Dusknoir 062/172 Holo Rare – Brilliant Stars Card Review for Collectors, Anime Fans & TCG Players
The Pokémon TCG Dusknoir 062/172 Holo Rare from Brilliant Stars is one of those cards that quietly does a lot: it looks great in a binder, it has a clever ability for competitive play, and it represents a fan‑favorite Ghost‑type from the anime and games.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about this specific listing’s card – from lore and artwork, to collector value and gameplay strategy – so you can decide whether it deserves a slot in your binder or your next deck.
Quick Card Overview – Dusknoir Brilliant Stars 062/172
| Card Name | Dusknoir |
|---|---|
| Set | Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars (SWSH09) |
| Card Number / Rarity | 062/172 – Holo Rare |
| Type / Stage | Psychic – Stage 2 (evolves from Dusclops) |
| Release Year | 2022 |
| Condition (Listing) | Near Mint, ungraded (as described in the title) |
| Approximate Price | US $1.99 at time of listing |
This particular eBay product is titled “DUSKNOIR 062/172 Holo HOLO Rare Brilliant Stars NM Pokemon”. From that title and the available research, the card appears to be a Near Mint (NM), ungraded copy of the regular set holo (not the Trainer Gallery version), with the classic vertical Brilliant Stars holo pattern.
Dusknoir in the Pokémon World: Lore & Anime Connections
Who is Dusknoir?
Dusknoir is a Ghost‑type Pokémon first introduced in Generation IV (Sinnoh). It evolves from Dusclops when traded while holding a Reaper Cloth. Visually, it’s a one‑eyed, almost cyclopean specter with a bulky, armor‑like body and a ghostly tail instead of legs. Its design mixes the feel of a grim reaper and a paranormal receiver.
According to sources like Bulbapedia, Dusknoir is said to receive radio waves from the spirit world. It can travel between the spirit realm and the physical world, guiding lost spirits—sometimes benevolently, sometimes ominously. This lore fits the eerie vibe that many Ghost‑type fans love, and that same theme is captured in its Brilliant Stars card.
Dusknoir in the Pokémon Anime
Dusknoir has appeared in several anime episodes and movies, usually tied to spooky or supernatural storylines. One of its more notable roles is in the movie Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior, where a Dusknoir plays an important part in the plot’s tension and mystery.
In the main series anime, Dusknoir is often shown as a powerful, somewhat intimidating presence. Its anime depiction leans into the idea that it can guide souls or interact with other dimensions, echoing its Pokédex entries across the games. That background makes owning a Dusknoir card, especially a holo rare, feel like holding a piece of that eerie, cinematic presence in card form.
For collectors who enjoy tying their binders to the anime, a Brilliant Stars Dusknoir 062/172 can easily sit alongside other Ghost‑type favorites like Gengar, Chandelure, or Giratina to create a cohesive “haunted” page.
How Brilliant Stars Captures Dusknoir’s Personality
Brilliant Stars is a Sword & Shield era set known for strong Trainer Gallery cards and some standout artworks. While this specific Dusknoir card is the main set holo (not the TG version), it still emphasizes the same supernatural mood: Dusknoir emerging from the shadows, surrounded by a psychic aura, and framed by the Brilliant Stars holofoil.
The research indicates that this version of Dusknoir is a Psychic‑type Stage 2 with a powerful ability. Even if you’re not playing competitively, the idea of a Ghost Pokémon that manipulates energy around the field perfectly fits Dusknoir’s canonical role as a keeper of mysterious forces.
Card Details: Ability, Attack & On‑Paper Power
Ability: Spectral Breach
Using information from databases like Serebii and Limitless TCG, the Brilliant Stars Dusknoir is known for the ability Spectral Breach. In general terms, Spectral Breach affects Special Energy cards in play.
The effect is summarized as:
- All Special Energy attached to Pokémon (both yours and your opponent’s) count only as Colorless Energy.
- Those Special Energy have no other effects while this ability is active.
This is a big deal in the modern TCG, where many decks rely heavily on Special Energy for acceleration, type‑fixing, or extra effects. While wording nuances should always be checked on the physical card, the core idea is that Dusknoir turns off the fancy text on Special Energy and makes them vanilla Colorless Energy instead.
In theme terms, Dusknoir is “haunting” the energy on the board, stripping it of special properties. For competitive players, this can be a subtle but devastating form of disruption.
Attack: Psychic‑Type Offense
Dusknoir from Brilliant Stars also has at least one Psychic‑type attack (exact names and damage numbers can vary slightly by translation and print, but databases list it as a moderate damage attack that becomes more threatening when energy stacks up on the opponent’s side).
The key takeaway for gameplay:
- It is not meant to be your primary heavy hitter in a top‑tier meta deck.
- Instead, it plays a support and disruption role that can still swing games, especially in casual or budget formats.
If you like tactical “lock” strategies or you want to punish decks that overcommit to Special Energy, Dusknoir gives you a very flavorful way to do it.
Why Collect Dusknoir 062/172 Holo Rare?
