Steelix – Plasma Freeze (#79)

Steelix Pokémon card — Plasma Freeze #79, Rare
Illustration Rare artwork showcased in the Scarlet & Violet: Plasma Freeze expansion.

Price Overview & Key Facts

Steelix (#79) is a Rare card from Black & White - Plasma Freeze released in 2013. It showcases artwork by 5ban Graphics and the Metal Defender attack (50 damage), During your opponent's next turn, this Pokémon has no Weakness.. TCGplayer market price sits around $1.38, Cardmarket average sale is €0.93, Floor listings start near €0.15.

  • TCGplayer market price: $1.38
  • Cardmarket trend price: €1.56
  • Recent low listing: €0.15
Current Prices: €1.56 (CM) $1.38 (TCG)

Card Details

Set
Plasma Freeze
Card Number
79
Rarity
✨ Rare
Illustrator
🎨 5ban Graphics
HP
150
Type
⚙️ Metal
Weaknesses
Fire ×2
Resistances
Psychic -20
Retreat Cost
4 (Colorless, Colorless, Colorless, Colorless)

Attacks & Strategy

  • Metal Defender [Metal, Colorless, Colorless] — 50
    During your opponent's next turn, this Pokémon has no Weakness.
  • Heavy Impact [Metal, Colorless, Colorless, Colorless, Colorless] — 100

💎 Collector's Value & Investment Potential

Steelix from Plasma Freeze (Rare) represents a solid 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 Steelix 79 is legal for tournament play in Expanded, Unlimited formats.

Key Attack: Steelix's Metal Defender deals 50 damage for Metal + Colorless + Colorless energy. Special effect: During your opponent's next turn, this Pokémon has no Weakness.

Stats Overview: 150 HP • Metal Type • Weak to Fire ×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 Steelix Cards

Looking for other Steelix cards to compare? View different versions with varying HP, attacks, and rarity levels.

Set HP Attacks Rarity Avg Price
Plasma Freeze #79 ← Current 150 2 attacks Rare $1.38

Browse all Steelix cards →

�📦 Plasma Freeze Set Context

This Steelix is part of the Plasma Freeze expansion , released as part of the Black & White 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.

View all chase cards from Plasma Freeze →

💎 Professional Grading Guide

Professional grading can significantly increase the value of your Steelix card. Here's what you need to know:

🥇 PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)

Industry standard • Value multiplier: 2-4x

Best for: High-value cards, modern sets

🥈 BGS (Beckett Grading Services)

Subgrades available • Value multiplier: 2-3x

Best for: Premium cards, perfect centering

🥉 CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)

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

  • Rare cards from Plasma Freeze are typically short-printed and head straight into collector binders.
  • The illustration by 5ban Graphics resonates with starter collectors, creating consistent search demand for this Bulbasaur variant.
  • Metal typing keeps this card relevant for themed decks and Grass-type collectors alike.

📚 Card History & Trivia

Release Information: Steelix 79 was released in 2013 in the Plasma Freeze expansion. This set is part of the Black & White 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: Plasma Freeze is a vintage set that has gained significant collector interest over time, with sealed product and individual cards showing strong appreciation.

Competitive History: Metal type Pokémon like Steelix with versatile attack options provide flexibility in deck building and can adapt to different matchups. Currently legal in Expanded, Unlimited formats.

🛡️ Related Products & Deck Building

Maximize the value and playability of your Steelix card with these essential products:

🎴 Card Protection
  • Penny sleeves: Basic protection
  • Perfect fit sleeves: Pre-grading
  • Top loaders: Display & storage
📦 Storage Solutions
  • Binders with side-loading pages
  • Storage boxes (800-count)
  • ETB (Elite Trainer Box) storage
  • Premium display cases
⚔️ Deck Building
  • Pair with Metal energy cards
  • Energy acceleration trainers
  • Draw support & consistency cards

💡 Deck Building Tip: Steelix works best in Metal type decks.

🛒 Where to Buy Steelix & Explore More

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