Empoleon, Dark Explorers 29/108, holo-rare

Image via pokemontcg.io

Pokémon Cards

Empoleon

Dark Explorers 29/108 • holo-rare

Set: Dark Explorers
Number: 29/108
Rarity: Rare Holo
Released: 2012
Energy type: water energy
Finish: Holographic
Market price: $9.86
Artist: Naoki Saito

Add this to your collection →Add to wishlist Buy this card on eBay

$9.86est. via TCGplayer

20,475cards tracked

8other printings of this card

Market

What it's worth

$9.86market price via TCGplayer · Sep 20, 2026$8.90 – $11.11 over the tracked period

Estimate for a typical copy of Empoleon; condition, printing, and grading move the real number.

Lore

Why it matters

This Empoleon card from the Dark Explorers set is notable for its Diving Draw Ability, which became a staple for competitive consistency in water-based decks during its time in rotation. As a rare holo from the Black & White era, it is frequently sought after by players who appreciate its strategic utility alongside collectors who favor the distinct, dramatic illustration style characteristic of that period.

Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI

Card face

What it does

140 HPStage 2

AbilityDiving Draw

Once during your turn (before your attack), you may discard 1 card from your hand. If you do, draw 2 cards.

Cost: water energyAttack Command10×

Does 10 damage times the number of Pokémon in play (both yours and your opponent's).

Weaknesslightning energy×2Retreatcolorless energy colorless energy

If anyone were to hurt its pride, it would slash them with wings that can cleave through an ice floe.

Formats

Where you can play it

StandardNot legal
ExpandedLegal
UnlimitedLegal

Card text © Pokémon / Nintendo / Creatures / GAME FREAK, via pokemontcg.io. Not produced by or endorsed by The Pokémon Company. As of the last catalogue refresh.

Buy

Where to find one

Search for Empoleon on the marketplaces collectors use.

Listings from external marketplaces. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

Provenance

Where it came from

Empoleon (29/108) was released as part of the Dark Explorers expansion in May 2012. This set was notable for its heavy focus on Dark-type Pokémon and the introduction of Pokémon-EX cards to the English TCG market, significantly shifting the competitive landscape. Empoleon was included as a Rare Holo card, featuring an illustration by Kagemaru Himeno, an artist whose work has been a cornerstone of the franchise since the early Base Set era.

The design of this Empoleon reflects the Pokémon's Sinnoh region origins, emphasizing its regal yet steely nature. Within the meta-game of the time, this card became particularly significant due to its 'Diving Draw' ability, which allowed players to discard a card to draw two. This utility made it a staple in various control and deck-thinning strategies, ensuring the card saw extensive play in competitive tournament scenes throughout the 2012-2013 season.

Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI

Other printings

Others named Empoleon

Same name, different printings and different cards — these sources have no shared id tying a reprint to its original.

Collectors

Who's collecting this

Real cards collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.

Nobody public has added this card yet — be the first.

About

About Empoleon

Empoleon is a card in the Pokémon Cards catalog on collecto.rs. Dark Explorers 29/108 • holo-rare. Catalog data is sourced from pokemontcg.io. No public cards collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.

How many collectors track Empoleon on collecto.rs?

Empoleon doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.

Can I track my own copy of Empoleon?

Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your card, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other pokémon cards collectors. Your collection stays private by default.

Where does the Empoleon catalog entry come from?

The catalog entry for Empoleon is sourced from pokemontcg.io. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.