Crobat 091/163 Holo Rare – Battle Styles Card Review, Value & Buying Guide
The Sword & Shield era gave collectors and players a lot of underrated holos, and Crobat 091/163 Holo Rare from Battle Styles is one of them. This article takes a deep dive into the card featured in the listing titled “CROBAT 091/163 Holo HOLO Rare Battle Styles NM Pokemon”, and explains why this speedy bat from Johto is worth a closer look for collectors, anime fans, and competitive-minded players alike.
The eBay listing you’re looking at appears to offer a Near Mint (NM) ungraded Crobat 091/163 Holo Rare from the Battle Styles expansion at an affordable price point. Below, you’ll find key details, anime connections, gameplay analysis, and collecting tips so you can decide whether this card deserves a spot in your binder or your deck.
| Card Name | Crobat |
|---|---|
| Set | Battle Styles (Sword & Shield era) |
| Card Number | 091/163 |
| Rarity | Holo Rare |
| Stage | Stage 2 – Evolves from Golbat |
| Type | Darkness-type Pokémon card |
| Condition (Listing) | Appears to be Near Mint, ungraded |
This guide focuses specifically on the Battle Styles Crobat 091/163 Holo, not to be confused with the more famous Crobat V from Darkness Ablaze or other Crobat variants.
Overview of Crobat 091/163 from Battle Styles
Battle Styles released in early 2021 as part of the Sword & Shield block and introduced the Rapid Strike and Single Strike mechanics. While Crobat itself is not tagged with either of those styles, it appears as a Darkness-type Stage 2 Holo Rare in the main set, card number 091/163.
According to sources like Bulbapedia and price databases, this Crobat features a holographic artwork that showcases the Pokémon in motion, leaning into its identity as a fast, four-winged bat darting through the night. The card doesn’t reach the same spotlight as Crobat V, but it fills a more traditional “Stage 2 evolution line” role for collectors who enjoy building out Zubat → Golbat → Crobat pages in their binders.
In the listing you’re viewing, the card is described as “NM” (Near Mint), and the photos appear to show a clean holo surface with minimal visible wear. As always, condition can be subjective, so it’s smart to inspect all available images closely when buying any holo.
For players, this Crobat offers a niche Darkness-type option in Battle Styles formats. For collectors, it’s a low-cost way to pick up a classic Johto Pokémon in holo form from the Sword & Shield era, especially if you like filling out collectible Pokémon cards by species or region.
Crobat in the Pokémon Anime and Lore
Part of the fun of collecting is the connection between the Pokémon TCG and the Pokémon anime and games. Crobat has had a quiet but steady presence in the franchise for years, especially as a key partner for rival and villain characters.
Crobat’s Role in the Anime
Crobat is the final evolution of Zubat and Golbat, and fans will immediately think of how common Zubat was in caves in the video games and how frequently it appeared with Team Rocket and other villainous teams. In the anime, notable Crobats have appeared under the ownership of various trainers, including members of villain teams and some prominent side characters. Across different seasons, Crobat is often portrayed as a swift scout Pokémon that excels at hit-and-run tactics and aerial maneuvers.
This Battle Styles Crobat mirrors that theme: the card’s Darkness typing and artwork reflect Crobat’s nocturnal, cave-dwelling nature, while its moves in the TCG (as documented on Bulbapedia) tend to emphasize poison, speed, and tactical disruption rather than brute force. Even if the specific artwork from Battle Styles doesn’t directly reference a particular anime scene, it captures Crobat’s identity as a fast-moving aerial striker.
For anime-focused collectors, adding a Battle Styles Crobat Holo to your binder is a way to represent those storylines where Crobat swoops in above the battlefield, dodging attacks and striking when the time is right. Johto fans in particular may enjoy pairing this card with older Neo-era Zubat and Golbat or more modern reprints to build a small evolutionary timeline page.
That sort of thematic collecting can be a fun way to connect your favorite on-screen moments with real-world Pokémon TCG singles that you can display, trade, or build decks around.
Artwork and Holofoil Appeal
While every collector has personal preferences, Battle Styles is known for strong, moody artwork on many of its Darkness-type Pokémon, and Crobat is no exception. The card features a standard holofoil pattern where the background behind Crobat shines when tilted under light, creating a subtle but satisfying shimmer.
