KROOKODILE 117/198 Reverse Holo (Scarlet & Violet) – Anime, Value & TCG Strategy Guide
The Krookodile 117/198 Reverse Holo from the Scarlet & Violet era is a great pick for players who enjoy disruptive Dark-type attackers and collectors who love affordable, flashy holofoil cards. This listing appears to offer a Near Mint (NM) reverse holo uncommon, making it especially appealing if you want a clean copy for your binder or deck.
| Card Name | Krookodile |
|---|---|
| Set | Scarlet & Violet (English) |
| Card Number | 117/198 |
| Rarity | Uncommon (Reverse Holo version) |
| Condition (listing) | Appears to be Near Mint, ungraded |
| Finish | Reverse Holofoil |
| Game | Pokémon TCG |
Because this is an ungraded Near Mint reverse holo from an early Scarlet & Violet set, it hits a sweet spot between playability and collectibility. Below, we’ll look at how this Krookodile ties into the Pokémon anime, what kind of long-term value collectors might expect, and how Dark-type fans can use it in actual decks.
Krookodile in Pokémon Lore and Anime
Krookodile is a Dark/Ground-type Pokémon first introduced in Generation V. It evolves from Krokorok and is the final form of Sandile, known for its intimidating jaw strength, desert habitat, and trademark sunglasses-style markings around its eyes. Even if the exact attack names on this specific 117/198 card aren’t at hand, the design still reflects Krookodile’s established personality: aggressive, opportunistic, and hard-hitting.
In the Pokémon anime, Krookodile became especially memorable because of Ash’s Sandile line. Sandile initially appeared with a pair of sunglasses, and over time evolved into a Krokorok and ultimately into a Krookodile. This “sunglasses Krookodile” had a bold, slightly mischievous personality but was fiercely loyal once it joined Ash’s team. The character’s swagger and dramatic entrances made it a fan favorite during the Unova saga.
The Scarlet & Violet-era Krookodile card taps into that same identity. The artwork (as seen in this listing’s photos) emphasizes Krookodile’s imposing build and menacing stance. Even without the anime’s sunglasses gag, the Pokémon’s design clearly communicates a confident, battle-ready attitude, so it’s easy for fans of Ash’s Krookodile to see the connection when they add this card to a binder page or Dark-type deck.
Anime fans who enjoy building collections around specific characters or regions can treat this Krookodile as a continuation of that Unova legacy, now represented through the modern Scarlet & Violet card layout and foil pattern.
Card Aesthetics: Why the Reverse Holo Matters
Scarlet & Violet introduced a refreshed card design, with updated borders and a new approach to holofoil patterns. Reverse holos in this era typically feature a shimmering foil across the card’s background (except the artwork window), with set symbols or type-related motifs subtly embedded into the pattern. This Krookodile 117/198 Reverse Holo shares that modern styling, giving Dark-type collectors a flashy, but still affordable, addition to their pages.
Because this listing appears to be Near Mint, the card should have minimal whitening on edges, no major scratches, and a clean surface. For reverse holos in particular, condition matters: surface scratching and clouding show up faster on the holo background than on regular non-holos. A NM reverse holo uncommon like this is usually ideal for both display and gameplay since the foiling still looks fresh.
The contrast between Krookodile’s darker color palette and the bright reverse holo sheen helps the artwork stand out, especially when sleeved in clear or dark-colored sleeves. In a binder, this card tends to pop when placed next to non-holo Dark-types or earlier-generation Krookodile prints. If you enjoy building theme pages—such as “all Krookodile cards” or “all Dark-type attackers from Scarlet & Violet”—this reverse holo version adds visual depth without the cost of a full art or ultra rare.
Collectors who appreciate consistent presentation may also enjoy pairing this card with other Scarlet & Violet reverse holos from the same set number range (such as neighboring Dark-types or related evolutionary lines), creating cohesive binder spreads that reflect the new era of the Pokémon TCG.
Collector Appeal & Long-Term Value
While the Krookodile 117/198 Reverse Holo is an uncommon rather than an ultra rare or secret rare, it still offers several appealing traits for collectors:
1. Early Scarlet & Violet Era Representation
This card comes from the Scarlet & Violet block, which marks a very visible transition in the Pokémon TCG: new card templates, rarity symbols, and an overall fresh aesthetic. Many collectors like to secure at least one representative card of their favorite Pokémon from each era. Adding this Krookodile gives you a neat snapshot of what Scarlet & Violet design standards look like, especially in reverse holo form.
Because early sets in a new block often become historically significant later (similar to how Base Set, early EX series, and early XY sets are now viewed), owning near mint Pokémon cards from the beginning of Scarlet & Violet can be a subtle long-term play. Uncommons rarely explode in price, but clean copies often stay in demand for binder completion and nostalgia-driven purchases.
