Base Set / #42/102

Wartortle

Printed language: English · Pokémon

Set (printed edition): Base Set
Rarity (source): Uncommon
Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
Source reference: base1-42

CARDEX BACKGROUND

The Pokémon’s story

Wartortle wears a shell marked by battles, but it can no longer withdraw entirely inside when seeking protection. Its bushy tail and ears help it balance underwater. Over the years, its tail fur darkens and moss may even cover its shell. These signs have made it a symbol of longevity. The Pokédex thus follows a Pokémon whose body tells of age, experience and adaptation to swimming.

Background on the species in the video games; its forms and card versions may have appeared later.

A detail worth noticing

Pokémon Sword recognizes old Wartortle by the moss on their shells. Pokémon Omega Ruby reads their experience in the scratches those shells carry. The same protection therefore preserves traces of both lifespan and past battles.

Sources for this background

Card details

HP: 70
Type (source): Water
Stage (source): Stage1
Evolves from (printed name): Squirtle
Pokédex number: 8
Retreat cost: 1 Energy
Weakness (source): Lightning ×2

Printed card text — English

Quoted source text is retained in the card’s printed language so this exact printing can be identified. The CarDex background above is translated into English.

Description from the source

Often hides in water to stalk unweary prey. When swimming quickly, it moves its ears to maintain balance.

Attacks

Withdraw

Cost: Water · Colorless

Flip a coin. If heads, prevent all damage done to Wartortle during your opponent's next turn. (Any other effects of attacks still happen.)

Bite

Cost: Water · Colorless · Colorless

Damage: 40

Documented variants

Versions reported by the source; identification for sales still needs verification.

Normal
First Edition
normal · unlimited · standard
normal · shadowless · standard · 1st-edition
normal · shadowless · standard

View the TCGdex source ↗

Price history

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