Rarity & Position in Brilliant Stars
Within Brilliant Stars, Dusknoir 062/172 is classified as a Rare Holo. That means it’s rarer than commons and uncommons, but more accessible than ultra rares or secret rares. For collectors, holo rares like this strike a good balance:
- They’re affordable enough to pick up multiples for play and collection.
- They still feel special in a binder thanks to their holofoil treatment.
- They often have interesting abilities (as Dusknoir does) that give them lasting relevance in casual play.
Because Brilliant Stars is a 2022 set and still relatively recent, many holo rares are currently available at low prices—even those with strong abilities. A price around US $1.99 for a Near Mint copy is in line with what you’d expect from a playable, but non‑staple, holo rare from this era.
Near Mint Condition for Long‑Term Collecting
The listing describes this card as NM (Near Mint) and ungraded. In typical TCG language, “Near Mint” means a card shows very minimal wear, with clean surfaces, sharp edges, and no major creases or whitening visible at a glance. Exact standards can vary from seller to seller, so it’s always wise to inspect photos carefully.
For collectors, a Near Mint Brilliant Stars Dusknoir is a solid candidate for:
- A themed Ghost‑type binder page
- A Brilliant Stars set‑completion project
- A future grading submission if the copy is especially clean
If you’re specifically searching for near mint Pokémon cards from Sword & Shield sets, a NM Dusknoir holo is a simple way to add a fan‑favorite Ghost‑type to that list without breaking your budget.
Artwork Appeal
While this article focuses more on function and value, artwork is a big part of why collectors chase certain cards. The Brilliant Stars Dusknoir artwork (credited in databases to the illustrator otumami) emphasizes:
- Dusknoir’s single, glowing eye as a focal point.
- A dark, spectral atmosphere that’s enhanced by the holofoil background.
- A sense of motion, as if Dusknoir is emerging from another dimension.
Combined with the classic Sword & Shield border style and the clean layout of modern cards, it ends up being a nice mid‑binder centerpiece for anyone who appreciates Ghost‑type aesthetics.
Gameplay & Deck Strategy: How to Use Dusknoir Brilliant Stars
Disrupting Special Energy with Spectral Breach
In many eras of the Pokémon TCG, Special Energy is a cornerstone of deckbuilding. Players lean on cards like Double Turbo Energy, Aurora Energy, and others to accelerate, fix types, or provide added effects.
Dusknoir’s Spectral Breach ability punishes that reliance by making all Special Energy attached to Pokémon function as Colorless only, and stripping away any extra effects. What this means in practice:
- Decks that need Special Energy for specific colors can be slowed or even locked out of certain attacks.
- Effects that reduce damage, draw cards, or provide other bonuses via Special Energy are turned off.
- Your opponent may be forced to play more Basic Energy or change their energy‑attachment priorities.
If you build in a format where Special Energy is common, dropping a Dusknoir onto your field can immediately shift the tempo in your favor.
Deck Ideas Featuring Dusknoir
There are a few natural shells where Brilliant Stars Dusknoir can shine:
- Control or disruption decks that aim to limit the opponent’s options. Dusknoir fits perfectly alongside hand disruption, stadium locks, or item denial strategies.
- Casual Psychic toolboxes, where you run multiple Psychic‑type Stage 2s or Stage 1s and use Dusknoir as a “tech” to handle certain matchups.
- Budget decks for local play or kitchen‑table games. Because the card is relatively inexpensive, you can experiment without a big investment.
Due to being a Stage 2, you’ll want to support Dusknoir with consistent search and evolution cards (for example, Rare Candy and basic search Trainers from the Sword & Shield era) to make sure you can get it into play when you need it.
Strengths and Weaknesses in Play
Strengths:
- Powerful, unique ability that can single‑handedly weaken certain decks.
- Respectable HP for a Stage 2, giving it some staying power on the field (databases list it in the ~150–160 HP range).
- Excellent in best‑of‑one casual environments where opponents might not expect or prepare for Special Energy disruption.
Weaknesses:
- Being a Stage 2 means slower setup and more deck space compared to a Basic support Pokémon.
- If your local meta uses mostly Basic Energy, Spectral Breach loses impact.
- It doesn’t usually replace your primary attacker; it’s more of a tech piece.
If you’re a player who enjoys out‑thinking opponents and using less obvious strategies, Dusknoir can be genuinely fun to play around with, even if it’s not always a top‑tier staple.
Price, Value & Long‑Term Outlook
Current Price Point
The listing you’re looking at is priced around $1.99 USD for a Near Mint, ungraded copy. That’s consistent with what various price‑tracking sites show for a Brilliant Stars rare holo that is:
- Playable in certain casual or fringe strategies
- From a modern set that is still widely opened
- Not an ultra rare or chase card like Charizard VSTAR
At this price point, Dusknoir 062/172 is a low‑risk addition to your collection. Even if it never becomes a high‑value card, it offers a lot of enjoyment for the cost—especially if you like Ghost‑types or tricky abilities.
Potential for Future Collectability
Predicting long‑term prices is always speculative, and this card is not currently considered a major chase card. However, there are a few factors that support its long‑term appeal:
- Character popularity: Dusknoir is a recognizable Ghost‑type with notable anime and game appearances.
