Rillaboom 013/072 Holo Rare – Shining Fates Near Mint Card Guide
This post takes a deep dive into the Rillaboom 013/072 Holo Rare from Shining Fates, based on a near mint ungraded copy currently offered in an eBay listing. We will look at its place in the Pokémon anime, its value to collectors, and how it performs in Pokémon TCG gameplay and deck strategy.
| Card Name | Rillaboom |
|---|---|
| Set | Shining Fates |
| Card Number | 013/072 |
| Rarity | Holo Rare |
| Condition (Listing) | Appears Near Mint (Ungraded) |
| Estimated Release Year | 2021 (Shining Fates set) |
| Type / Stage | Grass / Stage 2 Pokémon |
The featured listing describes the card as “RILLABOOM 013/072 Holo HOLO Rare Shining Fates NM Pokemon”, with an ungraded near mint condition and a very accessible price point. The Shining Fates Rillaboom is especially notable for its powerful Voltage Beat Ability, making it a standout engine in Grass-type decks.
Below, we’ll explore everything that makes this card interesting: its collectible appeal, connection to Rillaboom’s anime appearances, and practical uses for Pokémon TCG players who want to power up their Grass strategies.
This guide is written for collectors, anime fans, and competitive or casual players who want more than just a quick price check. If you’re building a focused binder of near mint Pokémon cards or upgrading a Grass deck core, this Rillaboom deserves a closer look.
Card Overview – Rillaboom 013/072 from Shining Fates
Shining Fates is a special Pokémon TCG set released around 2021, best known for its Shiny Vault and chase cards like Shiny Charizard VMAX. While most attention goes to the shiny cards, the main set includes several strong holo rares, and Rillaboom 013/072 is one of the most playable among them.
This particular Rillaboom is a Stage 2 Grass-type Pokémon. Official card databases list its key Ability and attack as:
- Ability: Voltage Beat – Once during your turn, you may search your deck for up to 2 Grass Energy cards and attach them to 1 of your Pokémon, then shuffle your deck.
- Main attack – A solid damage attack (commonly referenced in deck discussions) that becomes much more threatening when powered quickly by Voltage Beat.
The listing images (front and back) show a standard holo pattern card rather than the shiny vault variant, which matches the regular Holo Rare version of Rillaboom from the main Shining Fates set. The seller notes the card as near mint, and the photos appear to support this, though as always with ungraded cards, it’s wise to zoom in and evaluate centering, edges, and any potential surface marks yourself.
Because this version is ungraded, there’s no PSA or CGC label to rely on, so the buyer must judge condition from the pictures and the seller’s description. For many collectors and players, this is ideal: you get a competitively priced holo rare without paying the premium that often comes with grading fees.
Rillaboom in the Pokémon World and Anime
Rillaboom is the final evolution of Grookey, the Grass-type starter from the Galar region (Generation 8). In the games and lore, Rillaboom is known as the Drummer Pokémon, channeling the rhythm of nature through its giant wooden drum. That musical, tribal aesthetic is a big reason many fans gravitate to this line.
According to sources like Bulbapedia and the official Pokédex, Rillaboom’s signature concept is rhythm and teamwork. Its drum-based attacks blend power and control, which carries nicely into how this card functions in the TCG: Rillaboom doesn’t just hit hard, it sets the tempo of your deck by accelerating Energy onto your board.
In the Pokémon anime, Rillaboom appears in multiple Galar-related episodes, including as part of Leon’s team. Leon’s Rillaboom is portrayed as a powerful, agile battler, using moves like Drum Beating and Acrobatics with impressive skill. These appearances helped cement Rillaboom’s reputation as a serious heavy-hitter, not just another starter evolution.
For anime fans, picking up a holo rare Rillaboom like this Shining Fates card can be a way to anchor a small collection focused on Galar starters or on Champion Leon’s team. Even if Shining Fates doesn’t depict Leon directly, the art and holo treatment make Rillaboom feel suitably “headline” in a binder page next to other Galar-era favorites.