The listing photos show what appears to be a clean holo surface, which matters because surface scratches, print lines, or scuffing are the most common issues on holo rares. For a card marketed as Near Mint, you generally want:
- Minimal to no whitening on corners and edges
- No deep scratches across the holo layer
- Clean front and back surfaces without crease marks
- Centered borders that look visually balanced
This listing appears to meet those expectations at a glance, but always zoom in as much as possible to verify the condition for yourself. If you’re working on a near-mint holo binder for the Sword & Shield era, picking up a Crobat like this can round out your Darkness-type page without spending much.
Because Crobat is a fully evolved Pokémon with a fairly dynamic pose, it can also work nicely as a binder centerpiece for a page of Zubat and Golbat commons and uncommons. The holofoil finish naturally draws the eye, helping tell the story of how this common cave-dweller ends up as a sleek, fast, four-winged flier.
Card Text, Typing, and Mechanics (Battle Styles Crobat)
Battle Styles Crobat 091/163 is a Darkness-type Stage 2 Pokémon that evolves from Golbat. According to card databases and Bulbapedia’s summary of the card, this version of Crobat is designed as a single-Prize, non-Rule Box attacker rather than a support-heavy V card. That means it behaves more like a classic Stage 2 card than like Crobat V from Darkness Ablaze, which focuses strongly on drawing cards.
Darkness-Type Coverage
In the Sword & Shield era, Darkness-type cards often target Psychic-weak Pokémon and synergize with Dark-type support energy and stadiums. Crobat’s typing gives it:
- Potential advantage against certain Psychic-type attackers
- Synergy with Darkness-focused decks in casual formats
- A thematic tie to poison, fear, and night-based attacks represented in its moves
While high-tier meta decks during Battle Styles’ competitive window leaned into more powerful Pokémon V and VMAX strategies, Crobat 091/163 has a more modest role. It’s suitable for budget decks, theme-based builds, and casual playgroups where style and favorite Pokémon matter as much as tournament efficiency.
Even in kitchen-table play, Crobat’s Stage 2 status signals to your opponents that you committed to evolving your Zubat all the way through the line, which feels rewarding and faithful to how this Pokémon grows in the video games and anime.
Gameplay and Deck Strategy with Crobat 091/163
When it was legal in Standard, Battle Styles Crobat was not a top-tier competitive staple, but that doesn’t mean it has no strategic value. In expanded, casual, and theme formats, this card can still play a role, especially for players who enjoy building decks around their favorite Pokémon rather than chasing the strictly optimal meta.
Where Crobat Fits in Deckbuilding
Based on early reviews and commentary from sites like Pojo.com, Crobat 091/163 was generally seen as a supporting attacker or tech card rather than a main carry. Typical roles include:
- Single-Prize attacker that can apply pressure without risking a multi-Prize Pokémon V or VMAX
- Type coverage against decks weak to Darkness
- Thematic or regional deck choice in Johto-based or cave-themed builds
Because Crobat requires you to evolve from Zubat to Golbat and then to Crobat, you’ll often want to run consistency support like Rare Candy, search cards (Quick Ball, Level Ball, etc. in their respective formats), and perhaps other draw supporters to keep your hand full. Compared to Crobat V’s high-impact draw ability, this Stage 2 Crobat is more straightforward: it swings, it applies pressure, and it reinforces theme-based builds.
Casual and Expanded Formats
In Expanded and casual playgroups, you can pair Crobat with:
- Other Darkness-type attackers to maintain type synergy
- Poison-focused Pokémon that mirror Crobat’s poisonous reputation from the games
- Supporters that help you cycle through your deck and keep your evolution line flowing
Because Crobat is a non-Rule Box Pokémon, your opponent only takes a single Prize card when it’s Knocked Out, which can matter in Prize-trade oriented matchups. Against decks that rely heavily on multi-Prize Pokémon, repeatedly attacking with single-Prize attackers like this Crobat can put your opponent on the back foot in long games.
For newer players, Crobat 091/163 is also a good card to practice evolving Pokémon and managing longer evolution chains, which is a core skill in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
Collecting Value: Is Crobat 091/163 Worth Picking Up?