2. Reverse Holo Uncommon as a Binder Upgrade
Many set collectors first complete a non-holo run, then upgrade into reverse holos. For cards like Krookodile, the non-holo will be the standard uncommon, while the reverse holo becomes the premium version of the same card number. This listing’s reverse holo version functions as that upgrade, giving your binder an extra layer of shine without needing to chase higher-priced ultra rares.
If you are working on a Scarlet & Violet reverse holo master set, this card is a must-have. Having a reliable seller with a range of Pokémon TCG singles can speed up that completion process, especially if you are picking up multiple uncommons, rares, and reverse holos in a single order.
3. Budget-Friendly Yet Display-Worthy
At a listed price around the low single digits, this Krookodile is a budget-friendly way to add a flashy foil to your collection. That appeals especially to younger collectors, new players, or fans of the Pokémon anime who want something nice of Krookodile without committing to higher-end chase cards.
Because the card is ungraded, it’s easier to use it in decks, display it in a top loader, or move it between binders without worrying about cracking a slab. For many people, an ungraded Near Mint copy offers the best balance between aesthetics, usability, and cost.
For those focusing heavily on collectible Pokémon cards, reverse holo uncommons like this can be excellent “filler” cards to bring an order up to a free-shipping threshold while still adding real value to your collection.
In the long run, the card’s value will most likely track with general interest in Scarlet & Violet sets and Krookodile as a species. There is no public evidence that this specific uncommon is a major speculative card, but it is a solid, attractive part of a Dark-type or Krookodile-focused collection.
TCG Gameplay & Strategy Potential
Exact competitive strength can vary across formats and expansions, and without the full official card text on hand, any deep-dive must stay general. However, we can still discuss where a Dark-type Krookodile from Scarlet & Violet typically fits into deckbuilding and what roles such cards often fill.
1. Stage 2 Power vs. Consistency
Krookodile is generally a Stage 2 Pokémon (evolving from Krokorok, which evolves from Sandile). Stage 2 attackers tend to fall into one of two categories:
- High-damage, big-effect Pokémon that reward you for investing in the evolution line.
- More niche tech attackers that fill a specific role against certain decks.
If the Scarlet & Violet Krookodile 117/198 follows traditional patterns, it likely offers a higher-damage attack or disruptive ability compared with its Basic and Stage 1 forms. Decks using it will usually need consistency support such as Rare Candy, search cards, and draw engines to evolve quickly enough to make Krookodile relevant in battle.
For casual play, theme battles, or local leagues, Stage 2 lines like Krookodile can be a lot of fun, especially if you enjoy building toward a big final evolution with strong attacks. The reverse holo version from this listing makes your main attacker look that much more impressive on the field.
2. Typical Dark-Type Roles
Dark-type Pokémon in the TCG often focus on:
- High damage output for relatively efficient Energy costs.
- Attacks that punish damaged or Special Conditioned Pokémon.
- Disruption, such as discarding cards from the opponent’s hand or deck.
While the precise attacks on Krookodile 117/198 should be checked on an official card database, it’s reasonable to say that a Dark-type Stage 2 like Krookodile is usually built to hit hard and apply pressure once it hits the field. In casual formats, pairing it with basic Dark-type support (Energy acceleration, damage boosters, or disruption Trainers) can make it a dangerous finisher.
Even if the card is not a top-tier tournament staple, it can serve as a thematic centerpiece in Dark-type or Unova-inspired decks. Younger players or anime fans who love Ash’s Krookodile may enjoy building a deck around this card and its evolutionary line, aiming to recreate anime-style battles at the kitchen table.
Since this listing’s copy is reverse holo and Near Mint, it’s ideal for sleeved play—both eye-catching and durable when protected in a good sleeve and deck box.
3. Deck Ideas Featuring Krookodile
Here are some general deck concepts where a Scarlet & Violet Krookodile could fit:
Dark-Type Evolution Deck
Build around Sandile → Krokorok → Krookodile as your main attacker line. Add other Dark-type Pokémon to support, such as Basic Dark attackers that can function early while you set up your Stage 2. Trainer cards that search Pokémon, accelerate Energy, and provide recovery will help Krookodile come online reliably.
Unova-Themed Fun Deck
If you’re a fan of the Unova region and Ash’s team from that era, you can combine Krookodile with other Unova Pokémon in the format you play, aiming for a flavorful, anime-inspired list. This type of deck is perfect for casual battles, cube drafts, and theme nights at local game stores.
Dark Disruption Concept
Many Dark Pokémon synergize with discarding, hand disruption, or punishing opponents for having damaged Pokémon. If Krookodile 117/198 has any disruptive or high-damage attack options, slotting it into a disruption-focused list can make it a scary finisher that closes games once you’ve weakened the opponent’s board.
