Octillery
Battle Styles (BST 037)

Octillery (Battle Styles 37/163) is a Stage 1 Water-type Pokémon card from the Battle Styles set, featuring 110 HP, the Rapid Strike Search ability, and the Waterfall attack. As a Rare Holo, it holds a special place in both competitive decks and collector binders. This review explores Octillery’s strengths, weaknesses, strategic value, and its role in the evolving Pokémon TCG metagame.

1. Overview: Octillery at a Glance

Octillery stands out as a pivotal card for any deck focused on the Rapid Strike mechanic. Its Rapid Strike Search ability lets you fetch any Rapid Strike card from your deck once per turn, providing unparalleled consistency. Coupled with a moderate 110 HP and the Waterfall attack, Octillery is designed more for support than direct offense. Its Retreat Cost is two Colorless, and its only listed Weakness is to Lightning-type attacks, making it reasonably resilient against most threats.

2. In-Depth Analysis of Octillery

Ability: Rapid Strike Search

This ability is the heart of Octillery’s utility. Once per turn, you can search your deck for any Rapid Strike card and add it to your hand. This includes Pokémon, Trainer cards, or Energy that have the Rapid Strike tag. The flexibility here cannot be overstated—having instant access to vital combo pieces or recovery options each turn gives Rapid Strike decks a significant edge over less consistent archetypes.

Attack: Waterfall

Waterfall costs one Water and two Colorless Energy, dealing 50 damage. While not game-breaking, this attack is respectable for a support Pokémon. It can finish off weakened opponents or chip away at threats while Octillery remains in play. However, its main role is not as a primary attacker but as a reliable bench-sitter fueling your strategy.

HP, Weakness, and Retreat Cost

With 110 HP, Octillery is slightly above average for a Stage 1 support Pokémon. It can survive minor hits but will fall quickly to main attackers. The Lightning Weakness is notable, especially with the prevalence of Lightning-type attackers in many formats. A retreat cost of two Colorless means you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to switch Octillery out of the active spot without losing momentum.

3. Pros and Cons

Pros

• Incredible consistency boost for Rapid Strike decks through its ability.
• Flexible search—fetches any Rapid Strike card, not just Pokémon.
• Respectable HP for a Stage 1 support Pokémon.
• Rare Holo status adds collector appeal.

Cons

• Low offensive output—Waterfall’s 50 damage is underwhelming for its cost.
• Vulnerable to Lightning-types, which are common in many metas.
• Retreat cost can be awkward if targeted in the active spot.
• Only one ability use per turn, limiting potential if multiple Octillery are in play.

4. When Octillery Shines—and When It Struggles

Advantageous Scenarios

Octillery is at its best in decks built around the Rapid Strike mechanic. If your core strategy relies on chaining Rapid Strike cards, whether for setting up attackers or executing combos, Octillery ensures you always have the right piece at the right time. It’s especially powerful in grindy matches where resource management is key, letting you outlast opponents by consistently finding answers.

Disadvantageous Situations

Octillery struggles in matchups dominated by fast, high-damage Lightning attackers. With only 110 HP and a double weakness, it can be an easy prize for aggressive opponents. Additionally, decks that don’t utilize Rapid Strike cards will find little value in running Octillery, as its ability becomes useless outside its intended archetype.

5. Why Add Octillery to Your Deck?

If you’re building a Rapid Strike deck, Octillery is almost indispensable. The ability to fetch any Rapid Strike card every turn dramatically increases your deck’s reliability. It acts as a glue that holds your strategy together, ensuring you never miss a crucial piece. For players who value consistency and adaptability, Octillery is a must-have support Pokémon.

6. Value for Collectors and Players

From a collector’s standpoint, Octillery’s Rare Holo status in Battle Styles makes it a sought-after addition, especially for those completing the set or focusing on Rapid Strike-themed collections. Its demand remains steady due to its enduring playability. In terms of quality-to-price ratio, Octillery offers excellent value: it’s accessible for players yet holds enough competitive relevance to stay desirable, making it a smart investment for both play and collection.

7. Strategic Tips: How and When to Play Octillery

Early Game: Focus on evolving Remoraid into Octillery as soon as possible. Getting Rapid Strike Search online early allows you to set up your board quickly and respond to your opponent’s plays with precision.

Mid Game: Use Octillery’s ability to maintain pressure—fetching key attackers, energy, or trainers as needed. Don’t be afraid to bench multiple Remoraid, but remember that only one Rapid Strike Search can be used per turn.

Late Game: Octillery shines as a resource engine, helping you recover or close out games by finding finishing moves. If you anticipate Octillery being targeted, consider holding back additional copies or using switching options to protect it.

8. Adapting to Opponents and Game State

Against aggressive decks, prioritize keeping Octillery safe on the bench and avoid exposing it to Lightning-type attackers. In slower matchups, leverage its ability to out-resource your opponent, ensuring you always have the right answers. Adapt your search targets based on the flow of the game—sometimes fetching a utility trainer is more valuable than another attacker.

9. Synergy with Deck Strategies

Octillery fits seamlessly into any Rapid Strike-focused deck. Its ability synergizes with strategies that require frequent access to specific Rapid Strike Pokémon or Trainers. Whether you’re aiming for rapid setup, control elements, or aggressive swings, Octillery enhances your deck’s flexibility and resilience. It pairs well with other abilities that allow draw or discard manipulation, further increasing your tactical options each turn.

10. Final Thoughts: Is Octillery Worth It?

Octillery (Battle Styles 37/163) continues to prove itself as a cornerstone for Rapid Strike decks. Its unique ability provides unmatched consistency, making it a staple for competitive players and a highlight for collectors. While it has clear vulnerabilities—especially to Lightning types and direct targeting—the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks in the right deck. If you’re looking to elevate your gameplay or complete your collection, Octillery is a wise and rewarding choice.