From a pure investment standpoint, Battle Styles Crobat 091/163 tends to be a low- to mid-value holo rare. Price-tracking sites show that raw Near Mint copies often sell in the low single-dollar range, which aligns with the listing price you’re seeing around $2.49 USD (pricing always subject to change and individual seller decisions).
That means this card is more about affordable collecting and nostalgia than high-end speculation. Still, there are several reasons it can be an attractive pickup:
- Johto Pokémon appeal – Crobat is a fan-favorite evolution of a classic cave Pokémon.
- Holo rare status – It’s not just a common; it’s a holo from the main set.
- Sword & Shield era binder goals – Many collectors aim to complete or nearly complete Battle Styles.
- Evolution line pages – It finishes off the Zubat–Golbat–Crobat line in style.
For graded card collectors, most copies of this card are currently more valuable raw than slabbed, simply because grading fees can exceed the likely market price of a graded copy. However, if you’re building a personal Crobat master set and you love consistent PSA or CGC slabs, you might still choose to grade a particularly clean copy for your own collection.
If your focus is on near mint Pokémon cards that are visually appealing and fun to display, this Crobat offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s an especially good choice if you’re helping a newer player or younger fan start a binder with real holo rares without spending much.
Condition Notes: What “Near Mint” Usually Means
The product title highlights “NM”, which stands for Near Mint. While grading standards can vary slightly between sellers, Near Mint generally implies a card that:
- Has very minor or no whitening on the edges
- Shows little to no visible scratching on the holo surface under normal light
- Has no bends, creases, or major dents
- Looks clean overall when viewed without magnification
This listing appears to show a card that fits this description, but because condition is so important for collectors, you should:
- Zoom in on corners and edges in all provided images
- Check the holo area for surface lines or cloudiness
- Look for any warping or bending in the card’s profile
Light factory print lines in the holo can still appear on Near Mint cards; they’re fairly common for modern holos and usually accepted as long as they’re not extreme. If you’re extremely picky about condition, you might consider messaging the seller with specific questions before purchase, but many collectors will find a card like this more than suitable for binder or deck use.
If you’re building a set of near mint Pokémon cards from Battle Styles, picking up Crobat 091/163 in clean condition now can save you time hunting down a better copy later.
How This Crobat Compares to Other Crobat Cards
Crobat has appeared on a number of different Pokémon TCG cards across generations, from early Neo-era prints to modern V and VMAX-style cards. Here’s how Battle Styles Crobat 091/163 stacks up in a few key areas.
Battle Styles Crobat vs. Crobat V
When many players hear “Crobat” in the context of Sword & Shield, they immediately think of Crobat V from Darkness Ablaze, a highly played card thanks to its powerful draw ability. Compared to that card, Battle Styles Crobat 091/163 is:
- Less competitive in top-tier decks
- Less expensive and easier to obtain
- More thematic as a classic Stage 2 evolution rather than a Pokémon V
If you care more about anime and in-game flavor than raw power, the Stage 2 Crobat might actually feel more authentic, reflecting how you gradually evolved that early-game Zubat into a speedy Crobat in the Johto games.
Battle Styles Crobat vs. Vintage Crobats
Older Crobat cards from the Neo series and other early sets tend to carry more nostalgia and, in some cases, higher prices depending on condition and print run. However, they can also be significantly more expensive in Near Mint condition.
Battle Styles Crobat provides:
- A modern, clean holofoil pattern
- Better availability and easier condition upgrades
- A chance to include Crobat in your collection without paying vintage premiums
Some collectors like to create a “Crobat evolution through time” page, placing early Neo-era prints, mid-generation versions, and modern Sword & Shield-era cards side by side. This Battle Styles holo fits nicely into that timeline.
Who Should Consider Buying This Crobat?
While ultra-competitive players might prioritize more powerful cards, there are several types of buyers for whom this Crobat 091/163 Holo Rare makes a lot of sense.
1. Johto and Anime Fans
If you grew up watching the Johto seasons of the anime or exploring caves filled with Zubat in Gold, Silver, and Crystal, this Crobat provides a modern, affordable way to commemorate that experience. The holofoil artwork and Stage 2 line feel true to Crobat’s in-game progression.
