Description

Palafin 022/084 – Pitch Black ME05 – Base Rare – Near Mint

Palafin 022/084 is a Water‑type Base Rare card from the 2026 Pokémon Mega Evolutions Pitch Black ME05 expansion. This non‑foil version features Palafin in its heroic stance with neon‑blue corrupted‑energy shading and the signature ME05 distortion aesthetic. As an early‑set Water‑type rare, Palafin adds strong thematic contrast to the Pitch Black binder layout with crisp outlines, saturated color, and clean print clarity.

In tournament play, Palafin acts as a mid‑game tempo attacker for Water decks. Its attacks typically apply reliable chip damage, force repositioning, or support transitions into heavier Water‑type threats. Palafin’s retreat cost and attack sequencing make it a dependable evolution target for Finizen lines, offering stability and pressure without requiring heavy resource investment. Its role is to maintain board presence and enable late‑game Water strategies.

The artwork, illustrated by ME05 staff artist H. Kurobane, emphasizes neon‑blue aura distortion, heroic motion effects, and warped environmental reflections. The ocean‑fracture backdrop is tinted with blue‑violet energy lines, reinforcing the corrupted‑energy narrative central to Pitch Black. Kurobane’s style enhances Palafin’s heroic identity and aligns perfectly with the expansion’s dark, distorted visual direction.

Attributes Table

FAQ

What set is this card from? This card is from the 2026 Mega Evolutions Pitch Black ME05 expansion, a set known for its neon‑corrupted aesthetic and distortion‑based artwork. ME05 cards are popular because they maintain consistent print quality and a unified visual identity. Palafin fits directly into the ME05 base checklist, making it essential for full binder completion and theme accuracy.

Is this card required for full set completion? Yes, Palafin 022/084 is required for completing the ME05 base set. Each numbered slot contributes to the visual flow of the Pitch Black binder layout, and missing rares disrupt the overall presentation. Collectors who aim for full ME05 completion include every card to preserve the integrity and value of the complete expansion.

What condition is the card in? This card is graded Near Mint, meaning the surface is clean, edges are sharp, and there are no major dents, scratches, or whitening. Near Mint cards are ideal for binder display because they maintain strong visual clarity and long‑term value. Collectors prefer NM cards for set completion to ensure uniform, high‑quality binder pages.

Is this card authentic? Yes, Palafin 022/084 matches the official ME05 print run, numbering, artwork style, and layout. Authentic ME05 cards follow strict formatting rules, including border thickness, color saturation, and rarity markers. Collectors verify authenticity to ensure the card fits correctly into the Pitch Black binder sequence and maintains long‑term collection value.

Why do collectors like this card? Collectors appreciate Palafin for its neon‑blue corrupted‑energy shading and heroic pose, which stand out within the Pitch Black ME05 aesthetic. The artwork emphasizes motion distortion and glowing highlights, giving the card a dynamic visual identity. This makes Palafin desirable for Water‑type binder themes and full ME05 set builds.

How does the base version compare to any holo version? The base version displays the raw shading, neon accents, and corrupted‑energy effects without reflective interference. Many collectors prefer base cards because the artwork appears sharper and more consistent under normal lighting. Base cards also complete the ME05 binder layout, which requires both holo and non‑holo variants for full visual accuracy.

Is this card good for themed binder pages? Yes, Palafin fits perfectly into Water‑type, heroic‑theme, corrupted‑energy, and ME05‑themed binder pages. Collectors often group cards by type or aesthetic, and ME05 cards share a unified neon‑distortion style. This makes Palafin ideal for visually cohesive binder layouts and thematic collection displays.

What other cards pair well with it? Palafin pairs well with other ME05 Water‑type and corrupted‑energy cards such as Finizen, Quaquaval, Lumineon, and Dragalge. These cards share similar neon shading and distortion effects, creating a unified visual theme. Collectors often display them together to enhance binder cohesion and aesthetic consistency.

Why do collectors complete base sets? Collectors complete base sets to create uniform binder pages, increase collection value, and preserve the full narrative of the ME05 expansion. A complete base set ensures every numbered slot is filled, preventing gaps and maintaining the visual flow of the Pitch Black binder layout. Full sets are more desirable for long‑term collection building and resale value.