-attack package, this Stage 1 Pokémon carves a recognizable niche for players who value tempo, flexibility, and a steady trickle of damage across the midgame. Illustrated by Shigenori Negishi, Salazzle’s dark palette and sleek silhouette capture a stealthy, venomous elegance that mirrors its in-game battlefield presence. Its Uncommon rarity keeps it approachable for budget builders, while Regulation Mark G makes it legal across both Standard and Expanded formats, broadening its inclusion opportunities for diverse deck archetypes. ⚡🎴

When we talk about inclusion rate across deck archetypes, what really matters is how Salazzle’s two-attacks align with typical energy curves and board states in various strategies. Suffocating Gas costs a single Darkness energy and delivers 40 damage, giving players a reliable early-game attacker that can threaten quickly without overcommitting resources. Gentle Slap ramps up to 70 damage by expanding energy to Darkness plus Colorless. That second option provides a meaningful midgame punch, letting Salazzle threaten knockout or pressure opponents who lean on bulky pivots. The combination—reliable early pressure and a credible late-game option—positions Salazzle well in several archetypes, even as it remains firmly within the constraints of Uncommon rarity. 🔥💎

Key archetypes where Salazzle often finds a home

  • Darkness-focused midrange decks that prize tempo and bench control. Salazzle can slot into the 2–3 Pokémon slots that form the core engine, providing a steady stream of damage while other attackers set up bigger knockouts. Its 1 Retreat cost also helps with board maneuverability, a strategic edge when you need to chain attacks or shift momentum between turns. 🎮
  • Budget-friendly control variants that lean on consistent damage rather than high-energy mayhem. The relatively low energy cost of Suffocating Gas makes Salazzle more approachable in lean lists, allowing players to conserve resources for stronger finishers later in the game. 💎
  • Expanded-format opportunists who enjoy the breadth of legal Darkness options. With Standard and Expanded both open to Salazzle, players can explore niche matchups and test sleeper strategies that leverage Salazzle’s resilience and two-attack versatility in a wider card pool. 🎴
  • Budget route to Obsidian Flames synergy enthusiasts who want to dip into the block’s Dark-type theme without heavy investment. Uncommon rarity supports more copies in a deck, increasing the chances of hitting Salazzle during a best-of-series grind. ⚡
  • Art-and-collectibility enthusiasts who covet the Negishi illustration and the Obsidian Flames aesthetic. Even as a non-holo or reverse variant, the card’s look and rarity contribute to a cohesive collection story. 🎨

Market signals align with these ideas. CardMarket data show Salazzle (sv03-140) averaging around €0.04 in non-holo form, with holo-market activity notably higher on average (~€0.16) when those variants exist in the market — a reminder that rarity and scarcity influence value, even for Uncommon cards. The longer-term trend for these cards tends to be modest but positive as players revisit and remix older sets in Standard and Expanded. For collectors, Salazzle’s accessibility and the Obsidian Flames branding keep it on players’ radar, especially those assembling budget decks or exploring midrange timelines. 💎🎴

Beyond numbers, Salazzle’s flavor and theme contribute to its appeal. The two attacks offer a natural progression: a low-cost opener that says, “I’m here, applying pressure,” followed by a heavier hit that yawns into the late-game pivot. In practice, this means you’re incentivized to sequence Salazzle’s attacks in ways that maximize tempo while preserving energy for your other threats. The Dark-type identity meshes with the broader Obsidian Flames storyline—an era defined by ominous atmosphere, slick artwork, and strategic depth. The illustration by Shigenori Negishi brings that mood to life, from the scythe-like tail to the gleam in Salazzle’s eyes, reminding players that Pokémon battles can be as stylish as they are strategic. 🎨⚡

Practical play tips for Salazzle in your decks

  • Open with Salazzle when you anticipate a contested early lane. Use Suffocating Gas to apply pressure while you accumulate energy for Gentle Slap, threatening a turn-two or turn-three knockout opportunity. 🔥
  • Protect Salazzle by pairing it with support Pokémon that can help set up your next attacker or draw into additional Darkness energy. The 1 Retreat Cost also simplifies late-game repositioning if your board state becomes crowded. 🎮
  • Keep Standard and Expanded options in mind. If your local meta leans toward Standard, Salazzle’s Profile as an uncommon, budget-friendly option can be a differentiator, while Expanded players can pilot Salazzle alongside a broader Darkness lineup for flexible matchups. 💎

For collectors, the card’s uncommon rarity, the Obsidian Flames branding, and the Shigenori Negishi artwork make it a tasteful centerpiece for a Darkness-themed binder. The sv03-140 designation anchors the card in the set’s lifecycle, and its Regulation Mark G status ensures it remains a modern staple across multiple formats. If you enjoy the intersection of strategy, art, and budget collection, Salazzle offers a compact but meaningful entry point into the larger Obsidian Flames narrative. 🎴💎

To celebrate your latest pull or to showcase your favorite Dark-type piece, consider pairing Salazzle with a sleek accessory that reflects the era’s vibe—a neon accent for your phone that echoes the Obsidian Flames aesthetic. And when you’re ready to upgrade your gear, a stylish neon phone case can be a small but satisfying upgrade to your daily gaming routine. ⚡🎨

Product spotlight: Neon Slim Phone Case for iPhone 16

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