2. Casual and Kitchen-Table Players
For players who build decks around their favorite Pokémon more than pure efficiency, Crobat 091/163 is perfect. It gives you a Darkness-type Stage 2 option you can evolve into, teaches newer players about multi-step evolution lines, and looks impressive on the field thanks to its holo finish.
3. Set Collectors and Holo Binders
If you’re working on a full Battle Styles binder, you’ll need 091/163 sooner or later. Picking up a clean Near Mint copy now saves you the hassle of chasing it down later, especially if you’re aiming for all holo rares to be in similar condition.
Crobat also works well as part of specialized holo pages: Darkness-types, Johto Pokémon, or bat/flying-themed collections all benefit from having a Crobat front and center.
Buying Tips for Crobat 091/163 on eBay
If you decide this card belongs in your collection, here are a few practical tips tailored to this kind of listing:
1. Examine All Photos Carefully
Since the card is ungraded, the photos are your best tool for verifying condition. Look closely at:
- Corners and edges for whitening
- The holo foil area for scratches or print lines
- The back of the card for any scuffing or discoloration
The images in this particular listing appear to show a well-preserved copy, which aligns with the Near Mint description, but personal standards can vary, especially if you’re considering grading.
2. Factor in Shipping and Bundling
At a modest price point like $2.49 USD (plus any applicable shipping), Crobat 091/163 is a good candidate to bundle with other cards from the same seller. Browsing a store like Pokémon TCG singles from the seller’s inventory can help you fill gaps in your Battle Styles set or pick up complementary Johto Pokémon in a single order.
3. Use Proper Storage After Purchase
Once Crobat arrives, you’ll want to keep it in Near Mint condition by storing it properly:
- Use a penny sleeve and a rigid top loader or binder page
- Keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture
- Avoid shuffling it raw into decks if you care about long-term condition
Holo rares, even budget-friendly ones, look dramatically better years later when they’ve been protected from scratches and warping.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crobat 091/163 Holo Rare (Battle Styles)
Is Crobat 091/163 from Battle Styles rare?
Yes, this card is labeled as a Holo Rare in the Battle Styles set. It isn’t a secret rare or ultra rare, but it is more special than a common or uncommon. In terms of availability, it’s relatively easy to find on the secondary market, which keeps prices accessible for most collectors.
Is this Crobat good for competitive play?
During the height of Battle Styles Standard play, Crobat 091/163 was generally considered more of a casual or budget option than a top-tier meta card. It can still be fun and functional in kitchen-table decks, theme builds, and certain Expanded or custom formats, especially if you like using single-Prize Stage 2 attackers.
Does this card appear in the Pokémon anime?
The exact artwork of the Battle Styles Crobat card does not correspond to a specific anime scene that’s widely documented, but Crobat as a Pokémon has appeared in many episodes across different regions. The card’s design captures Crobat’s usual portrayal in the anime: a fast, agile, nocturnal flier that often appears with villain teams or experienced trainers.
Is it worth grading Crobat 091/163?
For most collectors, grading this specific card is not financially driven, since the raw value of the holo is modest. Grading might make sense if you are building a personal Crobat-themed graded collection or if you happen to have an exceptionally clean copy and want it preserved in a slab for display.
How can I tell if the card is really Near Mint?
Near Mint cards should have minimal whitening, no major scratches, no creases, and a clean overall appearance. Carefully inspect the listing photos, especially the corners, edges, and holo surface. If something looks unclear, you can politely ask the seller for additional angles or clarification before purchasing.
Is Crobat 091/163 a good choice for a new collector?
Yes. It’s an excellent entry-level holo rare: it features a recognizable Johto Pokémon, has a shiny holofoil finish, and is usually available at an affordable price. New collectors can enjoy owning a real holo without making a big financial commitment.
Where can I find more cards like this?
You can often find similar collectible Pokémon cards from the Sword & Shield era, including other Battle Styles holos, by browsing dedicated eBay stores. The seller behind this Crobat listing appears to stock various singles, so exploring their store can help you complete evolution lines, themes, or full sets.
Whether you’re a Johto fan, an anime watcher, a casual TCG player, or a set-completion collector, Crobat 091/163 Holo Rare from Battle Styles is a fun, affordable pickup that adds speed, style, and a bit of nocturnal flair to your Pokémon collection.
