Larvesta – Surging Sparks (#196)
Price Overview & Key Facts
Larvesta (#196) is an Illustration Rare card from Scarlet & Violet - Surging Sparks released in 2024. It features the Ram attack (10 damage). TCGplayer market price sits around $2.53, Cardmarket average sale is €2.43, Floor listings start near €1.39.
- TCGplayer market price: $2.53
- Cardmarket trend price: €2.55
- Recent low listing: €1.39
Card Details
- Set
- Surging Sparks
- Card Number
- 196
- Rarity
- ✨ Illustration Rare
- HP
- 70
- Type
- 🔥 Fire
- Regulation Mark
- Regulation H ✓ Legal in Standard
- Weaknesses
- Water ×2
- Retreat Cost
- 2 (Colorless, Colorless)
- Evolves To
- Volcarona
Attacks & Strategy
- Ram [Colorless] — 10
- Steady Firebreathing [Fire, Colorless] — 20
💎 Collector's Value & Investment Potential
Larvesta from Surging Sparks (Illustration Rare) represents a solid addition to any Pokémon TCG collection. Released in 2024, this card showcases quality artwork.
Market Trends: Current market conditions show moderate interest in this card.
Investment Considerations: As a modern release, this card offers accessible entry points for new collectors while maintaining good liquidity.
⚔️ Competitive Play & Tournament Viability
This Larvesta 196 is legal for tournament play in Standard, Expanded, Unlimited formats. The card bears Regulation Mark H, indicating its current competitive viability.
Key Attack: Larvesta's Ram deals 10 damage for Colorless energy.
Stats Overview: 70 HP • Fire Type • Weak to Water ×2
Players should check the official Pokémon TCG tournament rules for the most current format regulations and card legality status.
� Compare Larvesta Cards
Looking for other Larvesta cards to compare? View different versions with varying HP, attacks, and rarity levels.
| Set | HP | Attacks | Rarity | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surging Sparks #196 ← Current | 70 | 2 attacks | Illustration Rare | $2.53 |
�📦 Surging Sparks Set Context
This Larvesta is part of the Surging Sparks expansion , released as part of the Scarlet & Violet series in 2024. As a Illustration Rare card, it represents one of the premium pulls from this set.
💎 Professional Grading Guide
Professional grading can significantly increase the value of your Larvesta card. Here's what you need to know:
Industry standard • Value multiplier: 3-6x
Best for: High-value cards, modern sets
Subgrades available • Value multiplier: 3-5x
Best for: Premium cards, perfect centering
Fast turnaround • Value multiplier: 2-4x
Best for: Budget-friendly option, bulk
💡 Should You Grade This Card?
- Yes, consider grading if: Premium rarity card in Near Mint+ 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
- Illustration Rare cards from Surging Sparks are typically short-printed and head straight into collector binders.
- Fire typing keeps this card relevant for themed decks and Grass-type collectors alike.
📚 Card History & Trivia
Release Information: Larvesta 196 was released in 2024 in the Surging Sparks expansion. This set is part of the Scarlet & Violet series, which introduced new gameplay mechanics and collectible cards.
Rarity & Collectibility: As a Illustration Rare card, this Larvesta is among the premium chase cards from Surging Sparks. Illustration Rare cards feature stunning full-art illustrations that showcase the Pokémon in unique scenes and perspectives. These premium versions typically hold value better than common printings.
Set Popularity: Surging Sparks is a modern release that benefits from high print quality and readily available supply, making it accessible for collectors.
Competitive History: Fire type Pokémon like Larvesta with versatile attack options provide flexibility in deck building and can adapt to different matchups. Currently legal in Standard, Expanded, Unlimited formats.
🛡️ Related Products & Deck Building
Maximize the value and playability of your Larvesta card with these essential products:
- Penny sleeves: Basic protection
- Perfect fit sleeves: Pre-grading
- Top loaders: Display & storage
- Magnetic holders recommended
- Binders with side-loading pages
- Storage boxes (800-count)
- ETB (Elite Trainer Box) storage
- Premium display cases
- Pair with Fire energy cards
- Energy acceleration trainers
- Draw support & consistency cards
💡 Deck Building Tip: Larvesta works best in Fire type decks. Low energy cost attacks make this card great for aggressive early-game strategies. For Standard format play, check the current rotation for legal support cards.