Artwork and Holo Pattern: What You’re Getting Visually
The Shining Fates Rillaboom 013/072 features the standard holo rare treatment rather than the textured full-art style seen on V and VMAX cards. That means the illustration remains the focal point, with the shimmering foil mainly in the background. For collectors who like classic holo rares from older eras, this style feels familiar and nostalgic.
While this guide does not reproduce the exact art in high resolution, the card generally depicts Rillaboom in a dynamic pose that highlights its massive drum and powerful build. The earthy greens and browns of the artwork pair nicely with the foil effect, giving the card a natural, forest-like glow under light.
Because holo rares can be prone to surface scratching and print lines, a near mint copy is especially nice if you’re sensitive to condition. The listing’s photos appear to show clean surfaces, but again, always double-check zoomed images for any subtle imperfections before you buy.
If you’re building binder pages of collectible Pokémon cards in chronological order, this Rillaboom slots nicely into a Galar-themed row, perhaps paired with Grookey, Thwackey, and other Shining Fates Grass holos.
Collector Value and Long-Term Appeal
Rarity and Set Context
Within Shining Fates, Rillaboom 013/072 is classified as a Holo Rare. It is not a secret rare or part of the Shiny Vault; those variants tend to command higher prices. However, holo rares from special sets often maintain steady, modest value because they’re both playable and visually appealing.
Price tracking sites (such as PriceCharting and major card marketplaces) typically show this Rillaboom hovering in a low but stable price range, with slight variations depending on condition and whether the card is a regular holo or reverse holo. The featured eBay listing’s price around $1.99 USD is in line with many other near mint copies currently circulating.
From a pure investment standpoint, this is not a “high roller” card. It’s better viewed as a foundation piece in a modern Grass collection or a Shining Fates set binder—especially if you value cards that also have practical TCG use and lore relevance. Stage 2 starters with powerful abilities often remain attractive to players, even as formats shift.
Because the listing card is ungraded, its value ceiling is lower than a PSA 10 or BGS 10 copy, but you also aren’t paying grading premiums. For many collectors, especially those filling out binders of near mint Pokémon cards, this is the most sensible way to pick up playsets or single copies.
Condition Considerations (Near Mint, Ungraded)
The seller describes the card as NM (Near Mint) and Ungraded. In hobby terms, Near Mint usually means:
- Very minor or no whitening on the edges
- Clean surfaces with only slight micro-scratches visible under strong light, if any
- Good centering without major print defects
Because “Near Mint” is not a legally binding standard, always use the photos as your primary guide. Look for:
- Corners and edges – zoom in for whitening or dings
- Holo surface – check for deep scratches or obvious lines
- Back of the card – sometimes sellers show both sides, which is essential for condition-sensitive buyers
If you later decide to grade the card, tiny flaws might hold it back from the highest grades, but a clean NM copy still has a decent chance of scoring well in many grading systems. Just be aware that grading fees often exceed the raw value of cards like this, so grading is best reserved for personal satisfaction or for assembling a fully graded Shining Fates set.
For most collectors, a well-kept near mint copy in a penny sleeve and top loader is more than adequate. You can find many similar Pokémon TCG singles in this condition across the store, which makes it easy to build cohesive pages without visible condition mismatches.
Rillaboom in Pokémon TCG Gameplay and Deck Strategy
Why Voltage Beat Matters
From a competitive and casual TCG standpoint, the main reason players care about this Rillaboom is its Voltage Beat Ability. Being able to search your deck for up to 2 Grass Energy and attach them each turn (without using your manual attachment) is an incredibly strong form of Energy acceleration.
This effect lets you:
- Fast-track big Grass attackers that would otherwise be too slow
- Recover quickly after a knockout by rebuilding a new attacker in a single turn
- Smooth out early-game setups by pulling Energy directly from your deck
Grass decks historically rely on either Energy acceleration or healing to stay viable. Voltage Beat gives Rillaboom-based lists a strong identity: you aim to get this Stage 2 out quickly, then funnel Grass Energy onto your main threats every turn. In many formats, this type of engine has been central to Grass strategies.
Even if the exact meta context changes over time, the principle remains: an on-board, repeatable Energy acceleration Ability is always playable in the right shell.
