Ever looked at a Pokemon card and thought the name was just too perfect for a meme? You're definitely not alone.
If you have spent any time in the modern TCG community, you've likely seen people talking about the Salamence Call for Goons card. It sounds like something pulled straight from a weird internet subculture, but it’s a real piece of Pokemon history. No, it isn't a fake or a custom card printed by a prankster.
It's actually an official XY Promo that has become a bit of a cult classic for collectors who love the weirder side of the hobby.
What is Call for Goons Anyway?
Let's get the technical stuff out of the way first. Salamence XY59 is a Stage 2 Dragon-type card. It has 150 HP and a very unique Ancient Trait called $\Delta$ Evolution, which basically lets you evolve it the same turn you play its previous stage.
But nobody really cares about the evolution speed. They care about the first attack.
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For a single Colorless energy, Salamence can use Call for Goons. The effect is simple: you search your deck for up to 3 Basic Pokemon and put them onto your Bench. Honestly, it’s a great setup move. But in the years since this card was released, the word "goon" has taken on a... let's say, different meaning online.
Back when this card dropped as a promo in 2015, the term just meant henchmen or lackeys. You were literally "calling for your goons" (your Basic Pokemon) to help you win the fight.
Is it Rare?
You'd think a card this funny would be worth a fortune. Surprisingly, it’s relatively affordable, though prices fluctuate. Since it was an XY Black Star Promo, it was distributed in specific boxes rather than being a random pull from a pack.
- Rarity: Promo (XY59)
- Holo Pattern: Full Art Holofoil
- Release Year: 2015
- Current Status: Highly memeable
Why This Card Keeps Popping Up
The Pokemon Trading Card Game has a long history of "Call for..." attacks. We've seen Call for Family, Call for Friends, and even Call for Backup. But "Call for Goons" hits differently.
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It’s the specific combination of a high-tier, intimidating dragon like Salamence and the slang "goons" that makes it feel out of place. Most people expect Salamence to be using Dragon Pulse or Steam Blast, not acting like a mob boss summoning his cronies.
Interestingly, Salamence isn't the only one with this move. A Thievul from the Shining Fates set (48/72) also has the Call for Goons attack. Since Thievul is literally a fox that looks like a masked bandit, the name actually makes a lot of sense for its character design. But let's be real: seeing a giant blue dragon "calling for goons" is just funnier.
How to Spot a Fake Salamence Card
Because this card is a favorite for memes, you’ll sometimes see "custom" versions of it online with edited text or higher damage numbers. If you're looking to buy the actual Salamence Call for Goons for your collection, keep an eye on these details:
- The Font: Fake cards often use a slightly thinner or "off" font. The "HP" on a real card is very specific.
- The Holo: The real XY59 is a full-art card. The holographic sheen should be diagonal and crisp, not a vertical "rainbow" look that many cheap fakes have.
- The Trait: Look at the top of the card. It should have the $\Delta$ Evolution bar in a teal/blue color.
Playing With Goons
If you actually want to play this card in a retro Expanded format, it’s a decent starter. Getting three Basics on the bench for one energy is high value. Most "Call for Family" attacks only get you two. Salamence brings the whole squad.
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The downside? It's a Stage 2. Usually, by the time you've evolved all the way up to a Salamence, you already have your bench set up. It’s a bit of a paradox. You need the goons early, but the card that calls them arrives late.
Still, the sheer psychological warfare of announcing "I'm using Call for Goons" to your opponent is worth the deck space.
Finding the Card Today
If you’re hunting for this, don't look in booster packs. You’re looking for the Salamence-EX Power Hoopa-EX Collection or similar promo products from that era. Alternatively, TCGPlayer and eBay are your best bets. Just search for "Salamence XY59."
Most copies you’ll find are in the $10 to $25 range depending on the condition. It’s a small price to pay for one of the most accidentally hilarious cards in the game's history.
To start your "goon" collection, look for the Thievul from Shining Fates as a companion piece. You can also look into other strangely named attacks like "EEEEEK" on Cleffa or "Walk Off Homer" on Slowbro. These cards make for a great "weird moves" binder that always starts a conversation at local card shops. Check the back of your old binders—you might already have a squad of goons waiting for the call.