You've probably seen the price tags. If you've spent any time scrolling through TCGPlayer or browsing the latest pulls on Reddit, you know exactly which card I’m talking about. Walking Wake 050/162 from the Temporal Forces expansion is currently one of the most polarizing and sought-after pulls in the modern Pokémon Trading Card Game. It’s a paradox Pokémon, a prehistoric fever dream of the legendary Suicune, and honestly? The art is kinda terrifying in the best way possible.
It isn’t just about the "cool factor," though. When Temporal Forces dropped in early 2024, it shifted the meta in ways players are still trying to navigate. This specific Special Illustration Rare (SIR) represents more than just a shiny piece of cardboard; it represents a massive shift in how The Pokémon Company International (TPCi) handles "Ancient" mechanics. Whether you're a collector looking for the next heavy hitter or a player trying to optimize a deck around Water-type acceleration, this card is basically unavoidable.
What’s the Big Deal With Walking Wake 050 162?
Let's be real for a second. The "Ancient" and "Future" gimmick could have been a flop. But Walking Wake 050/162 succeeded because it taps into deep-rooted nostalgia while offering something genuinely fresh. It’s an Special Illustration Rare, meaning the pull rates are notoriously low—some estimates from community data sets like TCGplayer’s Infinite suggest pull rates for specific SIRs in this set can be as low as 1 in 800 packs. That’s a lot of bulk to sort through.
The artwork by Teeziro is what really seals the deal. Instead of the majestic, flowing grace we usually associate with Suicune, Walking Wake looks like a raptor. It’s bipedal. It has these jagged, prehistoric scales. The 050/162 version features it standing in a vibrant, almost psychedelic jungle. It looks primal. It looks like something that would actually hunt you.
Collectors love it because it’s part of a trio. You’ve got Gouging Fire and Iron Leaves, but Walking Wake has consistently held a unique spot in the market because Suicune has a larger fan base than Entei or Raikou.
Breaking Down the Stats and Playability
If you're actually playing the game and not just staring at the glittery texture, the card has some serious legs. It’s a Basic Pokémon, which is huge for setup speed. With 220 HP, it can survive a hit from most non-evolved attackers.
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Its primary attack, Cathartic Roar, does 120 damage, but there’s a catch. If the opponent’s Active Pokémon is affected by a Special Condition, it does an extra 100 damage. That’s 220 total. In a format where many Basic ex cards sit at exactly 220 HP, Walking Wake 050/162 becomes a "one-shot" machine. You just need a way to poison or burn the opponent first. Brute Bonnet with the Ancient Booster Energy Capsule is the classic pairing here. You poison the opponent for free, then Walking Wake comes in for the knockout.
But wait. There’s a downside.
The retreat cost is two energy. That’s chunky. If your opponent manages to trap Walking Wake in the active spot without energy, you’re in trouble. Most competitive builds are running Jet Energy or Switch Cart just to keep this thing mobile.
The Market Reality of Temporal Forces
Buying singles is almost always smarter than chasing packs. I know, opening packs is a rush, but the math for Walking Wake 050/162 is brutal. Since the release of Temporal Forces, the price has seen the typical "new set" roller coaster. It started high, dipped as more supply hit the market, and then stabilized.
Why hasn't it crashed?
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Because Temporal Forces is a hard set to complete. The pull rates for the SIRs are statistically harder than some previous Scarlet & Violet era sets. If you want a PSA 10 candidate, you’re looking at a very specific set of criteria. The centering on this set has been... let's say "inconsistent." Many copies of 050/162 come out of the pack with a slight left-to-right shift. If you find one that is perfectly centered with no white nicks on the back corners, hold onto it.
Common Misconceptions About the 050/162 Print
I hear people confuse this card with the standard ex version all the time. There is a regular Walking Wake ex (number 038/162) which is worth a couple of bucks. Don't get them mixed up. The 050/162 is the full-art, "alt art" style.
Some folks also think this card is only good in "Ancient" themed decks. That’s not quite true. While it thrives with Ancient support, its ability to ignore effects on the opponent’s Active Pokémon (thanks to its "Azure Wave" ability) makes it a niche tech choice against "wall" decks. If an opponent is using an ability that prevents damage from ex Pokémon, Walking Wake just... doesn't care. It hits through it. That utility keeps it relevant even when the "Ancient" engine isn't the top tier of the meta.
How to Protect Your Investment
If you’ve pulled this thing, don't just toss it in a binder. The surface of these SIRs is textured—it has these fine grooves that catch the light. Those grooves are magnets for dust and oils from your skin.
- Perfect Fit Sleeves: Use these first. They seal the card from the top.
- Side-Loading Binders: They prevent the cards from sliding out the top and getting "binder dings."
- Avoid Stacking: Don't stack heavy boxes on top of your binders. It can cause the texture of one card to press into the back of another, creating "phantom" imprints.
The Verdict on Walking Wake's Future Value
Is it the next Umbreon VMAX? Probably not. The print runs for Scarlet & Violet are massive compared to the Sword & Shield era. However, Walking Wake 050/162 is the "face" of the Paradox Suicune phenomenon. Ten years from now, when people look back at this era of the TCG, the Paradox trio will be the standout feature.
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It’s a weird card. It’s a beautiful card. It’s a card that proves Pokémon isn't afraid to get a little bit strange with its legendary designs.
If you're looking to grab one, watch the market during major regional tournaments. Usually, if a deck featuring Walking Wake wins a big event, the price of the SIR spikes for 48 hours. If the deck flops, you can usually snag a copy for a discount from frustrated players "rage-selling" their cores.
To make the most of this card, focus on building a consistent engine around Professor Sada's Vitality. This supporter card is the literal lifeblood of any Walking Wake 050/162 deck, allowing you to attach two basic energy from your discard pile to two of your Ancient Pokémon while drawing three cards. Without Sada, Walking Wake is just a slow, lizard-like Suicune sitting on your bench doing nothing. Pair it with the "Ancient Booster Energy Capsule" to give it 280 HP, making it as tanky as a Stage 2 Pokémon. This setup transforms a cool-looking collectible into a genuine threat on the ladder. Check the centering under a bright LED light before buying—the texture can often hide minor surface scratches that will kill a grading score later on. Move quickly if you see a well-centered copy under the current market average, as these specific SIRs tend to disappear from secondary markets the moment a new "Ancient" support card is announced in upcoming sets.
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