Even if you mainly collect, building a simple deck around a favorite card like this can deepen your appreciation for the artwork and design by seeing how it performs on the battlefield.
Condition, Storage & Protection Tips
This specific eBay listing describes the Krookodile 117/198 Reverse Holo as Near Mint and ungraded. For most collectors and players, that condition is ideal—but it’s still important to protect the card properly once it arrives.
Because reverse holos can show scratches and scuffing more easily than non-holos, consider immediately placing the card in a penny sleeve upon opening your mail. From there, you can choose between binder storage or top loader storage:
- Binder: Use side-loading binder pages and avoid over-stacking cards in one pocket. This keeps the foil surface from rubbing against other cards.
- Top loader or semi-rigid: Great for showcasing a single card. Insert the sleeved card carefully to avoid corner dings.
To maintain the card’s condition over time, avoid direct sunlight (which can fade colors), high humidity, and rough handling during deck shuffling. If you do plan on playing the card in a deck, double-sleeving—pairing a perfect fit inner sleeve with a normal outer sleeve—can help preserve that NM status even after repeated use.
If you decide you want additional Scarlet & Violet reverse holos or other near mint Pokémon cards, ordering several at once can make it easier to build consistent binder pages and decks while minimizing shipping costs.
Who Should Consider Buying This Krookodile?
This Krookodile 117/198 Reverse Holo from Scarlet & Violet is especially suitable for three main types of buyers:
1. Anime & Unova Fans
If you loved Ash’s sunglasses-wearing Krookodile, this card gives you a modern TCG representation of that same Pokémon. It’s an easy way to connect your anime fandom with a physical card that looks good in a Unova-themed or Ash’s-team-themed binder page.
2. Set & Binder Collectors
Collectors chasing Scarlet & Violet master sets, type-themed pages, or full evolutionary lines will find this reverse holo uncommon to be a nice upgrade over the standard print. The NM condition is ideal for long-term storage and display, especially if you are selective about surface quality and edges.
3. Casual and Local-League TCG Players
Players who enjoy building creative decks for local events, kitchen-table battles, or online webcam games can add this Krookodile as a fun, characterful Dark-type attacker. Even if it’s not a headlining card in major tournaments, it brings flavor and personality to any Dark-focused list.
Because it’s relatively inexpensive, you can experiment with it without worrying about the kind of financial commitment that comes with top-tier ultra rares, making it a good choice for learning evolution-based strategies.
FAQ: Krookodile 117/198 Reverse Holo (Scarlet & Violet)
Is this Krookodile 117/198 Reverse Holo card rare?
It is technically an uncommon card, so it’s less rare than ultra rares or secret rares. However, the reverse holo version is still more collectible than the standard non-holo uncommon, especially for binder completion and display.
What condition is the card in?
The listing indicates Near Mint condition and specifies that the card is ungraded. In practice, that usually means only very minor wear, if any, with clean surfaces and edges. For exact details, always double-check the seller’s description and photos.
Is this card good for competitive play?
Without the full attack and ability text, it’s hard to claim top-tier competitiveness. Generally speaking, Stage 2 Dark-type Pokémon like Krookodile can be fun and powerful in casual or local play, but may not always be optimized for high-level tournaments. It’s best used if you enjoy Dark-type strategies, evolution decks, or Unova-themed builds.
How should I store this reverse holo Krookodile?
For long-term protection, place the card in a soft sleeve immediately, then store it either in a binder with quality pages or in a top loader. Keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and rough handling to preserve the NM condition and the reverse holo finish.
Is this card English or Japanese?
The card described here appears to be an English-language Scarlet & Violet card, based on the listing title and set notation (117/198). Always confirm card language by checking the listing images and description.
Can I buy more Scarlet & Violet singles from the same seller?
Yes. The store offering this card, found at this Pokémon TCG singles shop, typically carries a variety of Scarlet & Violet and other-era cards. Browsing the store can help you pick up additional Dark-types, evolution lines, or reverse holos alongside this Krookodile for a more efficient order.
Does this card feature Ash’s specific Krookodile from the anime?
No, TCG cards normally depict the species in general rather than a specific trainer’s Pokémon. However, fans of Ash’s Krookodile from the Unova anime will likely recognize and appreciate the same Pokémon species on this card.
Is it worth grading this card?
Most reverse holo uncommons are not primary grading targets unless they have personal significance, are part of a themed graded set, or display exceptionally flawless centering and surfaces. For most collectors, keeping this Krookodile sleeved and ungraded is perfectly reasonable. If you’re passionate about Krookodile and want a unique slab, grading can still be a fun personal project.
Whether you’re a Krookodile fan from the anime days, a Scarlet & Violet set collector, or a Dark-type player, this 117/198 Reverse Holo offers a stylish way to bring one of Unova’s most iconic Pokémon into your modern Pokémon TCG experience.