Deck Ideas Featuring Shining Fates Rillaboom
Below are several ways players typically leverage Rillaboom 013/072 in different styles of decks. Note that exact legality and power level depend on the tournament format and rotation at any given time, so always check the current Standard or Expanded rules.
1. Classic Rillaboom Grass Toolbox
In a straightforward Grass deck, Rillaboom acts as your core engine. Common pieces might include:
- Grookey and Thwackey line for evolving into Rillaboom
- Big Grass attackers that scale with Energy attachments
- Supporters and Items that help you search out Stage 2 Pokémon or Rare Candy
Your game plan is to set up Voltage Beat as quickly as possible, then ramp Energy onto your primary attacker every turn. Once established, your opponent has to choose between knocking out the engine or the attacker, giving you tempo advantages either way.
2. Multi-Type Energy Acceleration Support
Because Voltage Beat can attach to any of your Pokémon (not only Grass types), it can serve as an Energy accelerator for off-type attackers that include Grass Energy in their cost. In more creative builds, you can pair Rillaboom with dual-type or colorless-heavy attackers, using Grass as a significant portion of their cost.
This opens up hybrid strategies that surprise opponents and give you flexibility in tech choices.
3. Casual and Theme Deck Power-Up
Even outside formal tournaments, Rillaboom is a favorite in casual play and kitchen-table formats. Many pre-constructed or theme-style decks suffer from slow Energy curves; dropping in a 1–2 line of Rillaboom (plus basic Grass Energy) can instantly raise the power level of a friend group’s meta.
For newer players learning the game, Voltage Beat is also an excellent teaching tool. It rewards proper deck-building (having enough Grass Energy), understanding of sequencing (when to use your Ability vs your manual attachment), and resource management (which Pokémon to invest in with extra Energy).
How Many Copies Should Players Own?
In decks that actively rely on Rillaboom as the main engine, common counts are:
- 3–4 copies of Rillaboom
- 4 Grookey and 2–3 Thwackey (or a playset of Rare Candy if legal)
If you only use Rillaboom as a backup or in a more experimental list, 1–2 copies might be enough. That’s where low-cost, ungraded Pokémon TCG singles shine: you can assemble full playsets of functional engines like this without spending much.
Collectors who don’t play might prefer 1–2 copies—one for a collection binder and potentially one for display or a separate Grass-theme page.
Who Should Consider Buying This Rillaboom?
1. Pokémon TCG Players (Grass Enthusiasts)
If you enjoy building Grass-type decks, a playset of Rillaboom 013/072 is almost mandatory in many formats where it’s legal. The card’s value isn’t measured just in dollars; it’s a quality-of-life upgrade for any deck that wants consistent, powerful turns after the early game.
Even if you aren’t sure about committing to a full Rillaboom deck yet, grabbing one or two copies now at an affordable price gives you options later. Grass support tends to ebb and flow with new sets, and a reprint or synergy card can suddenly make older engines relevant again.
2. Anime and Galar Region Fans
Fans of the Galar region, Grookey’s evolution line, or Leon’s anime team can treat this card as an anchor piece in their collection. Holo rares like this look great in a 9-pocket binder page centered around Rillaboom, especially if you surround it with Grookey, Thwackey, and any other Rillaboom prints you own.
Because Shining Fates is a special set tied to the Sword & Shield era, it also serves as a time capsule of that generation. Years from now, cards like this will instantly remind collectors of the Galar period and the rise of Rillaboom as a fan-favorite starter evolution.
3. Budget-Conscious Collectors and Players
Not every great card has to be expensive. The featured Rillaboom listing sits in a sweet spot: it’s a playable holo rare from a special set, featuring a popular Pokémon, yet it remains very budget-friendly.
If you’re assembling a collection where you want every page to look visually impressive without chasing ultra-high-end grails, picking up cards like Rillaboom 013/072 is a smart strategy. They give your binders that “shiny” appeal while being easy to replace or upgrade if you ever decide to chase graded copies.
For players on a budget, engines like this are gold. Rather than trying to keep up with the absolute top-tier meta cards, you can build strong, thematic decks that feel powerful and satisfying to play.
Stores like Pokeferh on eBay regularly stock cards of this tier—solid, affordable holo rares and staples that make it easy to build both collections and decks over time.
