Noivern V
Evolving Skies (EVS 195)

Noivern V from the Evolving Skies set stands out as a versatile Dragon-type Basic Pokémon V with 200 HP, offering unique strategic opportunities for both competitive players and collectors. Let’s dive into an in-depth review of this card, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, market value, and how it can fit into your next deck build.

1. Quick Overview of Noivern V (Evolving Skies #195)

Noivern V is a Rare Ultra card featuring two distinct attacks: Boomburst and Synchro Loud. With a solid 200 HP, it sits comfortably among other Pokémon V, offering resilience while maintaining offensive potential. As a Dragon-type, it doesn’t require specific basic energy types for its attacks but instead calls for Psychic and Darkness energies, making it flexible for certain multi-type decks. Its status as a Rare Ultra card from a highly sought-after set further elevates its desirability among collectors and competitive players alike.

2. Deep Dive: Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Board Control with Boomburst: Boomburst is a single Psychic energy attack that deals 20 damage to every opposing Pokémon, including those on the Bench. This spread damage is invaluable against decks reliant on evolving or supporting Benched Pokémon. Over several turns, Boomburst can soften up your opponent’s board, setting up future knockouts or disrupting their strategy by pressuring low-HP targets.
• High Damage Potential: Synchro Loud, for just one Psychic and one Darkness energy, deals 60 base damage but jumps to a massive 180 if you match your hand size to your opponent’s. This creates a high-reward scenario, allowing Noivern V to threaten even the bulkiest Pokémon V or VMAX when timed right.
• Flexible Energy Requirements: The combination of Psychic and Darkness energy opens up synergy with several deck archetypes, especially those that already run these energy types. This makes Noivern V easier to slot into multi-type decks compared to some other Dragon-types that require more energy colors.
• Solid HP for Staying Power: With 200 HP, Noivern V isn’t easy to take down in one hit, giving you time to leverage its disruptive abilities and potentially force your opponent to overcommit resources.
• Collector Appeal: As an Ultra Rare from Evolving Skies, Noivern V features striking artwork and holds strong value for collectors, especially those seeking to complete Dragon-type or full-art collections.

Weaknesses

• No Built-in Ability: Unlike some competitive Pokémon V, Noivern V lacks a passive ability, which means it relies solely on its attacks for impact.
• Conditional High Damage: Synchro Loud’s bonus damage depends on matching your hand size to your opponent’s, which can be tricky without reliable hand management tools. This conditionality can sometimes leave you short of the knockout you need.
• Energy Cost Complexity: While flexible, requiring both Psychic and Darkness energy can slow down setup in single-type decks, especially if you don’t have efficient energy acceleration or search options.
• Spread Damage Limitations: Boomburst’s 20-damage spread is useful but may not be enough against decks with high-HP basics or evolved Pokémon, especially if your opponent can heal or replace damaged Pokémon quickly.

3. When to Use Noivern V: Ideal Scenarios

Noivern V shines in matches where your opponent relies on multiple Benched Pokémon for setup—think decks that depend on evolving lines or support Pokémon. Boomburst steadily chips away at their entire board, making it hard for them to safely develop their game plan. In the mid-to-late game, once you’ve softened up targets, Synchro Loud can deliver devastating blows, especially if you can manipulate your hand size effectively.

However, in situations where your opponent uses primarily high-HP Pokémon or has reliable healing, Boomburst’s spread damage becomes less impactful. Against decks that can control your hand size or disrupt your setup, Synchro Loud’s conditional bonus may also be harder to achieve. Thus, Noivern V is most effective against decks that go wide and lack hand disruption tools.

4. Downsides to Consider

While Noivern V offers versatility, it’s not without drawbacks. Decks that can quickly heal or cycle Benched Pokémon may neutralize your spread strategy. Additionally, if you can’t consistently manage your hand size, Synchro Loud may underperform at critical moments. Finally, fitting both Psychic and Darkness energy into your deck requires careful planning and may limit your options if you prefer mono-type consistency.