- Interesting ability: Cards with unique or memorable abilities often maintain a following among TCG enthusiasts.
- Holo Rare status: As booster boxes of Brilliant Stars get opened less often over time, clean holo rares could slowly become less common in the wild.
For now, though, the card should be viewed mainly as a playable and thematic holo rather than an investment piece. Collectors who love the character and want to finish Brilliant Stars will always need it, which supports its modest but stable demand.
Who Should Buy This Card?
This Near Mint Dusknoir 062/172 from Brilliant Stars is a good pick if you are:
- A Pokémon anime fan who enjoys Ghost‑type storylines and wants a physical card of Dusknoir.
- A collector building a Brilliant Stars master set or a themed Ghost/Psychic binder.
- A TCG player who loves disruption strategies and wants to experiment with Special Energy manipulation.
- Someone looking for collectible Pokémon cards in clean condition without paying ultra‑rare prices.
If your focus is strictly on high‑value chase pulls, this won’t replace an alternate‑art Charizard or Arceus. But if you care about theme, gameplay depth, and character flavor, Dusknoir is surprisingly rewarding.
How This Listing Compares to Other Copies
Ungraded Near Mint vs. Graded Copies
This listing is for an ungraded, Near Mint card. Some collectors prefer graded cards (PSA, BGS, CGC, etc.) to lock in condition and potentially add long‑term value. At the time of writing, graded copies of Dusknoir 062/172 are not widely discussed as high‑end items, which aligns with its status as a regular holo rare.
For most players and casual collectors, an ungraded NM copy is perfectly adequate. If you eventually pull or purchase a copy that looks pristine under close inspection, you can always decide later whether it’s worth grading for your personal collection.
Regular Holo vs. Other Dusknoir Prints
Within Brilliant Stars and across other sets, Dusknoir has multiple printings. This listing appears to be for the main set holo rare (062/172), not a Trainer Gallery or alternate‑art variant.
The regular holo has a few advantages:
- It’s easier to obtain and usually cheaper.
- It uses the standard layout, making text easier to read for gameplay.
- It slots neatly into a numbered master set collection.
If you’re after every version of Dusknoir, you might eventually want the Trainer Gallery counterpart as well, but starting with the main holo rare is the most straightforward way to secure the card’s gameplay effect and a strong piece of artwork.
Buying Tips for This Dusknoir Listing
Before checking out, a few best practices apply to any purchase of Pokémon TCG singles on eBay:
- Review all photos: Zoom in to check corners, edges, centering, and surfaces, especially since “Near Mint” is still a range, not a guarantee.
- Confirm shipping methods: For lower‑value cards, plain‑white‑envelope shipping is common, but a top loader and sleeve are still important.
- Consider combined shipping: If the seller has other cards you want, combining purchases can save on overall shipping costs.
If you’re browsing for more than just Dusknoir, the same store may have other Brilliant Stars holos or Ghost‑type staples you can pick up together.
FAQ – Dusknoir 062/172 Brilliant Stars Holo Rare
Is Dusknoir 062/172 from Brilliant Stars good in the Pokémon TCG?
Dusknoir’s main strength is its Spectral Breach ability, which neutralizes Special Energy effects and turns them into Colorless Energy. In metas where Special Energy is heavily used, this can be a meaningful disruption tool, especially in casual or local play. It’s usually not the centerpiece of a top meta deck, but it’s excellent as a tech card or in budget control builds.
Is this Dusknoir card rare?
Yes, Dusknoir 062/172 is a Rare Holo from Brilliant Stars. That means it’s rarer than commons and uncommons but more common than ultra rares and secret rares. It’s a collectible holo with a modest price, making it accessible to most collectors.
What condition is this particular listing?
The title specifies “NM” (Near Mint) and ungraded. That suggests the card should be in very clean condition with minimal visible wear, though the exact quality always depends on the seller’s grading standards. It’s important to check the photos in the listing to verify that the condition meets your expectations.
Is Dusknoir 062/172 good for a Ghost‑type or Psychic‑type theme deck?
Yes. From a theme perspective, Dusknoir is an excellent fit in any Ghost‑type or Psychic‑type deck. Mechanically, its ability to manipulate Special Energy fits well in slower, more strategic builds. If you enjoy flavor and control‑oriented gameplay, it earns its slot.
Will Dusknoir 062/172 go up in value?
There’s no clear indication that this card will become a high‑value chase card. It’s a well‑designed rare holo from a popular set, which gives it steady, modest demand. For now, it’s best seen as an enjoyable playable and collectible holo rather than an investment piece.
Where can I find more cards like this?
If you’re looking to pick up additional Brilliant Stars holos or expand a Ghost‑type collection, you can browse a wider selection of Pokémon TCG singles by exploring the seller’s store on eBay. This can help you build out full evolution lines, complete pages, or assemble a theme deck in just a few orders.
If you’re a fan of Ghost‑types, tricky abilities, or just want a flavorful addition to your Brilliant Stars binder, this Dusknoir 062/172 Holo Rare in Near Mint condition is a straightforward, budget‑friendly pickup that delivers on theme, playability, and anime nostalgia all at once.
