Inkay – Kalos Starter Set (#18)
Price Overview & Key Facts
Inkay (#18) is a card from XY - Kalos Starter Set released in 2013. It showcases artwork by 5ban Graphics and the Peck attack (10 damage). TCGplayer market price sits around $0.90, Cardmarket average sale is €0.32, Floor listings start near €0.05.
- TCGplayer market price: $0.90
- Cardmarket trend price: €0.26
- Recent low listing: €0.05
Card Details
- Set
- Kalos Starter Set
- Card Number
- 18
- Illustrator
- 🎨 5ban Graphics
- HP
- 60
- Type
- 🌙 Darkness
- Weaknesses
- Fighting ×2
- Resistances
- Psychic -20
- Retreat Cost
- 1 (Colorless)
- Evolves To
- Malamar
Attacks & Strategy
- Peck [Darkness] — 10
💎 Collector's Value & Investment Potential
Inkay from Kalos Starter Set represents an interesting addition to any Pokémon TCG collection. Released in 2013, this card features artwork by renowned illustrator 5ban Graphics.
Market Trends: Current market conditions show moderate interest in this card.
Investment Considerations: Vintage cards from this era have shown strong long-term appreciation potential.
⚔️ Competitive Play & Tournament Viability
This Inkay 18 is legal for tournament play in Expanded, Unlimited formats.
Key Attack: Inkay's Peck deals 10 damage for Darkness energy.
Stats Overview: 60 HP • Darkness Type • Weak to Fighting ×2 • Resistant to Psychic -20
Players should check the official Pokémon TCG tournament rules for the most current format regulations and card legality status.
� Compare Inkay Cards
Looking for other Inkay cards to compare? View different versions with varying HP, attacks, and rarity levels.
| Set | HP | Attacks | Rarity | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalos Starter Set #18 ← Current | 60 | 1 attack | Common | $0.90 |
�📦 Kalos Starter Set Set Context
This Inkay is part of the Kalos Starter Set expansion , released as part of the XY series in 2013.
Artist Spotlight: This card features artwork by 5ban Graphics, whose distinctive illustration style has made their cards highly collectible. Explore more cards illustrated by this artist to discover similar art styles and collecting themes.
💎 Professional Grading Guide
Professional grading can significantly increase the value of your Inkay card. Here's what you need to know:
Industry standard • Value multiplier: 2-4x
Best for: High-value cards, modern sets
Subgrades available • Value multiplier: 2-3x
Best for: Premium cards, perfect centering
Fast turnaround • Value multiplier: 1.5-3x
Best for: Budget-friendly option, bulk
💡 Should You Grade This Card?
- Yes, consider grading if: Card value exceeds $20 and is in excellent condition
- Grading cost: $20-100+ per card (depending on service level)
- Break-even point: Card should be worth $50+ raw to justify grading costs
- Turnaround time: 2 weeks to 6 months depending on service
Collector Notes
- The illustration by 5ban Graphics resonates with starter collectors, creating consistent search demand for this Bulbasaur variant.
- Darkness typing keeps this card relevant for themed decks and Grass-type collectors alike.
More from Kalos Starter Set
📚 Card History & Trivia
Release Information: Inkay 18 was released in 2013 in the Kalos Starter Set expansion. This set is part of the XY series, which introduced new gameplay mechanics and collectible cards.
Artist Background: The artwork for this card was created by 5ban Graphics. This artist is known for creating premium illustration rare and special rare artwork that collectors highly value. View complete portfolio →
Set Popularity: Kalos Starter Set is a vintage set that has gained significant collector interest over time, with sealed product and individual cards showing strong appreciation.
Competitive History: Darkness type Pokémon like Inkay have carved out niches in various competitive formats throughout Pokémon TCG history. Currently legal in Expanded, Unlimited formats.
🛡️ Related Products & Deck Building
Maximize the value and playability of your Inkay card with these essential products:
- Penny sleeves: Basic protection
- Perfect fit sleeves: Pre-grading
- Top loaders: Display & storage
- Binders with side-loading pages
- Storage boxes (800-count)
- ETB (Elite Trainer Box) storage
- Premium display cases
- Pair with Darkness energy cards
- Energy acceleration trainers
- Draw support & consistency cards
💡 Deck Building Tip: Inkay works best in Darkness type decks. Low energy cost attacks make this card great for aggressive early-game strategies.