Blastoise

Why collectors notice it

It is often collected alongside Venusaur and Charizard as a trio. Collectors who chase a full starter set tend to treat it as one-third of a larger goal.

It is the reference point for the whole hobby. Nearly every later set is compared with it. Read more about Base Set.

A closer look

Reading this card

The stage label says Stage 2, and the evolution line names Wartortle as the card it goes on top of. The type symbol tells you this is a Water Pokémon. That matters on the table, because Energy and Weakness both work by type.

Look at the bottom strip for the Weakness. Here it is Lightning, meaning a Lightning Pokémon deals extra damage to this card. Our data lists no Resistance for it, so that spot is empty. A missing Resistance is normal. Many cards simply do not have one.

The rarity marker shows a Holo Rare, so the artwork area has the patterned shine of Base Set. The Pokémon Power sits in its own labeled block. Reading that block before the attacks is a good habit, since it describes what the card does without attacking.

How it compares

The easiest comparison is Venusaur. They share a stage, a rarity and a set, so every difference is easy to spot: Water against Grass, Lightning Weakness against Fire Weakness, and a different job for each Pokémon Power. Venusaur's Power moves Grass Energy around, which shows how the trio was built with different supporting roles.

For a card from a different corner of the set, look at Pikachu. Pikachu is a Basic, Lightning-type Common, while Blastoise is a Stage 2 Holo Rare. Both are in Base Set, yet they sit at opposite ends of the evolution ladder.

Questions readers ask

Why is it called a "starter-line finale"?

In the first video games, players chose Squirtle, Bulbasaur or Charmander. Blastoise is where the Squirtle line ends. The card game copies that three-step growth with Basic, Stage 1 and Stage 2 cards.

Can I use a Base Set card with a modern one?

Our data does not cover tournament rules, so check the official rulebook for what is allowed. This site does not give prices.

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