5. Why Add Noivern V to Your Deck?

If you’re looking for a card that can pressure your opponent from multiple angles, Noivern V is a compelling choice. Its ability to spread damage across the board makes it a great tech option against setup-heavy strategies, while its potential for explosive single-target damage with Synchro Loud can turn the tide in close games. For players who enjoy dynamic gameplay and want to keep their opponent guessing, Noivern V brings unpredictability and power.

From a collector’s perspective, Noivern V’s rarity, artwork, and place in the popular Evolving Skies set make it a must-have for fans of Dragon-types and those aiming to complete their collection. The card’s demand remains steady, ensuring it retains value over time, especially in mint condition or as part of a master set.

6. Quality/Price Analysis: Is It Worth It?

Noivern V offers excellent value for its role. While it may not be the centerpiece of every top-tier deck, its utility as a spread attacker and situational heavy hitter gives it a niche that few other cards can fill. Its price reflects both its playability and collector appeal, making it a sound investment for players and collectors alike. As metagames shift, cards like Noivern V often see renewed interest, especially when new support arrives for Dragon, Psychic, or Darkness archetypes.

7. Strategic Tips: When and How to Play Noivern V

Timing is crucial when deploying Noivern V. Here are some tips to maximize its potential:

• Early Game Pressure: Lead with Boomburst to start accumulating damage across your opponent’s board early, especially if you suspect they’ll be benching multiple Pokémon for setup.
• Hand Management: Plan ahead for Synchro Loud. Use draw and discard effects to match your opponent’s hand size precisely when you need a big knockout. Keeping track of both hands throughout the game will help you set up the perfect moment for a 180-damage swing.
• Energy Planning: Make sure your deck includes ways to accelerate or search for both Psychic and Darkness energy efficiently. This ensures Noivern V is ready to attack as soon as possible.
• Bench Targeting: Coordinate Boomburst with other spread attackers or finishers to secure multiple Prize cards in a single turn, especially against decks that rely on low-HP support Pokémon.
• Adapt to Opponents: Against control or disruption decks, focus on maximizing Boomburst’s value before your opponent can lock you out of your strategy. Against aggressive decks, use Synchro Loud to trade up against their main threats.

8. Deck Synergy: Fitting Noivern V into Your Build

Noivern V pairs well with decks that utilize both Psychic and Darkness energies or have flexible energy acceleration. Its spread damage complements decks that aim to wear down multiple targets before finishing them off. Additionally, strategies that focus on hand-size manipulation synergize exceptionally well with Synchro Loud, allowing for consistent high-damage output. If your deck can reliably adjust hand sizes and accelerate multi-type energies, Noivern V can become a real threat on the board.

Including support Pokémon that facilitate energy attachment or hand management further enhances Noivern V’s effectiveness. Consider building around cards and trainers that allow for quick energy setup and precise hand adjustments. This way, you’ll always be ready to capitalize on both of Noivern V’s unique attacks.

9. Collectibility and Long-Term Value

Beyond gameplay, Noivern V’s status as an Ultra Rare from a beloved expansion gives it enduring appeal. Its distinctive art and association with a fan-favorite Dragon-type ensure that it remains a prized piece for collectors. As Evolving Skies continues to be a staple among modern sets, Noivern V’s desirability is likely to remain high, especially in pristine condition or graded form.

10. Final Thoughts: Should You Play or Collect Noivern V?

Noivern V is a card that rewards creativity and tactical thinking. Whether you’re aiming to outmaneuver your opponent with spread damage, land a perfectly-timed knockout, or simply add a stunning card to your binder, Noivern V delivers on all fronts. Its blend of offensive versatility, collector value, and strategic depth makes it a standout choice for anyone invested in the Pokémon TCG.

If you’re seeking to elevate your deck or collection, Noivern V is absolutely worth considering. Its unique toolkit opens doors for innovative plays and memorable victories, while its visual appeal and rarity guarantee lasting satisfaction for any collector. Don’t miss your chance to experience the power and allure of this remarkable Dragon-type Pokémon V!