How This Listing Compares to Other Options
When shopping for Rillaboom 013/072, you’ll typically encounter three main versions:
- Regular Holo Rare – like the one in this listing
- Reverse Holo – same card, but with holo treatment in the border/text area
- Shiny Vault Rillaboom – a distinct card featuring shiny artwork (different card number)
The card in this specific listing appears to be the regular holo rare version, which is often preferred by players who want clear artwork and standard foiling. For pure utility in decks, the regular and reverse holo versions function identically; the choice is just aesthetic.
Shiny versions typically cost more and are more strongly targeted by rarity-focused collectors. However, if your main interest is gameplay or keeping a unified look in your binder, the non-shiny holo like this one is usually the most efficient pick.
Compared to other copies on the market, this listing’s Near Mint, ungraded description and reasonable price correspond with many similar offerings. When comparing multiple listings, pay close attention to:
- Shipping cost and protection (top loaders, bubble mailers)
- Photo clarity and whether both front and back are shown
- Seller feedback and description detail
Protecting and Displaying Your Rillaboom
Once you add Rillaboom 013/072 to your collection or deck, protecting it properly ensures it stays near mint:
- For binders: Use side-loading 9-pocket pages and keep the card in a soft sleeve before sliding it in.
- For decks: Double-sleeve if possible (inner sleeve plus a tight outer sleeve) to prevent dust and shuffle wear.
- For display: A top loader or magnetic card holder works well, especially if you want to showcase Rillaboom alongside Grookey and Thwackey.
Although this card is not ultra-valuable right now, basic protection costs very little and keeps your options open if you ever decide to grade or trade it. Many collectors regret not sleeving cards early—especially holo rares, which are more prone to scratches than non-holo commons and uncommons.
Over time, a carefully protected Shining Fates Rillaboom will help your Grass or Galar collection stand out, and it remains ready for casual TCG nights whenever inspiration strikes.
FAQ: Rillaboom 013/072 Holo Rare – Shining Fates
Is this Rillaboom card good for competitive play?
Rillaboom 013/072 has historically been considered very strong in the right Grass decks because of its Voltage Beat Ability, which accelerates 2 Grass Energy from your deck every turn. Its exact competitive viability depends on the current format and card pool, but as an engine card, it has clear strategic value whenever it’s legal and supported.
What’s the difference between this Rillaboom and the Shiny version?
This listing appears to feature the regular Holo Rare Rillaboom from the main Shining Fates set (013/072). The Shiny Vault version has different artwork showing Rillaboom’s alternate color scheme and a different card number. Game text is often similar or identical, but the Shiny version tends to be rarer and more expensive due to its chase-card status.
Is an ungraded Near Mint copy worth buying?
For most collectors and nearly all players, yes. Ungraded Near Mint copies are much more affordable than graded cards and are perfectly suitable for binders and decks. Grading only makes financial sense if the card has high potential value or if you’re building a fully graded set for personal reasons.
Does Rillaboom 013/072 appear in the Pokémon anime?
The exact card does not appear as a reference in the anime, but Rillaboom as a Pokémon appears multiple times, including as part of Leon’s team in various Galar-focused episodes. The Shining Fates card reflects Rillaboom’s in-universe power and presence with a strong Ability and impressive holo artwork.
Is this card a good choice for a Galar-themed collection?
Yes. As the fully evolved form of Grookey and a key Grass-type from the Sword & Shield era, Rillaboom is a centerpiece for any Galar binder page. Pairing this Shining Fates holo with other Rillaboom prints, Grookey, Thwackey, and Leon-related cards creates a cohesive, anime- and game-inspired collection.
Where can I find more near mint Pokémon cards like this?
Stores such as Pokeferh on eBay regularly list a wide range of singles, including holo rares, V/VSTAR cards, and budget-friendly staples. Browsing dedicated categories for near mint Pokémon cards and collectible Pokémon cards can help you quickly build both decks and display-ready binders.
Whether you’re here for the anime nostalgia, the collector appeal, or the powerful Voltage Beat engine, the Rillaboom 013/072 Holo Rare from Shining Fates is a versatile and thematic addition to any modern Pokémon TCG collection.
